Sponsored By

Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook debut latest concept, Israeli sandwich shop Merkaz

Tel Aviv-inspired sandwich shop joins growing “Israeli village” of restaurants in Philadelphia

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

November 25, 2019

6 Slides
Merkaz Chef Henry Morgan_Credit Michael Persico.jpg

Already have an account?

Michael Persico

Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook on Monday launched the Israeli sandwich shop Merkaz in Philadelphia, the latest addition to the Cooknsolo restaurant group empire.

Named for the Hebrew word for “center,” Merkaz is an all-day concept featuring Israeli-style breakfast and coffee in the morning and made-to-order pita sandwiches, with hummus and salatim (cooked vegetable salads) from 11 a.m. to around 7 p.m., along with Israeli “gazoz” soft drinks.

Solomonov is known for his high-end Israeli concept Zahav, which has won multiple James Beard awards, and the group has grown its more-casual concepts, including the hummusiya  Dizengoff; the Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine of Abe Fisher; and the falafel shop Goldie. Earlier this year, the group opened the bakery and café K’Far.

The group also operates the Federal Donuts chain,  featuring fried chicken and doughnuts. And coming soon is an Israeli mixed grill restaurant called Laser Wolf.

Here’s a look at Merkaz.

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.

You May Also Like