Michael Solomonov's restaurant group, known for Israeli cuisine in Philadelphia, has closed several locations. Owner Steve Cook stated the closures are due to economic factors, including inflation, declining lunch traffic, and an oversaturated fast-casual dining market. He denied that pro-Palestinian boycotts played a role.
Cook emphasized that the decision was purely business-driven, not political. The closures affect multiple outlets, but the flagship Zahav remains open. The group has faced rising costs and changing consumer habits post-pandemic.
Pro-Palestinian activists had claimed the closures were a result of boycotts over Solomonov's support for Israel. However, Cook's statement and financial data suggest economic pressures were the primary cause. No evidence of significant boycott impact was found.
