Chef Ran Shmueli Exits Claro Restaurants in Tel Aviv and London After 12 Years

Chef Ran Shmueli, a prominent figure in Israeli cuisine, is leaving the Claro restaurants in Tel Aviv's Sarona complex and in London, which he founded 12 years ago. Shmueli sold all his shares to his business partners from the Kolber family for millions of shekels. The separation was amicable and without conflict, as the partnership naturally reached its conclusion. The Kolber family, known as one of Israel's wealthiest and most established business families, will now fully own and operate both restaurants.

Claro, established in 2014 in a preserved Templar building in Sarona, gained a strong reputation for its Farm to Table concept and became one of Israel's busiest and most stable dining venues. Its success led to an international expansion with a London branch opening about a year ago in a prime city location, a move that required significant investment and planning. Shmueli previously spoke about the challenges of running the London restaurant amid global protests against Israel, noting the absence of Israeli flags at the entrance and the mixed reactions from critics and protesters.

Despite departing from Claro, Shmueli will continue to lead the "Maarava" event complex in Kibbutz Gaash and is currently developing a new culinary project, details of which have not yet been revealed. This marks a new chapter in his professional career following his long tenure with Claro.