NEW YORK, June 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Soupman, Inc. (OTCQB:SOUP), the parent company of the best-tasting soup brand in the world, The Original Soupman, announces its partnership with the Atlanta Franchise Group, a franchise development company brought on to grow The Original Soupman's franchise presence across the country.
"With extensive experience in the franchise industry, and proven success at growing emerging brands, Atlanta Franchise Group is the right partner to assist in the franchising side of our business strategy," states Lloyd Sugarman, CEO of The Original Soupman. "They represent another pivotal piece in our plans to realize the significant potential of this iconic Soupman brand."
More than 10 years before the classic Seinfeld line "No Soup for You!," The Original Soupman captivated the city of New York and millions of its visitors with its innovative soup recipes. Fast forward 30 years and the brand has seen extensive growth in the last six months with SoupMan's Famous New York Delicatessen & Restaurant, an extension of The Original Soupman storefront, which includes a menu of authentic NY delicatessen dishes, as well as a joint venture with Shaquille O'Neal to drive growth of the company's franchised food truck business, with plans to have 100 on the road in the next few years.
Appointed as the company's franchise sales team, the Atlanta Franchise Group will partner with The Original Soupman on multiple fronts including franchise sales and development, franchise operations and training and franchise implementation. With more than 20 years of experience and $400 million in generated revenue, Atlanta Franchise Group has a proven track record for launching and scaling franchise concepts.
"We are excited to partner with The Original Soupman, a pioneering soup brand that has appealed to the masses for many years," says Spencer Reid, vice president and partner at Atlanta Franchise Group. "We have no doubt that this slice of pop culture will translate well in the franchise world, not to mention its team of seasoned and high profile personalities."
With the Soupman's flagship Delicatessen & Restaurant concept, which in Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, and the Soupmobile food truck, the franchise is positioned to be successful in a number of venues, from airports and casinos to storefronts and street fronts. For more information, visit www.originalsoupman.com.
About Soupman, Inc.
In 1984, The Original Soupman opened its doors at 55th Street & 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The tiny storefront quickly became a worldwide destination. Rated #1 by Zagat and praised by the New York Times as "Art, not Soup," it set the standard for innovation and excellence long before the famous Seinfeld episode made it a cultural icon. The Company sells Original Soupman soups in Tetra Pak cartons to grocery stores across America in the soup aisle next to Campbell's and Progresso. It also sells soup to its franchised restaurants and the New York City public school system. Shaquille O'Neal serves as an advisor to, and equity partner in the Company, as does Mr. October, Reggie Jackson and Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated and Tony Award® winning actor Jason Alexander. Soupman, Inc., Tim Gannon, the co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, is the SoupMan Culinary and Business Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Soupman, Inc., www.soupmaninc.com, parent company of The Original Soupman, Inc. is a fully reporting public company trading under the symbol SOUP. For additional information, visit www.originalsoupman.com, follow us on Twitter @OriginalSoupman and "Like" us on Facebook.
About Atlanta Franchise Group:
Atlanta Franchise Group is a national franchise development group focused on the growth and development of established and emerging franchise companies. With a breadth of knowledge in the franchising, Atlanta Franchise Group has expertise in franchise sales and development, most notably from experience with working with franchise brands over the past 20 years. For more information, visit www.atlantafranchisegroup.com.
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections made by management. The Company intends for the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," or variations of such words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, statements regarding the expected franchisee interest in its soup truck and Al's Famous New York Delicatessen & Restaurant franchise opportunities. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements such as our ability to attract franchisee interest at the expo, roll out franchises for our soup truck and Soupman's Famous New York Delicatessen & Restaurant and attract other seasoned restaurant operators or otherwise to implement our marketing plan, including raise necessary capital, and the risk factors discussed in the Business and Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings are available at www.soupmaninc.com.