News Summary
Shouk, a plant-based kosher street-food chain in Washington, D.C., has permanently closed its last two locations following protests and boycotts led by anti-Israel activists. The restaurant, which expanded to five locations, faced accusations of cultural appropriation and declining revenue, primarily due to sustained protests that began in 2023. Despite attempts to rebrand and enhance security measures, Shouk was unable to overcome the backlash. Co-owner Dennis Friedman expressed his sadness over the closure, marking the end of a business that aimed to celebrate diversity through food.
Washington, D.C. – Shouk, a plant-based kosher street-food chain, has permanently closed its last two locations as of October 2025, following two years of protests and boycotts initiated by anti-Israel activists. The closures mark the end of a business that had previously expanded to five locations and gained recognition for its food offerings.
The protests were spearheaded by the activist group DC for Palestine, which accused Shouk of cultural appropriation of Palestinian cuisine and alleged the owners’ complicity in Israeli apartheid. These claims were firmly rejected by Shouk’s owners, who emphasized their goal of uniting people through food rather than dividing them on the basis of political affiliation.
The first Shouk restaurant to be targeted was in Georgetown, a location particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to Georgetown University and a considerable Muslim demographic. Prior to the escalation of protests on October 7, 2023, Shouk had been experiencing steady business growth; however, the protests caused a sharp decline in revenue, which ultimately led to the decision to shut down the restaurants.
Co-owner Dennis Friedman, a Jewish American, expressed that the sustained protests had been “scary and unnerving” for the staff and the community. Incidents noted during the protests included children chanting political slogans inside the establishment while being filmed by parents for social media. Alongside these demonstrations, acts of vandalism and intimidation tactics were reported, featuring graphic posters displayed prominently outside Shouk locations.
In response to the ongoing harassment, Shouk implemented increased security measures to protect customers and staff, but these efforts proved ineffective in reversing the downturn in business. In an attempt to navigate the challenging environment, the restaurant renamed its offerings, shifting its marketing to emphasize Mediterranean cuisine rather than strictly Israeli fare. Moreover, the branding was updated to include the word “Shouk” in both Arabic and Hebrew, a move designed to reflect inclusivity.
Despite these adjustments, the establishment continued to face backlash and criticism for its perceived cultural appropriation. Shouk’s menu had been described as celebrating a range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, but this did not alleviate the scrutiny it received from protestors.
Shouk’s closure coincided with a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, an event deemed significant within the context of the ongoing tensions in the region. The activist group DC for Palestine proclaimed the restaurant’s shut down a substantial victory for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, citing Shouk’s ties to Israeli identity and the use of certain ingredients in its offerings as central to their opposition.
Friedman expressed deep sadness regarding the closure of Shouk, which he remarked was “near and dear to his heart.” He reflected on the strong relationships built with employees, many of whom had been part of the team since its inception. The chapter closes on a business that sought to celebrate diversity through culinary experiences but was unable to withstand the impact of prolonged protests and public backlash.
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Additional Resources
- Forward
- Wikipedia: Plant-based diet
- Fox Business
- Google Search: Shouk closure Gaza protests
- Washington Jewish Week
- Google Scholar: Shouk restaurants protests
- Bethesda Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions
- Ynet News
- Google News: Shouk restaurant closure
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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