Former Beitar Jerusalem Captain Ofir Kriaf Launches New Ice Cream Business

Former Beitar Jerusalem captain Ofir Kriaf, who played for the club from 2011 to 2024, is retiring from professional football and embarking on a new entrepreneurial venture. Alongside a family tattoo business he recently opened, Kriaf is investing in a new ice cream and waffle bar.

Kriaf has partnered with his brother and cousin to open a kosher branch of the 'La Gofrera' chain in Jerusalem. The new shop is strategically located at the Jerusalem Tennis Center, near Teddy Stadium, where Kriaf spent much of his football career, marking a full-circle moment for the athlete.

Reports indicate that opening a 'La Gofrera' franchise typically costs around one million shekels, including setup costs between 550,000 and 750,000 shekels, a franchise fee of approximately 200,000 shekels, and ongoing royalties. However, Kriaf's investment is estimated to be significantly higher, around two million shekels, due to extensive renovations needed for the prime location at the tennis center.

Kriaf is not the only athlete to venture into the ice cream business. Tennis player Andy Ram is a co-owner of the 'Penguin' chain, and former basketball player Deni Avdija launched a protein-enriched ice cream brand called 'Turbo' this year.

In addition to the new ice cream shop, Kriaf also co-owns 'Overdose Tattoo', a tattoo and piercing studio in Kiryat Malachi, which has become a popular spot, particularly for Beitar Jerusalem fans seeking club-related tattoos.