Souplantation

My family and I have frequented this restaurant for many years. I typically do not like posting negative reviews. I have been disappointed with the availability and freshness of many of their items lately. However, the experience that I had on June 2, 2016 at approximately 5:15 pm was beyond the pale.
I left my table to refresh my drink. I came back to my table half-​cleared and people beginning to sit down. I was in the uncomfortable position of explaining I wasn’t finished yet. I showed them the «Be Ripe Back» sign that I had left on the table. I attempted to get the attention of a manager (female, Hispanic, mid to late 20s, long brown hair in a bun, dressed in all black and wearing a headset.) Unfortunately, she was engaged in looking at a cell phone with a customer. I flagged down a busboy. It took me four attempts to get his attention. The first time I called to him, he looked me in the eye, turned, and kept walking. He then comes over and starts giving me excuses why my table was cleared. I asked for a manager. While waiting, a customer sitting next to me, (white male, 35 – 48, tan, tall, skinny, with unkempt, wavy, sun-​bleached, blond, medium-​length hair that he wore under a ball cap) began getting in my face, yelling at me, and getting verbally abusive and combative with me. Basically, he was trying to bully me into shutting up and that if I didn’t he was threatening to make it his business. He was leaning in a few inches from my face, yelling at me at the top of his lungs, and using an abrasive and confrontational tone and language.
He was sitting with his family; his wife, (female, Asian, 28 – 38, long, straight, black hair,) and their two small children (ages 3 and 5 –ish,) Prior to this man’s verbal assaults directed at me, he had been discussing with his family what food that they were going to take home with them. They were not shy about discussing it at length or packing every extra pocket, backpack and purse with food, either.
While I waited for two different managers, (the one with the headset came over, I told her what had happened and she had to get a second manager because she didn’t know what to do), this man continued his verbal barrage of insults and challenges directed at me, interrupting my conversations with both managers about how I’m lying and how I am looking to get free food, among other accusations. The second manager was an African– American male, short, curly hair, early to mid-​twenties, well-​groomed. I didn’t get his name because he did not tell me what it was when he introduced himself. Nor was he or his staff wearing any name tags or other form of identification. While I was repeating my experience for the third time, this man kept interrupting me with verbal attacks until I looked at the manager, pointed at the guy, and said «See what I mean?» The manger tells him to wait his turn, but the guy goes over to the people who thought my table was being bussed earlier, and starts talking them, trying to get them involved. The customers at the table next to these people get up and leave quickly, keeping their eyes on the ranting man the whole time.
When the manager had heard my story, he went to go get the angry man’s side… in an issue that wasn’t the guy’s business in the first place.
Folks, this is how bullies are allowed to win.
When an irrational, combative person gets treated like they are acting like a rational human being, and that their behavior is OK, even after you’ve witnessed that behavior yourself, then that person thinks that he can continue to start fights and belittle people in public. You have just validated that person’s behavior by treating it as acceptable and taught them it’s OK to behave that way.
While the managers were busy molly-​coddling the guy I got out of there. At this point, I did not think I was safe in the restaurant, since the man was so aggressive and relentless in his verbal attacks on me.
That management didn’t care, even when it happened in front of them, tells me that customer service and safety is not a top priority at Souplantation and that the louder and more obnoxious and mean you are, the better you get treated here. The fact that this angry man and his entire family were very obvious about stealing large amounts of food right under his and his staff’s nose and no one was aware of it also lets me know that loss prevention is not a priority at Souplantation.
Having worked in retail loss prevention for many years, I know that theft is the number one reason why prices get increased. The next time you are spending eleven dollars for soup and salad, you’ll know why; it’s because people like the above customer are allowed to take control of the restaurant, steal, and bully people, and management seems to be pretty OK with that.
When bullies are allowed to be in charge of a situation the rational, moral, and good people all lose.
I will not be «ripe» back. Ever.

Good location right near Orange Coast College. Came in for lunch on a quiet Tuesday. There’s great selections of salads including Thai Cole Slaw and my regular favorite of Asian Wontan. I even noticed some new salad dressing options for this Asian April month. Got a little distracted by the banging of the tubs from the lady refilling the salad bar. Maybe she was having a bad day. The cashier was nice and helped me in signing up for future coupons.
The soup spoons wasn’t easily accessible near the soups like the bowls are, you’d have to go back to the salad bar for the spoons. Didn’t see any variety of peppers like the other souplantations either.
I’ll be returning soon because it’s just outside of my school and you can never really have enough of soup and salad. Try the fresh strawberry lemonade, it’s the best!

Tried out for a quick lunch before leaving town. The salad portion of the bar is fairly good-​lots of fresh choices, and you feel like you have a healthy meal. The hot bar side is somewhat meh. My mom chose the chicken noodle soup, and she got a bowl of mostly broth, a few under cooked noodles and no chicken. I chose the chili, and it was very average. Seems like they could class up their act on the soup side.

