Remembering Dafna Lotzki Through Israel’s Growing Coffee Cart Culture

Dafna Lotzki, former deputy editor of Globes, was an early advocate of the coffee cart trend in Israel, predicting its rise years before it became a widespread phenomenon. Initially skeptical, the author recounts how Lotzki’s insight proved accurate as coffee carts blossomed into a significant driver of domestic tourism, offering unique culinary experiences and scenic escapes from urban life.

Lotzki’s talent extended beyond trendspotting; she had an exceptional ability to identify passionate entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. She frequently accompanied the author on visits to coffee carts, always eager to meet the owners and delve into their stories, offering generous advice and encouragement. Lotzki passed away on February 28, and to honor her memory, friends and colleagues embarked on a journey visiting three coffee carts she would have admired.

The first stop was Kopila in Bnei Dror, a recently opened cart known for its freshly roasted and ground coffee, homemade pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere encouraging visitors to slow down. The owners, Michal and Paz, embody the spirit Lotzki admired, entrepreneurs who continuously refine their craft.

Next was Shulka in Hofit, nestled in a grove and offering healthy, colorful dishes alongside coffee and matcha. Owner Melody Julie, a former high-tech professional from Marseille, embraced the coffee cart trend during the pandemic and built a community hub that Lotzki would have appreciated for its warmth and connection.

The final stop was Artura at Ruppin Academic Center, a coffee cart run by chef Maya Yosefi, who transitioned from a corporate career to culinary arts at age 40. Artura combines gourmet food with an adjacent contemporary art gallery, reflecting Lotzki’s belief in lifelong curiosity and reinvention.

The journey underscored the common thread behind these carts: individuals daring to pursue their dreams and invite others to share in them. Lotzki’s legacy lives on in the stories behind the counters, inspiring a love for coffee and entrepreneurship alike.