...and Canada

http://money.cnn.com/2005/04/22/news/newsmakers/soup_man/


'Seinfeld' inspiration offers soup line

No 'no soup for you' -- 'SoupMan' to sell products in grocery stores across the nation.
April 22, 2005: 7:53 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The soup chef made famous in an episode of "Seinfeld" isn't saying "No soup for you" anymore. In fact, he's trying to bring his creations into homes across America.

Soup Kitchen International Inc. and the "Original SoupMan," Al Yeganeh, announced Friday that a retail line of "heat-n-serve" soups will be available in grocery stores. A press release didn't say when the product will be available.

A spokesman for Soup Kitchen International and Yeganeh wasn't immediately available for comment.

Soup Kitchen International said Yeganeh will supervise the production of the soup that caused people to wait in line outside his mid-Manhattan storefront for such offerings as seafood bisque, jambalaya or turkey chili. It was those lines, and the purported attitude of the eatery owner, that resulted in the famous "The Soup Nazi" episode in the seventh season of the comedy series.

"Al's creations will define the super premium soup category, while adding a dash of attitude and fun to his recipes with his 'soupside' manner -- who can resist?" John Bello, Chairman and CEO of Soup Kitchen International, said in a statement.

Soup Kitchen International, which said its investors include Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, added that there are plans to open 1,000 The Original SoupMan restaurants over the next seven years throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Promoting the Seinfeld link may be a change of heart for Yeganeh. The "Seinfeld" Web site says he was unhappy with the publicity from the episode and was quoted as saying he threatened to "smack" comedian Jerry Seinfeld's face.