I love souplantation! the food is really good, fresh and healthy. Service is excellent, server Jose Rodriguez was so nice and helpful.
We’ll continue going here!

I love their food and always feel like I’m doing something good for myself when I go there.

Great visit yesterday! Souplantation is always a great option when the flu season is among us…
Their salad bar is pretty big but the rest of their buffet area is pretty small, around the span of one wall. Seating area is ample and spacious which is nice for big parties. There is also outdoor seating is you prefer some fresh air with your meal. Most people know of their buffet options already so I’m just going to rave about a couple of my favorites…
— Chunky Noodle Chicken Soup: This will NEVER get old. When I come, I eat 90% chicken soup, 10% other foods. It’s THAT good. The chunky noodle is, indeed, very chunky and has a nice doughy texture that sets it apart from other noodle soups. The chicken isn’t the best as it’s normally quite dry, but that’s okay. Might be a preference thing because on one occasion, I saw a man standing over the soup with heaping bowls of JUST chicken. But no judgement, you do you, dude.
–Their bread/​muffins: At Souplantation, you will find some of the softest, most fluffiest breads and muffins. The crust gives the perfect crunch while the insides are moist.
Service is OK, nothing that went above and beyond. I don’t come to Souplantation often, but when I do, it’s normally a nice and relaxing experience.

I always come to souplantation because it is so good! I came the other night and the lady at the registers Jen I think was so rude. Anyways after coming back for lunch today I’m kind of over it. 45−1hr wait for pizza is ridiculous.

Feeling the hunger for some roughage. Greens, beans, iron rich veggies, etc. I head over to the plantation. Its simple enough as a buffet for just soup, salad and possibly the little splurge of some carbs. This place works for you if you need that veggie fix. Lets dish.
I will agree, it is a healthier alternative to the «other» buffets that consist of fried, gravy-​coated, meaty items, but this is to be totally expected since there is NO meat, beef or ribs on the menu (although some items like tuna is in pasta salad, or you can purchase lean chicken strips for a Caesar salad) nonetheless, its good stuff, if you know what to be eating. Where else can you go and design your own mish mash salad? Its great to choose dressings, toppings and more!
Staff is average, salad bars are large supply and fairly clean. The soup station has great seasonal soups, original chicken noodle w/​chicken, clam chowder and on some days there is chili available. This location is very spacious inside and roomy enough for parties of 4 or more. I love to pile on as many greens of spinach, lettuce and garbanzo beans, then go for soup and some gluten free mac and cheese. Its not glorious where its decadent in taste, but its salad and soup, where the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are what the body is craving. A+ for healthy eats! :-) Just try not to over do it! LOL
Perks: Hot Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes to choose from near the pasta station. Also an assortment of breads like foccacia, cheese bread or corn bread. Baked goods for the sweet tooth like brownies and blueberry muffins. FroYo dessert station, and an outdoor covered patio dining area.
Downside: Weekends can be crowded, kiddos can be running around tables, so watch out with trays of food.
Awesome TIP: If you are a lemonade fan, the Strawberry lemonade is delish!
OverALL: Good times. Its definitely the spot for changing it up on healthier food fare. Worth the try in CM!

IMO, this is one of the better locations. Other than a bit more selection and newer atmosphere, it is exactly what you expect when you think of souplantation.
Not much else to say, it’s a good deal, especially if you have the luch/​dinner special email for the cashier to scan. $ 9 or less for all you can eat…

The seating here is a bit funky, the seating areas does not follow. The tables are not very well bussed and hard to find a clean table at times. The food is good any other chain, but after getting your food the line is slow to get your food. Part of the problem you have girl that must be new and slow ringing people up with limited english… Slow, unless you speak Spanish.
This is not my favorite souplantation. They need to follow the Fountain Valley location for an example of what good looks like.

Worst Souplantation I’ve ever been to. Right from the start, plates and trays were wet and dirty. Food stuck on them. Disgusting! Called the manager over, she was ho hum about the dirty plates, as if it was a regular occurrence. We spent a few minutes wiping down the cleanest plates we could find.
Much of the salad entries were not kept clean and filled. The Mexican lady working the salad items did not speak a word of English! That merits a 1 star right there.
The food was mediocre at best, but most was kinda gross. Typical cafeteria. Tables were not kept clean. Bathrooms, gross. Trashcans, overfilled. Really really bad!
I am surprised anyone would give this place high marks.
In one word: Disgusting

Been here for the second time with my friends and is always filled with amazing vegetables. Walking in, the lines are usually short in non-​busy hours. For less than $ 11, I get a ton of food I can eat. There are vegetables, soups, and desserts
Yay~ ice cream!
This is one of the most peaceful places to eat at.
Would visit again~
I the vegetables here are the best~

