Former Beitar Jerusalem Captain Ofir Kriaf Invests in Ice Cream Parlor
Former Beitar Jerusalem football captain Ofir Kriaf has invested an estimated two million shekels to open a kosher ice cream parlor near Teddy Stadium, marking a major career transition.
Life after professional football exists, and for former Beitar Jerusalem captain Ofir Kriaf, it tastes remarkably sweet. After hanging up his boots following a career spanning from 2011 to 2024, Kriaf is diving headfirst into the business world. Alongside a family-owned tattoo studio, the beloved former midfielder is launching a new ice cream franchise in the capital.
A Sweet Venture Near Teddy Stadium
Journalist Nadav Bornstein revealed on Instagram that Kriaf has invested in opening a strict kosher branch of the waffle bar and ice cream chain "La Gaufre". The business is established as a family partnership with his brother and cousin, who will manage daily operations. In a poetic twist of fate, the new branch is located at the Jerusalem Tennis Center, just a stone's throw away from Teddy Stadium—the home ground where Kriaf grew up, starred, and became a club legend.
Kriaf is far from the first Israeli athlete to trade sports gear for frozen desserts. He joins high-profile names such as former tennis star Andy Ram, co-owner of the "Penguin" chain, and NBA player Deni Avdija, who launched a protein-enriched ice cream brand named "Turbo" earlier this year.
Investment Costs and Business Expansion
Opening an ice cream parlor, especially within a franchise network, requires substantial capital. According to data from the Israel Franchise Center, establishing a standard "La Gaufre" branch typically costs between 550,000 and 750,000 shekels, plus franchise fees of around 200,000 shekels and monthly royalties of up to five percent.
However, industry estimates place Kriaf's investment at roughly two million shekels. The higher price tag is attributed to extensive structural renovations required at the tennis center location and prime positioning.
"We wish the former captain and his partners immense success in their new sweet venture," industry observers noted.
Beyond the ice cream parlor, Kriaf co-owns "Overdose Tattoo", a piercing and tattoo studio located in Kiryat Malakhi. Partnering with veteran tattoo artist Daniela Koren, Kriaf has turned the studio into a popular hub, frequently visited by Beitar Jerusalem fans traveling across the country to ink club symbols and custom designs.
