Chef Assaf Granit Parts Ways With Luxury Tel Aviv Hotel Project

Chef Assaf Granit's plans to establish his first permanent restaurant in Tel Aviv have been scuttled after negotiations for a major project at the upcoming Six Senses luxury hotel fell through at the last minute. Granit's Mahane Yehuda group was in talks with Tidhar, the company building the hotel on Rothschild Boulevard, but the discussions concluded without an agreement. This means the ambitious restaurant concept, which would have significantly boosted Granit's presence in Tel Aviv's culinary scene, will not proceed as originally envisioned.

Both Tidhar and Granit confirmed that negotiations for a partnership with the Six Senses hotel took place but did not result in a finalized deal. According to sources familiar with the matter, the collapse was due to difficulties in preparing the hotel's extensive catering operations. The plan required simultaneous planning and operation of multiple food venues, and the management company reportedly became dissatisfied with the progress.

The Mahane Yehuda group had already invested considerable effort in developing the culinary program, sourcing professionals, and preparing staff for the launch. The scope of the project was substantial, aiming to create four to five distinct dining experiences under one roof, rather than a single restaurant. The estimated costs were in the tens of millions of shekels, though no binding agreement was ever signed.

Key components of the plan included bringing the Michelin-starred Shabour restaurant from Paris to Israel and potentially reviving the "Tzמח" (Tzemach) culinary brand in a Tel Aviv iteration. For Mahane Yehuda, this represents a missed opportunity to expand its local footprint, as the group has established itself internationally in cities like Paris, London, and Berlin but has largely focused on temporary ventures in Tel Aviv until now.

The Six Senses Tel Aviv hotel project, a 1 billion shekel investment, continues construction and is slated to open in 2027 with 140 rooms, a spa, and various amenities. The identity of the entity that will manage the hotel's culinary operations remains uncertain. Separately, Granit recently concluded a collaboration with the fashion brand ITAY BRANDS, serving as its brand ambassador, which ended amicably after its contract term.