“I Was Astonished”: How a Small Bergen County Kebab House Is Being Saved by Its Customers
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Closter NJ, In the heart of Closter, New Jersey, a local treasure was nearly lost to the quiet struggle of the post-pandemic economy. Zendiggi Kebab House, a staple of Persian cuisine in Bergen County for nearly 15 years, recently faced the heartbreaking reality of permanent closure.
However, what happened next is a testament to the power of community. After owner Keivan Tayeb went public with a plea for help, the “neighborhood’s favorite childhood place” saw a massive outpouring of support that has kept the grills firing—at least for now.
The Struggle Behind the Scenes
Despite the restaurant’s reputation for high-quality Persian dishes and house-made sourdough pita, Tayeb revealed that the business had reached a breaking point. Like many local eateries, Zendiggi was hit by a “perfect storm” of economic challenges:
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The Remote Work Effect: A significant drop in the weekday lunch crowd as more professionals work from home.
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Delivery App Fees: High commission rates from third-party services that often “destroy profit entirely.”
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Post-Pandemic Shifts: A permanent change in how often families choose to dine in.
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A Brutal Winter: Unexpected emergencies and a slow season led to falling behind on rent and utility bills.
“I spent days contemplating closing quietly while watching my customers,” Tayeb shared. “The sadness I felt thinking about them being disappointed compelled me to go public with our plea.”
A “Torrent of Love”
Tayeb launched a GoFundMe campaign to give the restaurant one last fighting chance. The response was immediate. Within days, the community raised over $16,000, proving that Zendiggi is much more than just a place to grab a kebab.
For many locals, the restaurant represents a lifetime of memories. Tayeb noted how surreal it is to see children he served a decade ago now walking through the doors as adults with their own spouses.
More Than Just Kebabs: The Future of Zendiggi
The Tayeb family hasn’t just been waiting for help; they’ve been innovating. To adapt to the changing times, Zendiggi Kebab House has expanded its identity to become a cultural hub in Closter, offering:
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A Top-Tier Espresso Bar: Featuring their signature Rose Pistachio Latte.
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Live Music Nights: Transforming the intimate space into a venue for Jazz and indie vocalists.
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Community Partnerships: Working with local PTOs to provide wholesome school lunches.
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Artisanal Baking: Mastering house-made sourdough pitas and fresh breads.
How You Can Help
The fight isn’t over yet. While the fundraiser provided a vital lifeline, the best way to ensure Zendiggi stays open for another 15 years is through consistent local support.
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Visit in Person: Dine-in traffic is the best way to support the business directly without delivery fees.
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Spread the Word: Share their story on social media.
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Try a Special: From giant group platters to their new sourdough creations, there is always something new on the menu.
Visit Zendiggi Kebab House: 📍 Closter, NJ 🌐 Support the GoFundMe here (Search: Zendiggi Kebab House)
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Tags: #BergenCounty #ClosterNJ #SaveLocal #NJDining #PersianCuisine #Zendiggi #CommunityStrong #NorthJerseyEats
