Kamari Retail Group has signed a deal to acquire a 50% stake in kosher fast-food chain Zalman’s for approximately NIS 3.5 million, valuing the company at roughly NIS 7 million.

The partnership is intended to accelerate the chain’s expansion from its current 12 branches to approximately 20 by the end of 2026, with a longer-term goal of around 40 locations throughout Israel.

Zalman’s was founded by Moshe Zalman Olive, an American-born Chabad chassid who sought to bring the American street-food flavors he grew up with to Israel’s kosher market.

The chain’s menu includes beef hot dogs, corn dogs, corned beef sandwiches, sausage toast and schnitzel. Beef hot dog sandwiches start at NIS 38, while children’s meals are offered for NIS 19.

A significant step in reaching the Chareidi market was the chain’s transition to Badatz Eidah HaChareidis certification. That change helped broaden its customer base beyond the secular and Religious Zionist communities it had previously served.

Zalman’s currently operates in cities including Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv and Ra’anana. Planned expansion into additional Chareidi population centers includes Elad, Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit and Modi’in Illit.

Kamari Retail Group brings an extensive retail and franchise network to the partnership, including more than 130 convenience stores and over 50 locations across the restaurant, pharmacy and café sectors.

Assaf Kamari, one of the group’s owners, said the central objective is to make Zalman’s American-style kosher food available to a broader audience throughout the country.

The agreement marks a significant expansion opportunity for the chain as it works to build a larger nationwide presence.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)