Israeli Culinary Leaders Highlight Shift to Periphery and Rising Kosher Demand at 11th Restaurant Conference

The 11th Israeli Restaurant Conference took place on July 2, 2026, at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, summarizing a turbulent year for the culinary sector marked by war impacts and major business exits. The event gathered hundreds of industry professionals, including top chefs such as Haim Cohen, Eyal Shani, and Raz Shabtai, alongside business leaders like Asaf Fattal and Adi Englander. The conference was led by Ilan Yaron, CEO of SE, and Tomer Mor, CEO of "Strong Restaurateurs Together."

A central theme was the saturation of Tel Aviv's culinary market and the growing opportunities in Israel's periphery. Haim Galis, CEO of Big Group, noted the success in transforming Sarona Market and emphasized the challenge of working with restaurateurs compared to fashion brands. He predicted increased profitability for ventures outside the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, particularly between Herzliya and Rishon Lezion, where culinary professionalism is scarce. Lawyer Amit Gross supported this outlook, forecasting rising demand for restaurants in peripheral regions.

The conference also addressed the sensitive topic of kosher certification and business operations on Shabbat in Big Group's commercial centers. Galis defended the group's stance on pluralism and freedom of choice, highlighting a recent dispute with Ramat Hasharon municipality, predominantly secular residents, over these issues.

Since October 7, 2023, there has been a noted increase in consumer interest in kosher food and traditional values, according to Ahava Turgeman, CEO and co-owner of BBB. She hinted at an upcoming acquisition. Meanwhile, Adi Englander expressed anticipation and pressure ahead of Kiso Hospitality Group's planned stock market listing.

The conference also featured social media content creators and hosted a panel with chefs Shani and Cohen. Annual awards were presented: Haim Cohen was named Chef of the Year 2026, "Moshbutz" from the Golan Heights won Restaurant of the Year, Raz Shabtai received Michelin Chef of the Year for his kosher Miami restaurant "Mottra," and food blogger Nadav Bornstein was recognized as Blogger of the Year. Rising star Shiraz Tsoklo was named Discovery of the Year. Tomer Mor concluded by emphasizing the sector's focus on technological innovation, workforce shortages, and strengthening community collaboration as key to the industry's future.