Jaffa's Iconic Skewer Restaurant Closes After 24 Years Due to Staff Shortages

Shifudei Zikah, a well-known skewer restaurant located on Yefet Street in Jaffa, has closed its doors after 24 years of operation. The decision was made last week by owner and founder Zikah Zaher, 61, who cited exhaustion from the demanding work and an inability to find and retain staff.

According to Zaher's wife, Yasmin, the business had grown significantly in recent years, but this was accompanied by a worsening labor shortage. Despite efforts to hire employees, the restaurant struggled to find individuals willing to commit long-term, with many leaving after only two weeks. When staff were unavailable, Zaher and his wife were forced to handle all operations themselves.

"We grew in terms of the number of customers, but we don't have employees to serve them," Yasmin told Ynet. She described how their son, Amir, who works as a teacher, would help out during school breaks, and how she and Zikah would often serve as both grill master and waitstaff.

The announcement of the closure surprised many customers, who flocked to the restaurant in its final days to say goodbye. Yasmin described an emotional farewell on their last day of operation, with customers expressing sadness and attempting to persuade Zaher to reconsider.

While the restaurant is closing due to the physical toll and staffing issues, the Zaher family will continue to operate their nearby grocery store. Yasmin expressed a sense of relief, noting that their children are grown and independent, and they are content to run the smaller business quietly.