NEW YORK Amid reports of problems with disgruntled franchisees, officials of Soup Kitchen International, operator of the Original SoupMan chain, have dismissed John Bello from his post as chairman and chief executive.
Bello will remain on the company’s board of directors. The company said the decision came about, in part, as a result of its plans to focus on refining its franchise operations.
According to published reports, some franchisees have complained that many of their stores failed during the first year, that they experienced poor sales and had bad relationships with the company. Prices for a 12-ounce bowl of soup range between $7 and $12, which reportedly is a reason for the downturn in repeat sales.
The New York City-based chain is based on the soup creations of concept founder Al Yeganeh, who was made famous on TV’s “Seinfeld.” It began franchising stores in 2004 and grew to 40 units in two years.
