OPENINGS, UPDATES, NEWS, EVENTS
October 2024
GKR Founder Elan Kornblum recognized by Jerusalem Post 25 ViZionaries of 2024
Written by my staff (thank you and humbled by the recognition). We all know Elan Kornblum as the founder of Great Kosher Restaurants Group and for all the amazing work he does for the kosher restaurant industry. But in the last year, Elan has made an extra effort in highlighting Israel and ways in which his followers can support Eretz Yisrael. The example that Elan has given his followers has inspired many to act and find ways to support Israel. Be it with donations, coordination, Israel Assistance and Combat Anti-Semitism chats, Tehillim or countless Chessed opportunities, the GKRF community has stepped up in this time of need. May we take Elan’s example and find ways in which we can all inspire those around us. AM YISRAEL CHAI!!! BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!
Please see the Jerusalem Post’s kind words below and see the full article here.
“Elan Kornblum is the founder of Great Kosher Restaurants, a widely recognized platform for kosher dining enthusiasts. Kornblum has built a network of restaurants, chefs, and food lovers worldwide. In fact, he created the largest kosher restaurant foodie Facebook group in the world, which has over 100,000 members.
Beyond his culinary influence, Kornblum is a dedicated advocate for Israel. He uses his platform to rally his followers to stand up for Israel, particularly during challenging times, by organizing events and encouraging support for Israeli businesses and causes. His leadership in both the food and advocacy worlds has made him a respected figure in the Jewish community.” Please see our Facebook post here.
MANHATTAN
BDE Alan Kaufman Owner of Kosher Marketplace UWS
We are sad to post the passing of Alan Kaufman over Rosh Hashana. Alan was the founder and longtime proprietor of The Kosher Marketplace on the Upper West Side since 1998. I know many of our members were customers of the Manhattan supermarket and we send condolences to his family and friends, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Alan was known for his love and passion towards making his customers feel at home and stopped at nothing to make his customers happy. Please see our Facebook post here and join us in remembering Alan by commenting your favorite memories of Alan Kaufman and/or Kosher Marketplace stories.
BROOKLYN
– Asking $395K – $4700 Rent / 2750 Square Feet
– Turnkey ready to open
– $1.2 million in annual sales, potential to grow even more
– Applied for liquor license & awaiting outdoor seating approval
– 9-year lease / Owner relocating
If interested, please reach out to me. Serious inquiries only.
QUEENS
Red Mango closes in Fresh Meadows
Rabbi Schechter announced this on our Great Kosher in Queens WhatsApp chat on September 30th. “I am sorry to announce that effective Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, the Red Mango located in the Kohl’s Shopping Center in Fresh Meadows has been sold (Located at: 61-47 188th St, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365). The new owners will not be continuing the Red Mango branded store, and they will not be Kosher Certified.” He continues to certify the Forest Hills one on Queens Blvd. and 70th. Enjoy!
Please see our Facebook post here.
LONG ISLAND
Burnside Pizza re-opens in Inwood
After a few weeks of being closed for construction, Burnside Pizza has re-opening its doors with a brand-new look. This comes in perfect time as people head into shop at Bingo next door. So, if you’re stocking up for the chag make sure to check out the renovations and grab a slice or pie. Also please be sure to share your thoughts on our Facebook page. Please see our Facebook post here.
Bagel Boss Hewlett will no longer be open 24 hours.
After many years of being known as the place to go for a bagel and schemer at any hour of the day, Bagel Boss Hewlett will be changing their hours of operation. The new hours of the Peninsuala Blvd Bagel Boss will now be from 4am – 4pm Monday – Sunday. Located at: 1352 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett, NY 11557 Please see our Facebook members post here.
Highland Park, NJ
New restaurant Grill House coming to Highland Park.
In breaking kosher news, Highland Park/Edison NJ will have a new meat restaurant opening in the coming weeks. Grill House will be taking over the previous Park Place location at 120 Raritan Avenue. Please stay tuned to the Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies Facebook page for updates on the exciting news. Please see our Facebook post here.
SOUTH FLORIDA
Ice Cream Factory opens in Miami
After a short break the original Ice Cream Factory is back with a new look. But don’t fret, they will have their lineup of natural ice crem and sorbets for all to enjoy. Be sure to post on Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies about your experience and recommendations. The Ice Cream Factory will be certified under Rabbi Manish Spitz (RMS Certification). Located at: 1626 Michigan Ave Miami FL. Please see our members post here.
Kashrut Alert, Tampa Bay Grill Express no longer certified by RCF
Due to a lack of compliance the Vaad RCF (Rabbinate of Central & North Florida) announced on October 6th that they are no longer certifying GRILL EXPRESS In Tampa. This decision does not come easy to the Vaad RCF as they do everything to try and keep all food establishments open and up to the highest level of kashrut so the entire community can patronize and enjoy comfortably. Located at: 514 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602-4801. Please see our Facebook post here.
Breaking Surfside news, Josh’s Deli goes KOSHER!!!!
The once non-kosher Josh’s Deli is becoming Kosher under the supervision of KM. The newest Kosher deli will be bringing the classics to the Surfside community and is sure to bring back great memories of the Kosher deli experience. When a non-kosher restaurant becomes kosher it is like when a church becomes a synagogue, and the community gets really excited to try what the previously couldn’t enjoy. Please post about your experience on our Facebook page here. Located at: 9517 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154. Please see our FB post here.
CHICAGO
New Kosher Chinese restaurant Shanghai opens in Chicago.
Breaking news, as we enter the new year comes the newest kosher restaurant to the Chicago community. Shanghai Chinese is currently in their “soft opening” phase and are excited for to serve the Chicago community. The new restaurant prides itself in bringing the freshest and most authentic kosher Chinese cuisine to the table. But don’t take our word for it, our Facebook follower was “so emotional from a white carton of mushrooms and beef.” (see review here). If the food is that good, the Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies team may just have to make a field trip to Chicago. Please be sure to post about your experience on our Facebook page. Please see our members Facebook post here.
PHOENIX
Smash Grill opens in the heart of the Phoenix community.
In a city with limited kosher options the addition of Smash House comes as huge news and excitement. We looked at the menu and this is exactly what the community needs. Smash Grill is serving up a menu of unique smash burgers, poppers, salads, chicken sandwiches and so much more. Located at: 6050 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Please see our Facebook members post here.
TORONTO
Omni Eats closing its doors in Toronto
Recently, owner Jack Berkowitz posted some sad news. “After almost fifty years in jewelry and 23 years in the food hospitality business, we have come to the very difficult conclusion that our fast-growing jewelry business needs all our attention….And so it is with a heavy heart that we inform all our customers and friends that the food side of our business will be retired for good, at the end of October.” While this is definitely sad news for the foodies in Toronto, we wish Jack the best with his business. Please join us in thanking Jack for his service to the Toronto community by commenting your favorite dishes or memories at Omni Eats on our Facebook post here.
ISRAEL
HUGE NEWS Cinnabon and Carvel is coming to Tel Aviv.
Nothing says going to a shopping mall than turning the corner and smelling the delicious scent of freshly baked cinnamon buns from Cinnabon. While this was once something Israelis couldn’t experience, this will shortly be a think of the past. Carvel and Cinnabon is coming to the Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv very soon. The new location in Israel is sure to be a huge success and we can’t wait to hear what our Israel followers think. Please see our Facebook members post here.
