Avner Sharoni, owner of Tempo restaurant in Encino, died April 13 at the age of 49.
In 1977, Sharoni, then a 24-year-old Israeli, moved to Los Angeles after he served in the Israel Defense Force. He bought Art’s International Sidewalk Cafe and within a few weeks, had added hummus and pita to the menu and changed the name to Tempo, after the popular Israeli soda.
"For 25 years, Tempo restaurant has been, and still is, the place and central heart of the Israeli community in Los Angeles," said his wife.
"Avner was a man with lots of charisma and energy and many dreams to achieve," his family says. "He was a hard-working man with many ambitions. He had a vision to create a restaurant that would symbolize and present his own feelings for Israel; a restaurant that would encompass food and atmosphere, and be a place of gathering for Israelis to feel close to Israel.
"He helped with all his heart and never wanted anything in return. This was a man who believed in giving to others and making the world a better place.
"Avner lived his life in high spirits and this is how he would want to be remembered and loved forever."
He is survived by his wife, Gilli; son, Dellon; daughter, Vittal; brother, Ygal (Debi); sister, Dorit (Ronnie); parents, Haviv and Dalia; parents-in-law, Yehuda and Relly; cousins, Itzik and Rikki; and many nieces and nephews in the United States and Israel. — The Sharoni Family
The Jewish Journal staff mourn his passing and wish to express their condolences to his family.
