Chef Ran Shmueli Sells Stake in Claro Restaurants to Longtime Partner

Veteran Israeli chef Ran Shmueli and his former spouse and current business partner Zohar Maron-Shmueli have sold their shares in the Claro restaurants in Tel Aviv and London to their longtime partner, Irit Kolber, who co-founded the restaurant with them in 2014. Claro has been recognized as one of Israel's leading fine dining establishments, known for its local culinary language emphasizing regional ingredients. Chef Tal Feigenbaum, who leads the kitchen, will continue managing the Tel Aviv location alongside CEO Itay Buxenbaum, while Chef Shadi Issawi will remain head chef at Claro London.

Two years ago, Shmueli and Kolber launched a large Claro branch in London’s prestigious St. James area, spanning over 700 square meters with a multimillion-dollar investment. Despite not receiving a Michelin star, Shmueli expressed no disappointment, stating he prefers Claro not to be seen as a special-occasion restaurant. Shmueli and Maron-Shmueli will continue managing their event venue 'Ma'arava' and plan to embark on a new venture, details of which remain undisclosed.

Shmueli reflected on his deep personal connection to Claro, calling it his "baby" and acknowledging the strong team that has sustained the restaurant during challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts. He said, "I received an offer I could not refuse," signaling his readiness to move on to the next chapter. Feigenbaum praised Shmueli as a mentor and emphasized his commitment to preserving Claro’s unique identity.

This transition marks the end of a significant era in Israeli culinary history, with Claro recognized not only for its excellent food but also for its distinctive atmosphere blending elegance with everyday warmth. Observers hope this change represents a new beginning rather than a conclusion for both the restaurant and Shmueli’s influential career.