Reservist's Grill Bar Struggles to Stay Afloat Amidst Constant Military Duty
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Gugys Grill Bar, a Tel Aviv restaurant, is struggling to operate as its owners and staff are frequently called for reserve military duty, impacting its financial stability. Co-owner Tomer is entering his seventh rotation of service, with other partners also serving. Despite these challenges, the restaurant maintains low prices, with skewers costing as little as NIS 29. The story emphasizes the economic strain on reservists' businesses during the ongoing conflict.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gugys Grill Bar in Tel Aviv faces operational difficulties due to owners and staff serving in the military reserves.
- Co-owner Tomer is entering his seventh reserve duty rotation since October 7th.
- The restaurant struggles with expenses while key personnel are away on military service.
- Gugys Grill Bar offers unusually low prices for Tel Aviv, with skewers starting at NIS 29.
- Supporting the restaurant is presented as a way to aid reservists maintaining their businesses.
A Tel Aviv skewer restaurant, Gugys Grill Bar, is facing significant challenges as its co-owners and staff are repeatedly called up for reserve military duty, impacting its operations and financial stability. Yonatan Horowitz, a reservist combat soldier with the Golani Brigade's 9th Battalion, shared the story with writer Hanoch Daum. Horowitz is currently entering his seventh rotation of service in Lebanon. He spoke about his close friend and team symbol, Tomer, who is one of Gugys Grill Bar's owners.
Tomer described the difficulty of maintaining the business while he and other partners are away serving. He is heading into another two months of service, adding to hundreds of days he has already served since the October 7th attacks. His two partners are attempting to keep the restaurant running, but one is also expected to be called up for reserve duty next month. This leaves the business with essential personnel in uniform while expenses like rent, suppliers, and employees continue to accrue.
Despite these operational hurdles, Gugys Grill Bar maintains remarkably low prices for Tel Aviv. Skewers of chicken thigh, kebab, or chicken hearts cost NIS 29, with a pita version at NIS 39. Even a ribeye skewer is priced at NIS 44. Full meals like kebab, chicken thigh, or mixed grill are NIS 64. Cheaper options include hummus for NIS 12 and pita for NIS 3, with sides at NIS 17. A pita and beer combo is NIS 55, and five starter salads are NIS 28.
The story highlights the broader impact of the ongoing conflict on small business owners who are also reservists. The article suggests that supporting businesses like Gugys Grill Bar, located at 47 Allenby Street in Tel Aviv, is a way to assist those trying to keep their livelihoods intact while simultaneously defending the country.