Zohar’s Gelato Coming to Coney Island Avenue — But Will It Stick?

Brooklyn’s Coney Island Avenue kosher dining scene is getting a sweet addition, Zohar’s Gelato, set to open soon in the space that has seen more than its fair share of turnover. The location, right next door to Burgers Bar, has already been home to two very short-lived concepts in recent years: first a fast food joint called Just Hotdogs, followed by an even shorter-lived pita shop.

The spot’s track record, combined with broader market realities, raises the question: can Zohar’s succeed where others have not? While Burgers Bar made a comeback to Brooklyn in 2024, it has not quite matched the buzz or popularity of nearby Joseph’s Burger, only a block away. With Amsterdam Burger on Avenue J recently closing and an influx of new kosher burger spots diluting demand, some are already wondering how long Burgers Bar, and possibly any neighbor in that location, can keep the doors open.

Zohar’s Gelato may be hoping a dessert-first approach can change the fate of this address. The brand previously operated a location in Florida’s Aventura Waterways (read about it here), but that shop appears to have since closed.

The Coney Island Avenue branch has yet to announce an opening date, menu details, or kosher supervision, but locals are watching closely. Whether Zohar’s can overcome the area’s mixed track record for kosher ventures remains to be seen, but on a hot summer day or any day for that matter, a scoop of artisanal gelato might be the thing to turn this spot around.