Bodega was the brain child of a need  to get some In & Out or Shake Shack worthy burger in Tel Aviv. The kinda burger that was missing from the gigantic overflow of burger joints that already existed. Burgers make up for at least 40% of the restaurant market in Israel. The name Bodega hearkens back to the memories of New York City where you could pick up a pastrami, fried egg and bacon sandwich or a  greasy quick burger and a pack of cigarettes or gum at the same time. The word Bodega is a Spanish appropriated word, slang for the little neighborhood  grocery stores/ lunch counters that dot every street in the outer boroughs.  The magic team that invented and brought to fruition Crave! in Jerusalem, myself , James and our architect Eyal Tzalel were assembled once again. The objective this time was a laser focussed concept of  kosher smash burger, American slow/fast food.  The burger market was already overflowing in Tel Aviv but as Danny Meyer said," if you have something to add to the conversation" then you  can make a name for yourself in the marketplace.  Instanly after opening we gained the title of best smash burger in Tel Aviv by Time Out magazine. The approach of Slow/Fast food is the focus of high quality and making everything in house including the hotdogs, pickles and sauerkraut while executing orders at an efficient and fast rate of service.. The concept comes to life in a small 30 sq meter space located on a busy corner in Tel Aviv. The restaurant has an oder and pick up window and communal seating of picnic benches are provided in the overhang sidewalk space in front so customers have a front row seat to the city action. Takeaway and delivery are important components of service that the concept encompasses in order to satisfy the Tel Aviv market.

 

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