"The Soup Nazi" is the title of the 116th episode of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld, which was the 6th episode of the 7th season. It first aired in the United States on November 2, 1995. The Soup Nazi is also the name of the titular character played by Larry Thomas. The term "Nazi" is used as an exaggeration of the over-regimentation he constantly demands of his patrons. The episode opens with Jerry saying that the Soup Nazi makes great soup. He takes care to "prep" George on the strict code of behavior required by the Soup Nazi in his store. This code is simple; do not be loud and annoying, do not take forever on your order, do not try to make small talk with the Soup Nazi, do not stand around idly (place your order, then step to the side), and do not make complaints about your order. However, when George orders soup he complains that he didn't get any bread. When the Soup Nazi tells him he has to pay for it, George objects, since other people got free bread. So the Soup Nazi refuses George service with his famous catchphrase "No Soup For You". George and Elaine discuss their annoyance with Jerry's and his girlfriend's sweet-talk, particularly when the couple calls each other "Schmoopie." George behaves in a similar way with Susan to illustrate the point that such behavior is embarrassing to others, but Susan misinterprets George's intentions and thinks that George is finally showing his feelings in public. Meanwhile, Elaine purchases an antique armoire, but cannot move it into the building on a Sunday. Leaving Kramer to guard the armoire — which she must leave on the sidewalk — Elaine goes to purchase some soup. Elaine's behavior at the Soup Nazi's restaurant (including telling him he looks like Al Pacino and doing an Al Pacino impression) prompts him to shout, "No soup for you!" and ban her for one year. Elaine's armoire is then stolen by a pair of gay "street toughs" who intimidate Kramer. Kramer, through continual praise and flattery, gains favor with the Soup Nazi, who gives Kramer his own antique armoire. Kramer gives the armoire to Elaine as a replacement for her stolen one. Elaine thanks the Soup Nazi for the armoire, but the Soup Nazi declares that he never would have given it to Kramer if he knew it was for Elaine. Elaine discovers the Soup Nazi's secret recipes in the old armoire. To get revenge against him, she tells him that she's going to give away his recipes. Her victory comes with a price, as the Soup Nazi decides to sell his remaining stock and close the business, to the dismay of everyone who loves his soups. (An oft-explored theme of Seinfeld is characters behaving in a self-centered way that results in a net loss). He plans to move to Argentina, which is a reference to the theory many ex-Nazi war criminals fled to Argentina towards the end of the war. The character Yev Kasem was inspired by Al Yeganeh, a New York City soup vendor who ran Soup Kitchen International in midtown Manhattan at 259A West 55th Street, near 8th Avenue. The store closed during the summer; a sign posted outside informs customers that the chef is in "Argentina for the summer".[3] At the end of the episode, the TV character announces a plan to move to Argentina. According to an Associated Press article published April 29, 2005, Yeganeh planned to open a chain of soup stores called The Original Soup Man. The first franchise opened in Princeton, New Jersey, on October 24, 2005. His company, Soup Kitchen International, plans to open 1000 outlets nationwide.[4] Soup Kitchen International's original West 55th Street location is now closed. Prior to his fictional counterpart's appearance on Seinfeld, the real Al Yeganeh was unflatteringly referred to by local patrons as the "Terrorist." His soups were renowned for their excellent quality, but his interactions with customers seemed somewhat capricious. Some were granted extra side items like candy or bread, but no clear rules for this attention were ever established. This arbitrariness was referred to in the show: when George asks why he doesn't receive any bread though previous customers have, the Soup Nazi replies, "You want bread? Three dollars!"

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