If you are looking for information on the The Original SoupMan franchise business opportunity, The Original Soup Man franchises or The Original SoupMan franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Al Yeganeh, founder of "Soup Kitchen International" restaurant in New York City, characterized in Seinfeld's famous "No soup for you" episode has been producing premium, gourmet soups for a loyal following of devotees since 1984. The Original SoupMan™ offers a unique, affordable, premium product and destination, which will attract loyal soup customers and provide an attractive business opportunity for our franchisees.
Al's soups consistently receive the highest praise from Zagat's Survey Restaurant Guide year after year, and he's been featured on countless national talk shows, including "Late Night" With David Letterman, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Today Show and Regis and Kelly.
Introducing...the franchise that brings the world's best soup to your town!
"Getting started with the Original SoupMan was a no brainer. With Al's soup behind it we can't miss."
Franchisee Lil Nickelson of NYC
"Every person that tries the soup loves it and comes back."
Franchisee Terry DeGiorgio of NYC
"The customers love it! We have a following that comes in every single day."
Franchisee Lisa Ruddy of Princeton, NJ
"The most wonderful soups you can imagine."
Tim Zagat, Zagat Survey; interview on Channel 5 News
"You can't deny it... his soup is the best."
The New Yorker, 01/1989
"There is no other soup like this soup... a taste of heaven."
Sylvia Carter, Newsday Food Critic, 1992
"His soup is pure joy... amazing... liquid gold."
Manhattan User's Guide, 11/1993
"This is art, not soup. These soups are fabulous!"
New York Times, 03/1996
"Soups that have taken a lifetime to perfect."
US News & World Report, 10/1996
"The best soup we've tried... contempt never tasted so good."
NY Magazine; The Best of NY, 1997
As a franchise operator, you'll have the honor of serving soups that are made under the personal supervision of the world's foremost authority on super premium soups - the Original SoupMan himself, Al Yeganeh. There is no other soup brand that compares in quality, taste and convenience. The Original SoupMan also compliments its magical soup menu with a variety of gourmet salads, sandwiches, smoothies and seasonal desserts. Become a part of the soup phenomenon. Own a franchise that delivers category dominance, a cult-like following, a proven business model, expert training & support and a ground floor opportunity.
Our easy-to-operate, space-efficient, turnkey system allows you to get up and running quickly while keeping real estate and operating costs low.
Requirements: Passion, dedication and energy to burn.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
Food and Beverage Franchises