K A S H R U T . C O M_©

November 8, 2026 from the Matzav.cm:

"A troubling kashrus incident has emerged from last week’s Omer Adam concerts at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, where numerous Orthodox Jewish attendees reportedly purchased food from a Miznon concession stand without realizing that the location was not kosher certified.

"The confusion arose because Miznon operates a popular kosher restaurant in Manhattan’s Times Square, leading some concertgoers to assume that the chain’s Barclays Center location maintained the same kashrus standards.

"However, the Miznon stand at Barclays Center, situated on the arena’s main concourse near Section 22, has no kosher certification, despite sharing its name and branding with the kosher establishment in Times Square.

"The issue came to light following performances by Israeli singer Omer Adam on Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 3, which attracted large crowds of Jewish attendees, including many Orthodox families.

"Frum attendees observed substantial lines at the Miznon concession stand, with numerous visibly Orthodox Jews purchasing food. When a concertgoer was asked about the kashrus of the establishment, she explained that she regularly ate at a Miznon restaurant near her home in Manhattan and had assumed that the Barclays Center location was kosher as well.

"The incident has raised concerns that other customers may have made the same assumption and unknowingly consumed food from a restaurant operating without kosher supervision.

"Although sources describe numerous Orthodox customers purchasing food, the precise number who actually ate it without realizing the establishment was not certified has not been independently established.

"Miznon, an Israeli restaurant chain known for its pita sandwiches and other Mediterranean dishes, operates numerous locations internationally. However, kosher certification is not uniform across the chain.

"In New York City, the Miznon restaurant at 1410 Broadway in Times Square is the only location operating under kosher certification. That establishment has been certified since January 2024 and is under the supervision of Rabbi Aaron D. Mehlman of National Kosher Supervision. It maintains glatt kosher and pas Yisroel standards, with a mashgiach temidi on the premises.

"Other Miznon establishments in Manhattan, including those at Chelsea Market, The Hugh, Hudson Yards, and Rockefeller Center, are not kosher certified.

"The Barclays Center concession stand opened earlier this year as Miznon’s first location inside a major sports and entertainment arena. Its presence at a venue hosting a major Israeli performer appears to have contributed to the confusion among attendees who recognized the restaurant’s name.

"The matter has also reportedly been brought to the attention of the rabbi responsible for supervising Miznon’s kosher Times Square restaurant.

"The incident has prompted calls for clearer labeling at restaurant chains that operate both kosher and non-kosher branches, particularly when the establishments share identical branding.

"Those raising concerns have suggested that prominent notices identifying locations without kosher certification could help prevent customers from mistakenly relying on the supervision of another branch.

"There is a kosher dining option inside Barclays Center. Smash House operates a dedicated kosher kitchen in the arena’s 100-level section under Tartikov supervision, offering burgers and other food during sporting events and concerts.

"The Miznon chain also has a kosher-certified establishment at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, operating under OU supervision. That certification, like the supervision of the Times Square restaurant, applies specifically to the individual location.

"The episode serves as a reminder that a restaurant’s familiar name, Israeli ownership, or kosher certification at another branch does not establish the kashrus status of a particular establishment. Consumers must verify the certification of the location where they are purchasing food."

Ed. note: Check the kosher status of a restaurant before ordering.