San Francisco's only kosher market to close

Owner cites expense and slowing business in decision to shut down

JTA — The owner of San Francisco’s only kosher market says she is closing her doors.

Israel’s Strictly Kosher Market, which opened its doors 65 years ago, will close in March, owner Faina Avrutina told the J weekly. Avrutina has been running the shop for the past 10 years. The store has belonged to her family for the last two generations, according to the newspaper.

The store’s lease came up for renewal this month, and Avrutina decided not to renew it, telling the J weekly that the store is too expensive to run and that business has been slow for some time.

Kosher consumers in San Francisco can purchase kosher products and kosher meat at local stores including Costco and Trader Joe’s, according to the article. There has also been a rise in kosher meat-buying clubs in the Bay Area.

Avrutina, who is known for giving out free food to children and to families in need, told J weekly she will continue to cater for life-cycle events.