Renowned Thai Restaurant 'Roni's Crops' Near Gaza to Close After 12 Years

The renowned Thai restaurant "Roni's Crops," located in the Eshkol region near Gaza, announced on Monday that it will close its doors at the end of November after 12 years of operation. Owners Eitan and Noy Nekar shared the decision via Instagram, citing "administrative reasons" for the closure.

"To our dear customers, this time it is not a rumor," the announcement stated. "Due to administrative matters, we are forced to close the restaurant on November 30, 2026." The owners confirmed that the restaurant will continue to welcome patrons through its final day of service.

Reflecting on their journey, the owners expressed gratitude to the loyal customers who supported them over the past 12 years. "We wanted to express our appreciation for 12 years of joy, meeting wonderful people from all over the country, the family spirit created here, and endless support. Thank you very much," they wrote. The restaurant evolved from a family greenhouse growing Asian produce into a beloved culinary destination.

Founded by Eitan and Noy Nekar, the business began when they started growing Asian vegetables, fruits, and herbs in their family farm's greenhouses. What started as cooking Thai food for local workers grew into a small stand and eventually a full restaurant named after their daughter, Roni. A defining characteristic of the venue was its use of ultra-fresh produce harvested straight from the adjacent greenhouse.

For many visitors, dining at "Roni's Crops" was an essential part of exploring the southern region, offering rural ambiance alongside farm-to-table dining. The closure carries poignant significance given the challenges faced by the region. The restaurant was damaged during the October 7, 2023 attacks, but subsequently rehabilitated and reopened, continuing to draw diners from across the country despite ongoing hardships.