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Original Soup Man Comes to Town And Offers a Tempting Selection

They're lining up on Palmer Square! The Original Soup Man has arrived, and customers can't get enough of the hot, steaming bowls of chicken vegetable, crab bisque, jambalaya, beef barley, mulligawtany --- you name it, it's there. Seven to nine varieties are available every day, from an overall selection of 40 different soups.

Located at 30 Palmer Square East, The Original Soup Man opened last week to rave reviews. The first of a planned 170 franchises (already sold) across the U.S. and Canada, the Princeton store is owned by Lisa and Scott Ruddy.

"Scott and I always hoped to have a family business," says Mrs. Ruddy, a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, whose background is in sales. "I ran the women's department at Nordstrom's, and then took time off to be with our family. Also, we have experience in the food industry. My brother graduated from the Culinary Institute of America.

"Scott has a construction business in New York, and he had sampled the soup at the famous Soup Man in Manhattan, owned by Al Yeganah," continues Mrs. Ruddy. "When we heard they were going to franchise, it was perfect for us, and once I tried the soup, I was sold!"

The Princeton location is a plus, adds Robert Ilvento, consultant to The Soup Man, and owner of Cluck U Chicken. "Princeton is an ideal location, and the site is a great spot. This is a healthy, health-conscious market."

It was just right for the Ruddys, too, who live in South Brunswick. "I love coming to Princeton," says Mrs. Ruddy. "We're lucky to live near, and this is a perfect location. When they were thinking of a franchise and where to put it, instantly, Princeton came to mind."

Friendly service is emphasized at the Princeton Original Soup Man, she points out, lest Seinfeld TV fans confuse it with New York City's "Soup Nazi." One regular patron and an enthusiast of Manhattan's Soup Man's delicious creations does point out the sense of order in that establishment.

"There are rules. (1) Come to the right of the counter; (2) order; (3) pay; (4) move to the left and wait for delivery of soup."

He also reports that no one has ever growled at him.

There will certainly be no growling at the Palmer Square Soup Man. As they are quick to point out, "For more than a quarter century, long before there was a Jerry Seinfeld, Al Yeganah, father of Soup Kitchen International in New York, has been creating his critically-acclaimed, world-renowned soups."

Adds Mr. Ilvento" "Al is all about soups. He was a brand before he was a concept."

Nevertheless, keeping things moving when customers are lined up is important. "We will always be friendly to people," says Mrs. Ruddy, "but we don't want them to have to wait either. There have been so many people I could hardly believe it. I expected to be busy because the quality of the product is so high. But there have been even more people than I anticipated --- and so soon. It has really been overwhelming!"

What customers are finding in this cozy corner of Palmer Square East is a big selection of delicious soups, salads, and pannini grilled sandwiches, a variety of fresh-brewed loose leaf teas, lemonade, fruit smoothies, and juices, as well as desserts, including yogurt parfait and panini with fruit and chocolate.

Soups are offered by the cup or bowl, and are served with fresh bread, fruit, and a piece of chocolate. The soup is prepared at the company's corporate offices at Cook College, Rutgers University in Piscataway, and brought daily to Princeton.

The highest quality ingredients are essential, notes Mrs. Ruddy, and customers are delighted with the entire selection, including categories of vegetarian, meat/poultry, seafood, and specialty. "The seafood soups are very popular, and also the vegetarian, but really, it's everything. It's because the quality is so high. For example, for the lobster bisque, we use real cut-up chunks of lobster, and then blend with onions, celery, potatoes, and sherry wine"

Another signature specialty is the crab bisque in which lumps of premium Alaskan crab meat are simmered in a rich creamy base, chock full of onions, celery, potatoes, and finished with sherry wine.

In addition to the soup, the salads and pannini sandwiches, which are prepared on site, are favorites.

"The olive oil-toasted panini sandwiches, including choices such as 3-cheese, grilled garden vegetable, Italian, and grilled chicken breast, are terrific," reports Mrs. Ruddy. "You can also create your own healthy salad from our big selection of various lettuces, vegetables, cheese, tuna, chicken, and all kinds of add-ins."

Kids specials are available too, she adds. The "Tiger" special includes free soda or tea, with the soup of the day.

Prices start at $4.95-$5.95 for a cup of soup, and $6.95-$9.50 for a bowl. Salads are from $2.95, and panninis from $3.95.

The Ruddys, who received extensive training at the Rutgers headquarters in issues of health and safety, food handling, soup and salad preparation, and running the business, are excited and happy about their new venture.

"We are the first, the pioneer store, and that's exciting," says Mrs. Ruddy. "There is no other place like this, with the soups, the quality of the soup, and the extra special service. We have a tremendous staff, and we are even looking to expand with more super-good help.

"I like the interaction with the customers," she adds. "I enjoy being with people, and either Scott or I will always be here."

Balancing two businesses, the family, and offering the best quality and service can be daunting. "But we are up to the challenge," reports Mrs. Ruddy. "We look forward to being a landmark in Princeton and getting to know the community of Princeton even more."

So far, so good, she adds. "We have had such a warm welcome both from customers and the merchants in the area. We're here to stay!"

The Original Soup Man, which offers predominantly take-out (a few spots at a counter for eat-in), is open Monday though Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 to 7. 609-497-0008.