Which real soup vendor inspired The Soup Nazi character?

Al Yeganeh, the New York soup vendor, inspired The Soup Nazi character.

Yeganeh operated Soup Kitchen International on West 55th Street in Manhattan and became known for his strict ordering rules as well as his highly praised soups. Writer Spike Feresten told Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David about Yeganeh, and the story became the basis for the season-seven episode “The Soup Nazi.”

The fictional vendor is named Yev Kassem and is played by Larry Thomas. The character’s famous rule-bound service and “No soup for you!” catchphrase turn Yeganeh’s real reputation for impatience into an exaggerated sitcom persona. Yeganeh was reportedly offended by the portrayal and by the attention it brought to his business.

The episode first aired on November 2, 1995. A common mix-up is naming Larry Thomas, who portrayed the character, rather than Yeganeh, the real-life vendor who inspired him. Yeganeh later became associated with The Original Soupman brand.