Seinfeld's SoupMan focused on franchising & marketing deals

Came across this press release today about Al Yeganeh's new "The Original SoupMan" chain, which has yet to launch, announcing a partnership with Pepsi.  The release fails to mention that Yeganeh, who was made famous (or infamous) on Seinfeld, has abandoned his original NYC soup shop for well over a year while working on his forthcoming franchise.  Since my return to the Midtown West area last summer I've been extremely disappointed to find Soup Kitchen International closed every time I walk by W. 55th St.  Checking the SoupMan website it looks like the original restaurant may never open:

SOUP KITCHEN INT,L (ORIGINAL STORE) + ENTIRE BUILDING WALL NEXT TO IT FOR ADVERTISING

FOR SALE OR LEASE (TILL DEC. 2019)