Recognize the enemy: Russian restaurants and shops still found in Ukraine
Despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and while our defenders are bravely resisting, Russian-owned establishments, including restaurants, stores, and banks, remain operational within the nation. iPress.ua will assist you in identifying which businesses have ties to the aggressor, empowering you to make an informed choice about whether to financially support them.
Yakitoriya
The Yakitoriya restaurant chain is part of the Vesta Center International Restaurant Association, established in 1996 by Oleg Sheykhametov. In 1999, the first affordable Japanese restaurant opened its doors in Moscow. The chain emphasizes providing reasonably priced international cuisine. The inaugural Yakitoriya in Kyiv was established on Lesi Ukrainka Boulevard in 2003. Reportedly, customers initially had to queue outside, and staff received minimal compensation for seating patrons.
Il Patio, Planet Sushi
The Il Patio and Planet Sushi networks are owned by Rosinter, a major restaurant chain operator in Russia. Additionally, Rosinter manages franchises such as TGI Friday’s.
Eurasia
This Japanese restaurant chain is part of the Eurasia Holding restaurant group, founded in 2001 by Oleksiy Fursov. Currently, there are over 130 locations open in cities like St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Kyiv, as well as Kazan.
Yellow Sea
The first restaurant in this chain began operating in Kyiv in 2009. The network traces its beginnings to Moscow around 2000, established by restaurateur Oleksandr Orlov. Orlov also owns Moscow and Tanuki, the latter of which is another informal dining chain with over forty locations across Ukraine and Russia. These establishments all belong to the combined Lite Life restaurant holding. Orlov, together with Sergiy Svetlakov, launched the Eshak restaurant in Kyiv.
Coffee House
This is the largest Russian coffee shop chain. In 2013, a Coffee House employee was criticized for mocking a customer who spoke Ukrainian. It was revealed that company policy dictated employees should only speak Russian with patrons. These rules have since been modified – presently, Coffee House employees are expected to communicate in the language preferred by the customer.
Shokoladnitsa
This Russian cafe chain has branches not just in Russia and Ukraine, but also in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.
Bar-Buffet “Nikolai”
The first location in Kyiv opened in 2010. At present, there are three in the capital. Similar buffets can also be found in Moscow and Tallinn. “Nikolai” specializes in selling pies. The bar’s name honors Mykola Perehudov, a distinguished cellist and People’s Artist of the USSR.
Blinoff
Currently, there are three locations in Kyiv and one in Kharkiv.
Carlo Pazolini
This company was founded by entrepreneur Illei Reznik in 1990. The first retail outlet for the brand was opened on Leninsky Prospekt in Moscow in 1995. Today, Carlo Pazolini stores operate in Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Kazakhstan, as well as the Czech Republic and Italy.
TJ Collection
Although the name sounds English, the company is actually Russian-owned and registered in the UK. It produces goods under the brands TJ Collection, Carnaby, and Chester.
Incity
This Russian mass-market apparel brand is known for recently collaborating with Russian designer Igor Chapurin, who created Smisharykami-themed T-shirts for Incity.
Love Republic
This clothing brand, designed to make young women appear glamorous and dazzling, has featured the Ukrainian group VIA Gra, a favorite musical act among the Russian middle class, as its brand ambassadors.
Gloria Jeans
This Russian enterprise produces affordable denim apparel under the brands Gloria Jeans and Gee Jay and was established in 1988. The brand’s stores first appeared in Ukraine in 2003 (in Odesa). Currently, the company has a factory in Donetsk and enterprises in the Luhansk region.
Ostin
Part of the Sportmaster group, O’stin is a well-liked brand among office professionals. It was launched in 2003.
Sportmaster
This Russian company is involved in the wholesale and retail trade of sporting goods. It operates stores in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan and is a leading sports retailer in Russia and the CIS countries.
Sela
This is a Russian, not Israeli, company that produces clothing for the general public. One of Sela’s major upcoming initiatives includes launching a line of cosmetic products, including a children’s line, as well as a casual wear collection.
Oodji
Previously known as OGGI. Offers inexpensive, vibrant, and trendy apparel, though its durability is questionable, but the prices are low. It operates stores in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Kazakhstan, along with outlets in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Egle
This is clearly a Russian brand, favored for its convenience and known for its water-resistant properties.
Read-city
This is a Russian chain of bookstores, established in 2009. The chain frequently organizes master classes, creative writing workshops, and various engaging activities for children. It relies on federal, or state-level, support.
Crossroads
This is a Russian supermarket chain that has been in operation since 1995. In Ukraine, it acquired the formerly Dutch SPAR chain.
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