Original SoupMan

The Original SoupMan is a New York City-based soup restaurant and retail brand with a long-standing reputation for quality and authenticity. Founded in 1984 by Al Yeganeh, who started with a soup cart at 55th Street and Third Avenue, the company quickly became a local fixture thanks to its commitment to scratch-made soups and traditional preparation methods. The brand’s profile rose dramatically in the mid-1990s after being featured in a popular Seinfeld episode, which brought national attention and a steady stream of visitors to its Manhattan location.

A significant milestone in the company’s history was the launch of its packaged soup line, which expanded The Original SoupMan’s reach from a single storefront to grocery shelves across the United States. This move allowed the brand to maintain a presence in the competitive soup market and build on its reputation for quality, even as it scaled beyond its original restaurant format.

As of November 2025, The Original SoupMan operates one flagship store in Midtown Manhattan. While there are no active plans for new restaurant openings or franchise development, the company’s soups remain widely available through national retail distribution. Over the past five years, the brand has focused its growth efforts on expanding its retail footprint rather than adding new physical locations. The continued operation of its Midtown store, combined with a robust retail product line, positions The Original SoupMan as a credible and recognizable name in both foodservice and consumer packaged goods. This dual presence offers flexibility for landlords and developers considering specialty food tenants in high-traffic urban settings or retail environments seeking established brands with cultural significance.