Kamari Retail Group Buys 50% of Zalman's Kosher Fast Food Chain

Kamari Retail Group will acquire a 50% stake in the kosher fast-food chain Zalman's for approximately NIS 3.5 million, valuing the chain at NIS 7 million. The deal marks a significant expansion for Zalman's, which began as a Chabad Hasidic entrepreneurial venture. Founded by Moshe Zalman Ullman, an American-born Chabad follower, Zalman's specializes in kosher "fast-food" items like beef sausages, corndogs, pastrami sandwiches, and schnitzel, with accessible pricing. The chain's move to the stringent Badatz Agudat Yisrael kashrut certification was a turning point, enabling it to reach broader religious and secular audiences.

Currently, Zalman's operates 12 branches across Israel, including in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, and Ra'anana. The partnership with Kamari Retail Group, which manages over 130 convenience stores and more than 50 food service and cafe locations, is expected to transform the chain. The strategic plan includes expanding to approximately 20 branches by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 40 branches nationwide. New locations will include additional Haredi communities such as El'ad, Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit, and Modi'in Illit.

Assaf Kamari, a co-owner of Kamari Retail Group, stated that the primary objective is to make Zalman's unique kosher American concept accessible to a wide audience across the country. This move is considered foundational for Zalman's, transitioning it from a community-based brand to a national fast-food player.