Cafe Gan Si Pur Sells Half Stake to Green Lantern Investment Fund

The Israeli restaurant industry is seeing a major deal as the "Cafe Gan Si Pur" chain has agreed to sell a 50% stake to the investment fund "Green Lantern" for a valuation of 150 million shekels. The agreement, finalized after months of negotiations and due diligence, is now awaiting approval from the Antitrust Commissioner. Bernardo Balchovich, the founder and owner of the chain, will retain the other half of the shares along with Assaf Iluz and Nissim Ben Simon, and will continue to manage the company.

The deal aims to fuel the chain's growth and expansion, with a goal to double its number of branches in Israel in the coming years. "Cafe Gan Si Pur" has established itself with a unique concept combining cafes and restaurants in green spaces and public areas, particularly appealing to families and children. Unlike typical cafes in commercial centers, its branches are located in parks and open areas, offering families an outdoor leisure experience combined with dining.

The chain currently operates branches in cities across Israel, including Holon, Rishon Le'Zion, Herzliya, Hod Hasharon, Ness Ziona, Kiryat Ono, Ashdod, Petah Tikva, and Jerusalem. Future expansion plans include new branches in Tel Aviv, Yavne, and Lod. Notably, the group won a tender to open a branch in the Ben Shemen Forest Park in Lod, scheduled for 2027, and is preparing to open a branch in Tel Aviv's North Sportek in February 2027, with another in Yavne expected in September 2027.

For Balchovich, this transaction marks a significant career milestone. He was previously behind the "Pizza Meter" chain in the 1990s, which later faced financial difficulties and collapsed. He then founded "Cafe Gan Si Pur," which grew into a nationwide chain and a recognized brand for family outings. For Green Lantern, this acquisition follows previous investments in the Israeli food and restaurant sector, including "Biscotti."