Kamari Retail Acquires 50% Stake in Zalman's Hot Dog Chain for 3.5 Million NIS
Kamari Retail acquired a 50% stake in Zalman's hot dog chain for 3.5 million NIS, targeting an expansion from 12 to 40 branches nationwide under strict kosher supervision.
Kamari Retail has acquired a 50% stake in the Zalman's hot dog chain, which currently operates 12 branches nationwide. Market estimates suggest the deal values Zalman's at approximately 7 million NIS, meaning Kamari will pay around 3.5 million NIS for half of the operation.
Expansion Plans and New Branches
Under the agreement, Kamari will become a partner in operating and developing the chain in Israel, including the opening of new branches. The parties have set a target to expand the chain to about 20 branches by the end of the year, and subsequently reach roughly 40 nationwide branches. The move is expected to involve investments in branch establishment, infrastructure, branding, and product development.
Zalman's operates in the fast-food sector, focusing on American-style smoked hot dogs and sausages. The chain operates under strict kosher supervision and has built a strong presence over the years, primarily among the Haredi public.
Broad Retail Portfolio
For Kamari Retail, this represents a further expansion of its food sector activity. The group operates in convenience stores, food, and commerce, specializing inter alia in establishing and managing franchise-model networks. According to the company, it currently operates over 130 convenience stores under brands such as Seven Express, Candyland, Sweet & Toys, and others.
In addition, the group holds franchises to operate over 50 branches of food, cafe, and commercial brands, including Arcaffe, Roladin, Golda, B-Pharm, Pizza Agvania, Moses, Yashka, Lechem Station, and Ilan's cafes. Earlier this year, Kamari signed a cooperation agreement with the Super Sapir group aimed at unifying procurement and trade capabilities to improve purchasing terms for the group's activities and franchisees.
Ownership of Kamari Retail is divided among Asaf Kamari, who holds 33.4%, the Hodaya Group with 33.3%, and Tony Ziv and Yossi Mizrahi, who jointly hold 33.3%.
Kamari stated: "We identified in Zalman's a brand with a story, an excellent product, and great potential to become a nationwide kosher fast-food chain. Our goal is to preserve the quality and character of the brand and bring it to new audiences across the country." Moshe Zalman Olive, owner of Zalman's, stated that the partnership with Kamari will allow the chain to expand its activity and reach additional audiences, while maintaining the brand's existing characteristics.
