Kamari Retail Buys Half of Kosher Hot Dog Chain Zalman's

Kamari Retail, a co-owner of the Seven Express convenience store chain, is acquiring a 50% stake in Zalman's, a kosher fast-food chain specializing in hot dogs. The deal values Zalman's at 7 million shekels, meaning Kamari Retail will pay approximately 3.5 million shekels for its share. Zalman's was founded in Jerusalem by Moshe Zalman Oliv, an American-born Chabad follower, along with two other Chabad partners.

The chain currently operates 12 branches, including locations in Tel Aviv's Azrieli Mall, Kiryon, Haifa, and Ra'anana, and is particularly popular among the Haredi communities in Bnei Brak and Jerusalem. New branches are planned for Elad, Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit, and Modi'in Illit.

The hot dogs are produced by the Jerusalem-based "Gourmet Chicken" factory under strict kosher supervision. Prices include a beef hot dog in a bun starting at 38 shekels, a single hot dog on a skewer for 19 shekels, and toasted sandwiches from 42 shekels. A full meal with hot dogs, fries, and a drink costs from 56 shekels, with a children's hot dog meal priced at 19 shekels.

Hot dogs have seen a resurgence in popularity, possibly due to the rising cost of living, as they are relatively cheaper than hamburgers and shawarma. Other recent ventures include a successful 5-shekel hot dog promotion by the Yellow chain and an upcoming hot dog and Dutch fries chain by Chef Moshik Roth.

Assaf Kamari, a co-owner of Kamari Retail, stated that the intention is to expand the chain within the Haredi sector, with plans to open 20 new branches by the end of the year, aiming for a total of 40 nationwide. He noted a growth trend in the kosher fast-food sector and aims to bring Zalman's unique American experience to new audiences across Israel, offering American deli sandwiches, corndogs, pastrami sandwiches, schnitzels, and other American snacks.

Kamari also mentioned that his group is in negotiations to acquire up to five more chains in the coming year, primarily in the fast-food sector, focusing on those that are easy to operate and have relatively low costs, similar to Zalman's. Moshe Zalman Oliv expressed excitement about the partnership, stating it will allow Zalman's to reach a much larger audience across Israel. Kamari Retail operates over 130 convenience stores under various brands and holds franchises for numerous well-known food and retail brands in Israel.