Hummus Faraj, a beloved hummus restaurant in Haifa, closed its doors for the last time yesterday after 90 years of operation. The closure was announced by Amir Najjar, the son of the restaurant’s founder, in a heartbreaking post on Facebook.
Najjar cited several reasons for the closure, including the bureaucracy and high taxes imposed by the municipality of Haifa. He revealed that he paid 4,000 shekels in property taxes every month and was recently faced with an additional 10,000-shekel tax for a sign outside the restaurant. The rising prices of raw materials and a shortage of workers also played a role in the decision to close the business.
“It’s full gas in neutral,” Najjar said, expressing his frustration at working hard only to see his earnings go towards expenses such as taxes and utility bills. He shared that at times, his employees earned more than he did. The challenging conditions took a toll on Najjar’s physical and mental well-being, and he felt that the restaurant was “killing” him.
Najjar started working in the restaurant at the age of 18, following in his father’s footsteps. The restaurant had become a fixture in Haifa, with customers who had been visiting for decades. To ensure that the unique taste of Faraj’s hummus would continue, Najjar shared the recipe with a neighboring restaurant, Star, and his father would spend several hours a day there teaching the staff. Najjar encouraged their loyal customers to visit Star and enjoy the same quality hummus.
Although the restaurant is closed, Najjar plans to continue making kuba, a special dish, from home for those who want it. As for his future plans, he is open to suggestions and is considering selling franchises for Faraj’s hummus to keep the brand alive.
The closure of Hummus Faraj marks the end of an era in Haifa, leaving behind a legacy of delicious food and cherished memories.