Keshet Teamim Ends Professional Partnership with Chef Dudu Otmezgin

One of the most high-profile partnerships in the Israeli culinary world has come to an end amid bitter disputes and mutual accusations. Keshet Teamim has decided to cut professional ties with celebrity pastry chef Dudu Otmezgin, immediately ending his role as the chain's chief pastry chef. The dramatic move comes even though Otmezgin still retains a 30% stake in the brand that bears his name.

The partnership began in 2022 when Keshet Teamim acquired a 70% stake in Otmezgin's confectionery chain at an impressive company valuation of about 50 million shekels. The goal was to integrate high-end pastry products into the supermarket chain's branches. However, the honeymoon phase quickly faded into managerial disputes and bitter control struggles.

The rift culminated when Otmezgin dragged his partner to court, filing a minority oppression lawsuit for approximately 368,000 shekels and alleging severe contract violations by Keshet Teamim management. The lawsuit claimed the company took unilateral actions, completely sidelined him from decision-making, and refused to finance his luxury vehicle upgrade.

In response, Keshet Teamim stated that following an orderly process, the company decided to conclude Otmezgin's employment, noting his contract was set to end in three months anyway, though the partnership agreement remains in place. The business community will now closely watch how the brand operates without its founding chef at the helm.