For Subscribers

Soup Frenzy A TV show built nationwide buzz. Now these franchisees are serving it up in their local community.

By Sara Wilson

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

When Seinfeld's "The Soup Nazi" episode aired in 1995, portraying an aggressive chef who shouts out orders to keep the line moving efficiently, it had viewers in stitches and attracted attention to the real-life, already-popular Manhattan soup restaurant it was modeled after. A decade later, the impact was still being felt. "We had that novelty right off the bat," says Lisa Ruddy, who, in October 2005, opened the first franchise of The Original SoupMan with her husband, Scott, in Princeton, New Jersey. "People ask, 'Is this the real one? Is this the original? Is this the one from the show?' They're not quite sure what we are."

Newbies initially visit out of curiosity, but Lisa, 37, confirms it's the quality of the food as well as the service that keeps them coming back. (Unlike the infamous Seinfeld episode, they don't yell at their customers--unless customers request it.) They offer 40 different soups--12 varieties a day--as well as sandwiches, salads and smoothies, with the soup quickly disappearing at the rate of about 60 gallons on a typical winter day.

Life is busy, especially because Scott, 38, also runs a construction business, but the Ruddys couldn't be happier. As the first franchisees, they have set the standard for others and have even tested products at their location. Lisa serves on the company's franchise advisory board, and she and Scott recently started offering catering to local businesses. And Scott, formerly a regular at the original Manhattan location, no longer has to wait in hour-long lines--or be yelled at--when he wants his soup.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Successful Entrepreneurs Are Strategically Outsourcing These 5 Tasks

Strategic outsourcing is a way for busy entrepreneurs to reclaim valuable time and avoid burnout, allowing them to focus on core activities that drive real business growth.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

The Hidden Dangers of Using Generative AI in Your Business

Rushing to adopt generative AI can derail your business. Here's what leaders need to know.

Business News

The U.S. Added Over 1,000 New Millionaires a Day in 2024. Here's How That Compares to the Rest of the World.

UBS revealed its latest report on global wealth on Wednesday, which looks back on wealth trends.

Science & Technology

We Spent a Decade Building Virtual Worlds — What We Discovered Could Reshape the Future of Business

What we learned about scale, AI and ownership when we tried to connect thousands of people in real time.

Business Culture

Why Hustle Culture Is the Most Dangerous Lie Founders Still Believe

Research shows productivity drastically declines after working 44 hours per week or more. So why is hustle culture still pushed in entrepreneur circles? It's time to forget that mentality and lead like a real hustler.