Piscataway, NJ Soup Kitchen International, Inc., the company that operates and franchises The Original SoupMan, today announced that world renowned soup man, Al Yeganeh, will be on hand at their exhibit at the International Franchise Expo, April 8 - 10, at the Washington Convention Center, in Washington, DC. The Original SoupMan will be ladling out samples to potential franchises of the same 'liquid gold' that has made him a household name.

Mr. Yeganeh, founder of the "Soup Kitchen International" restaurant, located at Eighth Avenue and 55th Street in New York City, has been making his world-renowned soups for a loyal following of devotees since 1984. Locals and tourist alike have been known to wait for hours in all kinds of weather for a taste of his much heralded lobster bisque or gazpacho. In 1995, Mr. Yeganeh was the inspiration for the famous "soup episode" of the show "Seinfeld".

The franchise will take Mr. Yeganeh's outstanding product to regional shopping malls, major metropolitan cities, airports and tourist destinations throughout the U.S and Canada. "Al's reputation was built over a 20-year period. He is already a brand, and now we've made his soups available to everyone around the world", said John Bello, Chairman and CEO of Soup Kitchen International, Inc. 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. Mr. Bello has assembled a veteran franchise management team and coordinated the company's investors, one of which is Baseball Hall of Fame legend Reggie Jackson.

The company has created a model that incorporates three critical elements for the success of their franchisees-the superior quality of Mr. Yeganeh's soups, an easy-to-operate kiosk design with a simple "heat and serve" operation, and a low financial investment. Costs to open an Original SoupMan location range from $68,000-$133,500 depending on the size and location of the unit.

The company plans to open 1,000 units over the next seven years and has already sold 122 franchises to date, including a 100 unit franchise deal recently signed with a Canadian development group. With the first units scheduled to open in Summer 2005, the company plans to focus primarily on free-standing kiosk units in regional shopping malls and airports. With virtually no marketing effort other than a small sign in Mr. Yeganeh's 55th Street window, they have received over 2,500 franchise applications.

About The Original SoupMan

Founded in 1984, legendary soup man, Al Yeganeh, set the standard for delicious, world-renowned soups at his New York City restaurant, Soup Kitchen International. Now with the launch of his franchise, The Original Soup Man, Al and his team will give the whole world the opportunity to experience soup as it was meant to be. The Original SoupMan will also be available in Grab-n-Go packages in the refrigerated section of fine grocery stores nationwide.

Source:Original Soup Man