The kosher food market is no longer confined to lox, bagels, and oversized corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Its appeal now extends far beyond Jewish communities and niche segments.
The global kosher food sector was valued at about $22.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to approach $30 billion by the mid-2030s, according to a Research and Markets report released this month. North America represents the largest share, and the annual growth rate over the next decade is predicted to be just under 3 percent.
In the U.S., demand for kosher food is strongest in areas with large Jewish populations, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles. However, kosher products are also popular among consumers across the country seeking higher food standards.
Kosher is a Hebrew word that means “fit” or “proper,” according to the Orthodox Union Kosher (OU Kosher) Certification Service. It refers to foods that meet the dietary laws of Judaism, which cover everything from how animals are prepared to how ingredients are sourced and combined.
The growing demand is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. While kosher franchises are more specialized than traditional models, they can be highly profitable when placed in the right city or neighborhood.
What is a Kosher Franchise?
A kosher franchise is a business that follows the dietary laws and operates under official kosher certification. This certification is typically approved by a rabbi or an accredited agency, which ensures the business complies with kosher standards. The largest and most-recognized kosher certification agencies in the U.S., often called the “Big Five,” include:
- OU Kosher: Headquartered in New York and established in 1923
- Organized Kashrut (OK Kosher): Based in Brooklyn since 1935
- KOF-K: Launched in 1970 in Teaneck, N.J.
- Star-K: Formed in 1947 in Baltimore, MD.
- Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc): Founded in 1932
For a franchise to be considered kosher, it must meet several requirements:
- Use only kosher-certified ingredients
- Maintain strict separation between meat and dairy
- Follow approved food preparation methods
- Use kosher-approved equipment
- Operate under ongoing supervision and inspection
It’s important to note that not every location of a franchise brand is kosher due to local demand and the ability to meet certification requirements. This means a kosher franchise opportunity is often tied to a specific territory and approval process rather than being available anywhere in the U.S.
Can a non-Jewish person open a kosher franchise?
Yes. You don’t need to be Jewish to own or operate a kosher food franchise.
Whether you’re Jewish or not, you will need to follow all kosher guidelines and work closely with a certification agency. To run kosher food franchises, it’s more important to work with the right agency than your religious affiliation.
Types of Kosher Franchise Opportunities
Kosher restaurant franchises
The most common option is a kosher restaurant franchise, which ranges from quick-service concepts to full-service dining. Popular formats include counter-service concepts with sandwiches and kosher bagel franchises.
Here are some examples of well-established franchises:
- Smash House: Kosher burger establishment with eight locations in New York City and Florida.
- Bagel Boss: The bakery has 21 locations and has been serving kosher bagels for 50 years.
- Holy Schnitzel: The menu includes chicken, beef, and falafel sandwiches, wraps, and platters.
One kosher concept missing from this list is a kosher deli franchise. None have emerged yet, as most operate as independent businesses or small regional chains.
Kosher food and retail concepts
Restaurants aren’t the only avenue for kosher opportunities. There is a growing demand for retail formats. These include kosher grocery stores and specialty food concepts. Retail-focused kosher opportunities are in high demand in communities where access to certified products is limited in traditional supermarkets.
Adapted or certified mainstream franchises
Some well-known brands offer kosher menus and serve as hybrid kosher restaurant franchises in select markets. Certain quick-service chains have operated kosher-certified stores in areas with strong demand and Jewish populations.
For example, Dunkin’ Donuts operates kosher locations in at least seven states, while Playa Bowls has over a dozen spread across four states. Bravo Pizza has some strictly kosher locations with quick service and full restaurant models.
There used to be a handful of Subway kosher franchises, mostly in New York City, but they all closed a few years ago.
More from L’Express Franchise
How to Choose the Right Kosher Franchise
Choosing the right kosher franchise requires more due diligence than a typical franchise investment, but it still covers some of the basics. The key aspects to consider are detailed below.
Write a business plan
Create a business plan that outlines your startup costs, target market, and strategy, including kosher certification requirements.
Pick the right location
Like almost any franchise, kosher businesses rely heavily on the number of potential customers who live in proximity to their location. Opening in the wrong market can set you up for failure.
Identify the community’s food preferences
Some cities or towns may favor sandwich concepts, while others seek health-focused options.
Find a kosher certification agency
Either choose one of the “Big Five” agencies or pick a local reputable one.
Evaluate franchisor support
Look for brands that understand the complexity of operating a kosher business and include training, supply chain guidance, marketing, and compliance support. For example, Holy Schnitzel provides extensive coaching throughout the entire start-up process and day-to-day operations.
Plan for higher operational costs
Make sure your business model has contingencies for unexpected issues.
Kosher franchises are a growing sector in the U.S. and offer a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs. Choosing the right market is critical, while partnering with a reputable kosher certification agency is paramount to ensure compliance and build long-term trust with your customers.
When those elements are in place, a kosher franchise can provide consistent, reliable growth in a specialized but expanding market.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and regulations vary by state and individual circumstances and may change over time. Readers should consult a qualified attorney, tax professional, or other licensed professional regarding their specific situation. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship.
