By: Samantha Cohen
Embrace the Change
During the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants have been closing and re-opening at an alarming rate and are now commonplace for local business owners, especially those who own kosher restaurants. Scarred businesses trying to operate in a changing world has been difficult, yet for some very rewarding.
Due to the dine-in limits placed, local restaurants and businesses have lost a substantial amount of money in revenue during the pandemic, as more people spent more at grocery stores and cooked at home to limit contact with other people. State governments are now authorizing them to reintroduce indoor seating and service… so that being said, below are some kosher options to become aware of with both dine-in and take-out options!
Dine-in
While some fast-food chains benefited from indoor dining restrictions in terms of to-go business, many casual-dining restaurants lost money despite expanding their own takeout options. One restaurant that has closed due to the pandemic is The Holy Cow in Memphis, Tennessee. Though The Holy Cow has been closed, the business will be replaced by Zaydes NY Deli. However, some businesses have taken the leap and opened new kosher restaurants in the midst of the pandemic. With dine-in seating options, Koma Sushi located in Brooklyn, NY opened on April 6th. . The eatery is kosher certified by the Vaad Hakashrus of Flatbrush. Koma offers authentic Kosher Japanese food, especially known for its Omakase experience. If you’re looking for a place to grab some French-American yet kosher pastries, Patis Bakery and Café in Lyndhurst, New Jersey is the spot to go. Patis does offer dine-in options that adhere to social distancing so you can have the whole French café experience. On more of the business side, the Altair Hotel & Restaurants in Bay Harbor, Florida is opening soon and will be a five-star restaurant with kosher dining options. The hotel will not only have kosher restaurants inside the building but will also have minyanim close by for religious Jewish travelers.
Take-out
With the rise of Covid cases, so did take-out options for businesses and consumers. For anyone who likes fresh, authentic Middle Eastern food, Pita Xpress Mediterranean Cuisine has opened in Oakland, Florida. Pita Xpress is always Kosher-friendly and offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian meal options as well. Dine-in seating is limited, but easy-to-go options are available to customers to ensure safety. This new up-and-coming kosher restaurant has the best of both worlds. Rave Pizza and Sushi located in Boca Raton, Florida is known for its extensive selection of pizza pies, both classic and creative. On the sushi side, Rave offers tons of sushi rolls and poke bowls, many with exciting flavors! The business is offering takeout and delivery only at this time. BUT, you can look at this as an opportunity to have a relaxing night. Watch a movie, stay in your sweats and eat some seriously yummy kosher pizza and sushi.