Chicago-born Lubavitcher Moshe Zalman Olive sold a 50% stake in Zalman’s, his American-style kosher hot dog chain in Israel, in a deal valuing the growing franchise at about $2.3 million. Full Story, Video
By COLlive reporter
A Lubavitcher entrepreneur who built an American-style kosher hot dog chain in Israel has reportedly sold a 50% stake in the business, valuing the young franchise at an estimated 7 million shekels — roughly $2.3 million.
Moshe Zalman Olive, a Chabad chassid originally from Chicago, sold the stake to Kameri Kimona’ut, the owners of the Sabon Express convenience store network, for an estimated 3.5 million shekels (about $1.14 million), according to a report in ynet. He founded the chain in Jerusalem alongside two fellow Lubavitchers.
Zalman’s currently operates 12 branches, including at Tel Aviv’s Azrieli mall and in Kiryon, Haifa, and Ra’anana, according to ynet. The chain has become popular among the Haredi crowd in Bnei Brak and Jerusalem, and new branches are reportedly planned for Elad, Beit Shemesh, Beitar Illit, and Modi’in Illit.
The Menu
The hot dogs are produced by Jerusalem’s Galat Of factory under mehadrin kashrus, the report said. The signature “boutique” line includes the Chicago Blues, the Tripolitana Merguez, and the New York Krekers.
The menu also features corndogs, beef and chicken skewers, deli-style toasts, schnitzel sandwiches, onion rings, sweet potato fries, and a lineup of house spreads — from garlic mayo and tahina to relish and three mustards. Meal deals include a cholent-and-hot-dog combo and a family deal.
Asaf Kameri of Kameri Kimona’ut told ynet the goal is to expand aggressively in the Haredi sector: “By the end of the year, 20 branches are planned, with a target of about 40 branches across the country.”
He said the company spotted a growth trend in kosher fast food and wants to bring “Zalman’s unique American experience” to new audiences nationwide — American deli sandwiches, corndogs, corned beef sandwiches, schnitzels, and “surprising American snacks.”
The Story Behind It
For Olive, the deal is the latest chapter of a story that began with childhood memories of American hot dogs.
In an Instagram interview posted by @aliyah_to_jerusalem earlier this year, he recounted selling his Chicago business and moving to Jerusalem — and how his wife agreed on three conditions: fewer preservatives and nitrates, all-meat hot dogs, and kedushah.
“So how do we put kedushah connected to Zalman’s?” he said. “One way is — you’re wearing my tzitzis, okay? Another way is the hechsherim that we have — they’re all high-quality hechsherim, which allows us to invite all types of Israelis to our restaurant.”
Asked about his own favorite item, he admitted: “I love the chips. I take a chip, I can’t stop, which is obviously a problem, based on my diet.”
And what does he love about Jerusalem? “It’s the holiest place in the world.”
“Zalman’s was born from a real love of the American hot dog and the memories of taste, smell, and childhood experiences,” Olive told ynet after the deal.
“The partnership with Kameri Kimona’ut lets us take what we’ve built and turn it into a chain that will reach a much bigger audience across all of Israel.”
