‘Seinfeld’: The Real-Life ‘Soup Nazi’ Claimed the Show Ruined His Business
The ’90s sitcom Seinfeld had many memorable episodes, but one that die-hard fans will never forget is the one that featured the “Soup Nazi.”
The character was based on a real soup kitchen owner based in New York City, and according to Screenrant, he is one of the most iconic guest stars ever to appear on the show.
Known for running his store with rules that customers must follow exactly, the “Soup Nazi” is still quoted to this day, and millions of people have seen the episode numerous times. According to Trivia Genius, it may not be as well-known is the fact that the real-life “Soup Nazi” claimed the show actually ruined his business.
The character of the ‘Soup Nazi’ and the iconic episode
The character is portrayed by Larry Thomas, and according to Fandom, he is “a stone-faced immigrant chef with a thick Stalin-esque mustache, well-known throughout the city for his delicious soups.” The Soup Nazi, as he’s known to customers, is anything but easygoing, making patrons follow his ordering instructions exactly, often refusing people service and even banning them from the establishment.
He made famous the line “No soup for you!” and Thomas went on to receive a nomination for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series after the episode aired. Fans will remember how Jerry, Elaine, and George visited the restaurant in hopes of getting some delicious soup, and Elaine is banned from the establishment for one year after laughing when Jerry told her how to order. In the end, it is revealed that the Soup Nazi has decided to close his stand and move to Argentina, but not before giving away whatever soup is left over.
The real-life ‘Soup Nazi’ hated his portrayal on the show
It may be easy to assume that any business owner would jump at the chance to be portrayed on one of the most popular shows of all time, in hopes that sales would skyrocket. However, it turns out that the owner actually hated the whole experience, and the real Soup Nazi, named Al “Ali” Yeganeh, was not at all amused by the popular episode.
He was quoted in The New Yorker as saying that “Whoever follows [my rules] I treat very well. My regular customers don’t say anything. They are very intelligent and well educated. They know I’m just trying to move the line.” In fact, Yeganeh was so insulted by the episode that when the cast of Seinfeld visited his restaurant, he demanded an apology for what happened, and when Jerry Seinfeld himself gave him a reportedly very cold apology, he threw them all out with no soup at all.
Yeganeh actually had more to say regarding his portrayal of the Soup Nazi on the iconic show. While the show may have ruined his business temporarily, he took the opportunity to use the success of Seinfeld to drive customers to The Original Soupman, even putting a Seinfeld hashtag in the eatery’s Instagram bio. At least it’s something!
The original chain filed for bankruptcy
While many may have thought that being featured on Seinfeld would have meant a huge boost in sales for The Original Soupman chain, it didn’t exactly turn out that way. According to CNN, the company that inspired the episode came under fire and ended up filing for bankruptcy in 2017 after its chief financial officer was indicted for income tax evasion.
However, Amny reports that two years later, fans were delighted when the business returned by opening up a kiosk in Times Square. Fortunately, no rules needed to be followed when ordering, and the franchise expanded, opening up several more locations. However, it didn’t last long, and the lack of posts on social media indicates that The Original Soupman has now closed its doors once and for all.
