Hello and welcome back to Meet the Chefs! This is our first podcast from New York City as I sit down with Jason Birchard, the owner of Veselka. He is the third generation owner of the now famous Ukrainian restaurant that first opened in 1954 and this is a fascinating chat about all things New York, Ukrainian food, and of course how the war has impacted the business and his staff. Enjoy!
Thanks again to Jason for having me and to you all for listening, be sure to head over to the website and the Instagram for more and subscribe so that you never miss an episode of Meet the Chefs!
Timestamps:
Introduction to Veselka (00:00:00)
The host introduces Veselka, a Ukrainian diner established in 1954, and its owner, Jason, as the third-generation proprietor. They discuss the diner's history and the culture of New York City.
Jason's Background and Early Years (00:01:12)
Jason shares his experience working in the family business since his teenage years, studying economics, and his internship in finance. He also discusses his decision to return to work in the family business in 1989.
Adapting to Changes and Expanding (00:04:07)
Jason talks about the changes made to Veselka's operations, including extending business hours and his experiences working in the diverse and vibrant New York City neighborhood.
Neighbourhood and Community (00:08:07)
Jason discusses the unique aspects of the neighborhood, the challenges faced during the 1970s and 1980s, and the impact of gentrification on the area.
Evolution of the Restaurant (00:10:31)
Jason talks about the evolution of the restaurant's menu, expansion to other locations, and the challenges faced when attempting to upscale the comfort food.
Business Challenges and Innovations (00:16:21)
Jason discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the business, including the introduction of at-home business through partnerships and e-commerce platforms.
Support for Ukraine during the War (00:19:10)
Jason shares the immediate impact of the war in Ukraine, the surge of support from the community, and the initiatives undertaken by Veselka to contribute to humanitarian relief efforts.
Continued Support for Ukraine (00:22:09)
Jason discusses the ongoing efforts to support Ukraine, including earmarking sales for humanitarian relief and partnering with organizations to aid children affected by the war.
Ukrainian Community in New York (00:24:59)
The impact of the conflict on the Ukrainian community in New York and the acceptance of refugees.
Ukrainian Comfort Food (00:26:08)
The significance of Ukrainian food as comfort food and its role in connecting people from different backgrounds.
Defining Ukrainian Dishes (00:27:14)
Description of traditional Ukrainian dishes like borscht, pierogies, and stuffed cabbage.
Dream Dinner Party (00:28:42)
Guests for a dream dinner party and the significance of family and heritage in the context of the business.
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