Leedskosherfoodoutlettransfersownership

LEEDS GOURMET Foods, managed for over a century by Etz Chaim Synagogue members, is now under new management: Yankees Meats Leeds.

Etz Chaim president Malcolm Taylor said: “Times change and we need to change with them to ensure a positive future for Gourmet.”

Etz Chaim members belong to the Leeds Jewish Workers Co-operative (LJW) which owns Gourmet Foods, and for over 100 years the Alwoodley business has been managed by a members’ committee but, “this model of management is no longer as effective as it once was,” said Hilton Lorie, LJW’s president.

Together with Etz Chaim, the LJW has formed an alliance with Manchester-based kosher butcher Yanki Sonnenschein.

Already a familiar face with Gourmet customers, he runs Yankees Glatt Butcher in Prestwich.

Mr Lorie insists that “we are not selling the business and the Gourmet name to him outright. He will operate the enterprise for the LJW.”

Historically LJW has donated its profits to Etz Chaim, a donation which has contributed to keeping members’ fees at the lowest possible level, explained Mr Taylor.

“In practice, the business will operate as a franchise, with the shop’s staff and stock transferring to the new operator. All staff enjoy employment protection, so customers will continue to see the same faces that cater for their needs.”

Mr Taylor said LJW will continue in existence, as will the Gourmet name and brand. “I can assure members that Mr Lorie and I, supported by shul trustees, have negotiated a fair deal which protects the interests of members, but will offer rewards to the franchise holder as the business prospers.”

Mr Sonnenschein said: “My interest is in bringing more competitive prices to Leeds. Apart from making Gourmet more competitive I hope to introduce further meat products, as well as expand the grocery section, but I’m currently focusing on the business’s meat and poultry side.”

The shop employs 10 staff, and is located a short distance from Etz Chaim. The city’s 7,000 Jews are served by two other kosher outlets, the Street Lane Bakery and Myers Famous Kosherie, both of which are also under the inspection of Leeds Beth Din and the Kashrut Authority.