The Original SoupMan Chooses Chockstone's Gift Card and Customer Loyalty Solutions to Reward ''SoupFans''

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2006--Chockstone Inc., provider of the world's most innovative stored value, customer loyalty and payment processing solutions, announced today that Manhattan-based Soup Kitchen International, Inc., the parent company of The Original SoupMan, has chosen Chockstone's technology platform for its new gift card and customer loyalty programs. Chockstone's card-based solutions will serve to launch stored value and loyalty options for The Original SoupMan, which features the Zagat-rated soups of legendary Al Yeganeh, who inspired the "Soup Episode" on the hit T.V. comedy, "Seinfeld." The new card program will serve The Original SoupMan's loyal customers at all of its locations across the U.S. and Canada.

"The Original SoupMan is the definition of customer loyalty, so it seemed a logical next-step to implement a card-based program that rewards existing customers and encourages return traffic to our new franchise locations," said John Bello, CEO and Chairman of Soup Kitchen International, Inc. "When evaluating offerings on the market, Chockstone came out head and shoulders above other service offerings. Unlike basic gift card processors, Chockstone is arming our franchisees with innovative tools that have proven to generate incremental profits for restaurant operations."

“The Original SoupMan is the definition of customer loyalty, so it seemed a logical next-step to implement a card-based program that rewards existing customers and encourages return traffic to our new franchise locations”

Chockstone's market-leading technology turns gift cards into data-rich information sources about customers and their purchasing preferences. This enables companies like The Original SoupMan not only to strategically increase their sales activity with gift offerings, but also to leverage Chockstone's Promotions Manager to offer promotions and incentive based rewards tailored for each individual customer right at the point-of-sale.

"Chockstone's card and reporting solutions deliver maximum flexibility for our individual client's needs. Our uniquely detailed view into purchasing trend data is also combined with the unmatched functionality to deliver targeted, real time promotions," said Chockstone CEO Jeffrey Lipp. "The Original SoupMan would settle for nothing less than the best, and when it came time to serve up the industry's premium card-based loyalty solution, Chockstone was up to the task."

Soup Kitchen International, Inc. was founded in 2004 to extend "SoupMan" Al Yeganeh's reach beyond his 20 year-old Manhattan-based establishment to become a worldwide franchise. The company is in the midst of expansion to 1,000 locations within 5 - 7 years. All are slated to feature Chockstone's gift card and loyalty offerings, following an initial implementation in June of 2006.

About Chockstone

Chockstone provides the most flexible and innovative stored value solutions available to merchants today. Designed to increase customer loyalty and drive profitability, Chockstone's programs are used by leading brands in the retail, restaurant, and convenience store markets. Headquartered in Portland, OR, Chockstone, Inc., is a privately-held corporation. To learn more about Chockstone's products and services, visit www.chockstone.com.

About The Original SoupMan

Founded in 1984, legendary soup man, Al Yeganeh, set the standard for delicious, world-renowned soups at his Soup Kitchen International in New York City restaurant. Now, with the international growth of his franchise, The Original Soup Man, Al and his team will give the whole world the opportunity to experience soup as it was meant to be. The company also sells the Original SoupMan soups in Grab-n-Go packages in grocery stores nationwide. For a complete press kit and more information visit www.ORIGINALSOUPMAN.com. For franchise information, call (877)-SOUPMAN.