The fan-favorite "Soup Nazi" character from Seinfeld was based on Al Yeganeh, a NYC chef. After the Soup Nazi episode aired (which Yeganeh reportedly hates), his business increased wildly.
America’s obsession with TV spawned new cuisines
The US broadcasting industry is huge
I Love Lucy: When the show first aired, it was sponsored by Philip Morris cigarettes...which is one of the reasons why Lucy, Desi, Ethel, and Fred were always smoking.