I recently attended a highly anticipated event at Brotherhood Synagogue in Gramercy titled “From Kibbutz to NYC Restaurant Empire: An Evening with Chef Guy Vaknin,” held on September 12. The evening was a captivating journey through Chef Vaknin’s transformative career as he shared his remarkable story.
Chef Guy Vaknin was born in Sderot, Israel, and spent his formative years in Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz or HaNer. These communities were severely impacted by Hamas attacks on October 7, adding a poignant layer to his narrative. Growing up in a large Moroccan Jewish family, Vaknin was immersed in the culinary traditions of his heritage, learning to cook from his mother and grandmothers, where food was central to family life.
In the 1990s, Vaknin’s parents divorced, and his father moved to New York, establishing a series of Glatt kosher restaurants under the Village Crown name. After completing his military service in 2005, Vaknin moved to New York to join his father.
Originally, Vaknin came to New York with plans to study computer science, but his passion for cooking soon redirected his path. He enrolled in culinary school and in 2012 opened Beyond Sushi, a vegan and kosher restaurant that quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to plant-based sushi. Vaknin’s decision to adopt veganism was driven by both personal inspiration and his wife Tali’s vegetarian lifestyle.
During the event, Vaknin reflected on his journey from his early experiences on a kibbutz, where he developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and food, to his current role as a leading figure in New York City’s plant-based dining scene. His restaurants—Beyond Sushi, Willow, Coletta, Anixi, and Sentir—are celebrated for their focus on plant-based cuisine and environmental sustainability.
Vaknin’s culinary empire, City Roots Hospitality, started with Beyond Sushi and has since expanded to include a diverse range of restaurants. Willow offers modern vegan comfort food in Chelsea, Coletta presents plant-based Italian classics in Gramercy, Anixi serves Mediterranean dishes in Chelsea, and Sentir explores vibrant Mexican cuisine in Flatiron.
Chef Vaknin is also planning to open two new vegan and kosher eateries in New York and two more next year, each representing different cuisines. He shared that his motivation comes from a desire to continuously learn and explore new culinary techniques. One of his upcoming ventures includes a dessert bakery in Williamsburg, where he plans to empower his team members to lead the project.
Vaknin’s success is not just about immediate achievements but about building a business with long-term sustainability. He emphasized that true success lies in longevity and the consistent ability to innovate and adapt.
His influence extends beyond the kitchen, having appeared on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen in 2012 and securing a major deal on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2018. Chef Vaknin’s story—from a kibbutz in Israel to a thriving restaurant empire in New York—demonstrates his passion, resilience, and dedication to transforming the culinary world with a focus on health, sustainability, and flavor.
Chef Guy Vaknin’s journey from a kibbutz in Israel to building a thriving restaurant empire in New York is a remarkable tale of passion, resilience, and innovation. His deep-rooted connection to food, shaped by family traditions and an agricultural upbringing, has evolved into a groundbreaking approach to plant-based dining. Through City Roots Hospitality, Chef Guy is not only serving exceptional food but also fostering a movement towards sustainability and mindful eating. His commitment to transforming the way we think about food—focusing on health, the environment, and the power of flavors—continues to reshape the culinary landscape in New York City and beyond. Chef Guy Vaknin’s story is an inspiring reminder that food has the power to create positive change, one plate at a time.
For more information on venue rentals or catering services, contact City Roots Hospitality via email at catering@cityrootsnyc.com.
Restaurant Locations:
- Anixi: A Mediterranean brasserie in Chelsea offering vibrant flavors from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. Location: 290 8th Ave., New York, NY 10001
- Coletta: Vegan and kosher Italian dining in Gramercy, featuring pizzas, pastas, and more. Location: 365 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10016
- Willow: A contemporary vegan bistro in Chelsea serving classic American comfort food with a modern twist. Location: 199 8th Ave., New York, NY 10011
- Beyond Sushi: A vegan and kosher restaurant known for its creative sushi and globally inspired dishes. Location: 134 W 37th St., New York, NY 10018
- Sentir: A vibrant exploration of Mexican cuisine located in Flatiron. Location: 37 W 19th St., New York, NY 10011
All of Chef Vaknin’s restaurants are certified kosher by the International Kosher Council.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
