Caffe Aronne owner Aaron Dahan says suppliers stepped up after anti-Israel baristas walked out, dona

May 2024 · 5 minute read

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The Jewish owner of an Upper East Side coffee shop that had baristas walk out earlier this week over its pro-Israel stance said he has received overwhelming support from non-Jewish customers and his manufacturers, which sent him free shipments of coffee beans and cups to show that they stand behind the store.

Caffe Aronne owner Aaron Dahan — who had five baristas quit at the Upper East Side location — said many of his suppliers, such as Long Island-based Avco Industries, reached out with their own offers of help after hearing about how the local Jewish community stepped up by volunteering shifts and lining up to buy coffee.

“Our cup producers, a religious Christian family from Long Island, they said, ‘Don’t argue with us. We’re sending a truck only to you with cups. We’re not charging you for it,'” Dahan, 25, revealed to The Post Wednesday.

He said he also received a call from his bean supplier Stack Street Coffee Roasters, which is located in upstate New York.

“Our coffee roaster upstate, he called me yesterday – ‘I’m at a conference in Indianapolis, but I called the roastery. They’re roasting ten new batches and sending it straight to you.”

Its milk supplier, Okeda – whose headquarters are located in the city and have a farm upstate – also sent their support, telling Dahan: “We saw the news this morning. We’re with you. We’re on your side.”

Aaron Dahan standing outside the coffee shop with lines of people behind him. Robert Miller

On Tuesday, two baristas walked off the job when Dahan tried to confront them about the Free Palestine pins that they were wearing to work — becoming the latest staffers to quit since the cafe began displaying an Israeli flag and fundraising to help Magen David Adom — the Israeli Red Cross — in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

But when word spread to the local Jewish community about his staffing woes, patrons moved by Dagan’s unwavering support of Israel began lining up along Lexington Avenue and East 71st Street waiting for a hot cup of joe.

Dahan said around 1,700 customers flooded into the cafe Tuesday, compared to the 300 it would get on a normal day.

“Lots of people put in orders and didn’t take anything or they bought gift cards,” Dahan said. 

Shortly after the news spread like wildfire, the shop was overwhelmed by customers lining up along Lexington Avenue and East 71st Street waiting for a hot cup of joe and a big tip of support — which has carried on into today. Robert Miller

The overwhelming support helped the cafe haul in $25,000 in a single day.

On Wednesday morning, around 50 people were lined up around the block to purchase coffee and a local woman dropped off boxes of Granolachik, a kosher granola, for free.

Dahan said non-Jewish supporters are also coming out in waves to purchase menu items.

“They’re just saying, ‘We’re in New York. We know terror. We know there is evil in the world, and the only way to combat that evil is through love and unity,'” Dahan said. “I’ve heard that a dozen times today, and every time I hear it it makes my hair stand every time.”

An Israeli refugee, Shira Bekel, 22, has even offered her services, jumping behind the bar to serve people.

Bekel arrived to the city Wednesday morning after fleeing the country when a missile from Gaza destroyed her apartment in Tel Aviv.

Many of the supporters are holding Israel’s flag as they stand in line. Matthew McDermott

“I’m staying with a friend while I look for a sublet. When I landed this morning, I saw the article on Facebook that said two baristas stopped working because of the situation. I thought I’d come and help out. I know how to make coffee, and I know the owner supports my country and my people,” she told The Post.

Jewish-American, Lindsay Padover, 32, who lives in the neighborhood, said she waited in line for an hour Wednesday, saying she was “proud that people are continuing to come and show their support.”

“I was here earlier and saw the line, and thought I’d come later and it would be shorter. When I came back, it was longer. It’s really heartwarming to see the support at a time when you feel like the world’s against you, to see everyone coming out in droves.”

Israeli, Chavi Miller, 60, who was a little girl during the Six Day War, prays that Jews “continue to remain united.”

Dahan said non-Jewish supporters are also coming out in waves to purchase menu items, telling him that they are using love and unity to combat evil. Matthew McDermott

“It’s been a long time since I was in the army, but at least I can be here.”

In addition, the shop’s supplier, Long Island-based Avco Industries, and its bean supplier Stack Street Coffee Roasters, located Upstate, have sent Caffe Aronne free supplies after hearing the news.

Jewish-American, Lindsay Padover, 32, who lives in the neighborhood, said she waited in line for an hour Wednesday, saying she was “proud that people are continuing to come and show their support.”
Israeli, Chavi Miller, 60, who was a little girl during the Six Day War, prays that Jews “continue to remain united.” She said: “It’s been a long time since I was in the army, but at least I can be here.”
Dahan’s mother Peggy (left) has been working in the store since yesterday after her son called to tell her to shut it down as he was at an event. She refused, quickly learning how to work a cash register and pour cold brew. Robert Miller

Comedian Michael Rapaport, who lives on the Upper East Side, also showed support by sharing The Post’s front page – which features Dahan’s business – on his Instagram story.

It was reposted by Jerry Seinfeld’s wife Jessica, who also posted a photo of the line outside the business Wednesday.

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