Culture, Community, and Connection with Tatiana Vilenchuk of Romashka Russian Grocery

Some places feed your body. Others feed your soul.In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, I’m joined by Tatiana Vilenchuk, owner of Romashka, the beloved Eastern European deli that’s become a vibrant hub for food, culture, and connection in our neighborhood.Tatiana is much more than a small business owner—she’s a community builder. As a leader in Columbus’s Russian-speaking community, she’s helped countless immigrants find belonging and support through food, language, art, and tradition. She also runs the Russian Cultural Center and Russian Home Main Street, where she offers Russian language classes, folk dance, art programs, and more—all designed to preserve culture and create community.In this conversation, we explore:The story behind Romashka and what makes it so specialHow food can connect generations and preserve cultural identityTatiana’s passion for helping local immigrants and newcomersThe challenges and rewards of building a mission-driven businessHow she balances entrepreneurship, cultural advocacy, and community leadershipYou’ll also hear about Tatiana’s personal journey—how she brought her dream to life, what drives her to keep going, and how Romashka has grown into a space where everyone, regardless of background, feels at home.If you love stories about food with heart, community with purpose, and business with soul, this episode is one you won’t forget.To learn more, visit RussianHomeMainStreet.comVisit Romashka Russian Deli at 2400 W Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 (614) 389-2001For more information about The Russian Cultural Central and upcoming events please visit https://vilenchuk.wixsite.com/russian-clubAnd stay tuned all month long as Inside Northwest Columbus serves up conversations with the local chefs, makers, and food entrepreneurs who make our city so flavorful.