Our restaurant has a "pay-what-you-can" philosophy. Great food. And an inclusive vibe.

About Gather55

Gather55 harnesses the power of delicious food to connect diverse communities through a restaurant with an inclusive vibe where all can gather regardless of ability to pay. Gather55 is a Hands On Hartford initiative and part of Hands On Hartford’s commitment to serve neighbors, engage volunteers and connect communities in the Hartford area.

 

More about Hands on Hartford.

Featured Chef - Chef Roi Graber, of Gveenah

I was born in Israel, and my journey with food began at the age of 10. When my parents divorced, I realized my dad didn’t know how to cook, so I took it upon myself to start preparing meals whenever I stayed with him. While attending university in the northern part of Israel with my girlfriend at the time—who later became my wife—I needed a way to support myself.

One day, I noticed that the area we lived in didn’t have any good pizza places. That’s when inspiration struck. I bought an oven and started making pizzas in the yard outside my house. Word about our pizzas spread quickly, and before long, we were overwhelmed with takeout orders and deliveries. It soon became clear that we needed a proper space to cook. We rented a small location, and that’s how our first restaurant, Cheese, was born.

Then came October 7, a day that changed everything. Living in the northern part of Israel at the time, we were forced to evacuate. Thankfully, we had family in this area who welcomed us with open arms. The community here has been nothing short of incredible, embracing us wholeheartedly.

Since I arrived here in November 2024, I’ve been given so much. Now, I have the chance to give back while sharing my passion for Mediterranean fusion cuisine. When people learned that I’m a chef, they encouraged me to open a kosher restaurant to serve the community. That’s how Gveenah (the Hebrew word for cheese) came to life at the start of this year—a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.

It’s been a wonderful adventure so far, and I’m thrilled to share my Mediterranean fusion cuisine with all of you.

 

 

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Directions

Hands on Hartford's

Center for Community

55 Bartholomew Avenue

in the
Parkville neighborhood
of Hartford, Connecticut.

Click for Directions