The Original SoupMan Returns to NYC

The Original SoupMan Returns to NYC

Legendary Soup Man Al Yeganeh Opens Flagship Soup Restaurant On Manhattan's 42nd Street, November 2

NEW YORK, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Soup Kitchen International, Inc. and The Original SoupMan(TM) today announced the much anticipated opening date of their new flagship Original SoupMan restaurant, which will be unveiled at a special grand opening celebration on Tuesday, November 2 at 8:00 a.m. The Original SoupMan features the Zagat-rated soups of legendary soup man, Al Yeganeh, who inspired the "Soup Episode" on Seinfeld. Soup lovers are expected to be lining up as early as 5:00 a.m. at 501 Fifth Avenue (at 42nd Street) to get a taste of Yeganeh's much-heralded lobster bisque and jambalaya, among others.

Hundreds of Yeganeh's fans have already signed up at http://www.originalsoupman.com/ to become members of The Original SoupFan Club. New fan club members will receive free tickets to the grand opening event. Only 500 tickets will be distributed. One lucky "Soupie" will receive free "Soup for Life" at the new location. The first 100 SoupFans in line on the morning of November 2 will receive a free commemorative event T-shirt and entry into the "Soup for Life Sweepstakes."

"Al's soups have been part of the fabric and flavor of New York City for over 20 years. The opening of our flagship location in NYC represents another step in our plans to share the greatest soup with the entire world," said Soup Kitchen International Chairman and CEO John Bello. Mr. Bello founded the South Beach Beverage Co., makers of the SoBe line of nutritional beverages, which he sold to PepsiCo Inc. for $370 million in 2001.

Among the company's investors is Baseball Hall of Fame legend, Reggie Jackson. Mr. Jackson, the Chairman of the Original SoupMan Charitable Foundation "Soup for Life," will be on hand at the grand opening ceremony to present City Harvest, the New York City food rescue organization, with a $5,000 charitable donation.

This will be the launch of the SoupMan's charitable foundation, "Soup For Life," which will distribute funds to various charities throughout the U.S. and Canada whose mission it is to feed the hungry. Yeganeh has a long-standing tradition of feeding the homeless of New York City, and his new foundation will take that same spirit to other cities the company plans on locating new restaurants in.

Soup Kitchen International plans to open 1,000 Original SoupMan restaurants and kiosks worldwide in the next five to seven years. To date, the company has sold over 150 franchises throughout North America. Mr. Yeganeh founded his soup restaurant on 55th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan in 1984 and has been ladling out his soups to a loyal following of devotees ever since. Soup Kitchen International has been concentrating on opening Original SoupMan soup stores across America. Each location will feature more than 45 varieties of Yeganeh's soups, which will rotate daily. Prices range from $4.49 to $6.49 for a cup and $5.99 to $7.99 for a bowl. Of course, Al's famous Lobster Bisque and Crab Bisque command a higher price as they are both loaded with mountainous chunks of 100% real North Atlantic Lobster and Alaskan Crab.

In addition, The Original SoupMan soups are now available in the refrigerated deli sections of select supermarkets throughout the Metro New York area. Five varieties of 15-ounce "Grab-n-Go" pouches including Turkey Chili, Garden Vegetable, Jambalaya, Seafood Bisque, and Chicken Vegetable, provide a convenient way to enjoy the world's best soup anytime at home or the office.

About The Original Soup Man

Founded in 1984, legendary soup chef, Al Yeganeh, set the standard for delicious, world-class soups at his New York City restaurant, Soup Kitchen International. Now with the launch of his new franchise concept, The Original SoupMan, Al and his team will give the whole world the opportunity to experience soup as it was meant to be. For a complete press kit and more information, visit http://www.originalsoupman.com/. For franchise information, call (877)-SOUPMAN

About City Harvest

Founded in 1981, City Harvest is the world's oldest and New York City's only food rescue organization, dedicated to feeding New York City's hungry men, women and children. This year, City Harvest will collect over 19 million pounds of excess, nutritious food from all segments of the food industry, including restaurants, grocers, corporate cafeterias, manufacturers and farms. This food is then delivered free of charge to more than 800 community programs throughout New York City using their fleet of 15 trucks and volunteers on foot. Each week, City Harvest helps over 260,000 hungry New Yorkers find their next meal.

Media Contact: John Rarrick/Belyne Vil Carolyn Izzo Integrated Communications 845/358-3920 x16 jrarrick@ciicnews.com

Source: Soup Kitchen International, Inc.

CONTACT: John Rarrick, jrarrick@ciicnews.com, or Belyne Vil, or Carolyn Izzo, all of Integrated Communications, +1-845-358-3920 x16

Web site: http://www.originalsoupman.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: To attend a special VIP soup tasting on Monday, November 1 at 6 p.m. and/or the grand opening on November 2 at 8:00 a.m., or to arrange an interview with Al Yeganeh or John Bello, contact John Rarrick or Belyne Vil at (845) 358-3920 x16 or jrarrick@ciicnews.com

------- Profile: Ent