Olesya's Kitchen begins community investment drive

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Olesya's Kitchen, located at 908 25th Street in Columbus, is the only Ukrainian restaurant in Indiana. The eatery began as a garage catering business and gradually became a sit-down restaurant five years ago.   

In 2022, Oksana Bondar took over ownership, and her son, Ivan Bondar, became the manager of the operation. Ivan came to America as an exchange student from Ukraine and graduated from Columbus East High School. A short time later, Oksana followed him to Columbus. Their restaurant, Olesya's Kitchen, has been a part of the Columbus community for the past four years.   

Olesya's Kitchen recently launched a community investment drive campaign, and there are three ways you can make a difference:    

• Support Ukraine - 10% of everything raised goes directly to Ukrainian relief organizations supporting people on the ground who need it most. (10% of everything raised will go directly towards the NovaUkraine relief organization)
• Buy Olesya's Kitchen Merchandise - The merch line is rooted in Ukrainian culture and the identity of Olesya's; the Borscht Believer Club shirts and hats are made to start conversations
• VareniGo - a new crowdfunding venture; a monthly subscription box of hand-made Ukrainian vareniky, made at Olesya's Kitchen and shipped to your door; early backers get first access and a founding subscriber rate  

For more information about the new Olesya's Kitchen community investment drive, visit gofundme.com/f/community-investment-drive-for-olesyas-kitchen  or call 812-379-3395.