VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Amy Markman had no intentions of opening a business. She was simply delivering soup to her friends. Things changed, she said, when she started posting online and people started calling.
"They were like, 'Oh my gosh, can we buy it? How do we buy it?' And I was like, 'Well, I don't sell it.' And really, that's how Soup Love was born."
Now, Soup Love is led by women out of a small kitchen in Virginia Beach.
"We all in this kitchen really take pride and do it because of the love," Markman said.
They create and serve 20 different varieties. Soups like Matzoh Ball, Tuscan Bean, Harvest Vegetable, Chicken Noodle, Roasted Tomato, Red Lentil, and more. They also create soups that are potent with ingredients to help your body, like The Healer, which is packed with garlic and ginger.
A base for many of their soups is their signature Roasted Chicken Bone Broth. This is a broth simmered for 24 hours with all the vegetables and herbs. It is delicious on its own, and if you are sick, this is something that's easy on your stomach but still has flavor. This broth is one that Markman chooses to give away for free to locals going through chemotherapy.
"I would like to think that I can contribute something positive to our city and the people of our city," she said.
Markman and the Soup Love team do so much for the community. They give away soups to charities and local first responders, making sure they put their community first is important.
They are also now putting your pets first, too, with a pet bone broth. This broth is made with all the good things for your pet's digestive system and none of the bad! So both you and your pet can feel the love.
Whatever soup you decide to get, you'll most likely fall in love with it.
"It speaks for itself. It is the love that we put into our soup, for you and for everyone," said Markman.
Markman said the reason she continues to cook, give back, and serve Hampton Roads is because she thinks you get what you give back to the world.
You can find Soup Love at local farmers' markets. They are also at Malbon Brothers BBQ in Virginia Beach, Westside Produce and Provisions in Norfolk, and Gull Hummock in Cape Charles.
However, what is the best way to grab your soup? Their grab-and-go location is at 208 27th Street, Unit 101, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.
You can also order delivery! You can text (757) 708-2357 to order delivery or go to their website to order and gather more information about Soup Love.