The Soup …
Don’t know what it is about The Soup, but every time I pull up, I want to leave … but then I end up going anyways.
There really isn’t anything terrible to say about this place — just the fact that I always tend to get a natural «cleanse» every time after I’m done wolfing here … and we’re talkin’ immediately right after. TMI? Sorry.
The salad bar is always stocked with fresh veggies and it is typically always clean. I always tell myself that I am going light on the salad but end up loading a mountain of salad on my plate. Tip: always grab 2 plates for the salad bar to makes things easier.
The soups are always hot/​warm and you would hope so since they named their franchise after these soups. My fave is the cream of broccoli, but they NEVER have it whenever I’m there. The clam chowder and the chili are also faves as well. Note: there are pieces of ground beef in the chili.
Breads were fresh and you always have to end with a soft serve cone — no way around it really.
Hint: Sign up for their monthly email (Veg Club) and receive coupons towards your next visit.

Good food But the place is not clean, it was no toilet paper in the bathroom, and the trash can was full. Service was ok.

One of the nicest Souplantation’s I been to! They got all the typical soups and plants at every other Souplantation, but this location has a much larger seating area, as well as outdoor seating. Service was great here, and they were walking around giving out some cookies too. The veggies are fresh, breads/​muffins are freshly-​baked, and the soft-​serve ice cream never lets me down.

Four stars for the food. Giving a 2 because of the «ickiness» of the patio (as my daughter called it).
I really like the variety of salads and fresh offerings at Souplantation. I like that I can choose my portion. I love their 0 calorie acai green tea. I love their brownies and soft serve. I appreciate getting coupons via e mail to save $.
But…we dined there tonight and chose to sit in the enclosed patio. Disgusting! I really hope their kitchen and behind-​the-​scenes areas are cleaner. There were very old large spiderwebs in the bottom corners of the windows very close to the tabletops. These had a nice supply of dead bugs and dead spiders caught in them. They were dusty and definitely not spun recently by the looks of their decaying inhabitants. These webs were inside and outside the windows. Do the manager and employees not notice? I realize that due to water conservation a good power wash might not be feasible, but please, at least wipe the windows or use a broom.

I’ve been here twice now. It is your typical souplantaion. They get pretty busy around 430/​5pm on the weekdays, but nothing unbearable.
The quality of the food is good and they turn over the items often which i like in a buffet style place! I was there last night and one cool thing was they were bringing around fresh baked cookies for people. Sad tho because we didn’t get one, we had just started eating our salad when they were bringing them around and when we were done they had stopped. BUMMER. Next time hopefully.

Souplantation in Cost Mesa this is one of the bigger soup plantations I have been too. They have a big area to sit inside and a big outdoor patio to sit and enjoy your meal. I recently wen to this location withy boyfriend and we say outside because it was a nice beautiful warm day outside and it was great. The only thing that might annoy some people is noise the cars make outside but that’s something that comes when you eat outside .
The food is great they have many different kinds of soups, pizza, muffins, Icecream and a salad bar where you can make yourself any kind of salad you like (my fav). This location seems to always have different kinda of soups than other locations and the staff is so nice and helpful.

I love me some Souplantation.
I’ve been to this location 2 – 3 times with one of my Besties since she lives closer to this location compared to the one in Fountain Valley, which is closer to me.
I don’t know where Souplantation has been all my life. I’ve just started fequenting Souplation since late 2014 and now I can’t get enough of it. It also helps that Souplantation ALWAYS has coupons, for individuals or familys. I usually either get them in the paper, but if I don’t find them in there the coupons are always availabe online to print! I’m down for saving a couple extra bucks.
I usually don’t eat anything except their salads here. Their salads are so delicious and they’re always plenty of them there, the staff does a good job keeping the food readily avaialable. One of my favorite dishs at Souplantation is their Mac and Cheese. SO GOOD. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how delicious their mac and cheese was. I’m usually very wary of eating mac and cheese because I’ve worked at restaurants before, and I’ve had my fill of mac and cheese, but Souplantation definitely does it right.
I’ll see you soon Souplantation.

$ 11.95 for dinner. The salads are fresh, I like all the options… I only wish there was protein in at least a few items. I’ve only seen it in the chicken noodle & maybe 1 of the limited time salad choices.
A random tip: I always google their latest coupon online beforehand since they’ll accept them via smartphone. (The coupon can either be Sweet Tomatoes or Soup Plantation. Its the same company but different name depending on what city you are in.) The most recent coupon is for 20% off with a beverage purchase. It basically evens out to paying 10 cents for a drink. I’ve also seen a 10−15% off total bill coupon with no beverage purchase required.