Texas, 1990s. A small diner called Soupadelic built an empire on one bowl.The slogan said, “One sip and you’ll be hooked forever.” Locals agreed — no one could explain why the soup tasted so good.Then came a health-inspection visit.Inspector Bill Snifferton ordered the famous soup — $49 a bowl — and praised the flavor, though something about the smell felt wrong.That night he returned, flashlight in hand. A dripping sound led him to a door marked PRIVATE.Inside, the owner stood over a toilet, ladle gleaming.“Told ya, it’s my secret broth, baby.”The next morning, the restaurant was closed.Reports mention a recall notice and the “Soupadelic Incident.” Frankie Bowman vanished.This Deep Dive separates record from legend — how an inspection memo turned into a regional ghost story and why disgust sticks harder than advertising.No gore, no “how-to” — just the images that linger: a dripping ladle, a handwritten sign, and a slogan that finally told the truth.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related