From Ukraine with Love:

Our Journey of Food, Unity, and Hope

Our journey began in February 2022, when the war in Ukraine shattered lives and brought thousands of newcomers to Canada. Seeing their struggles, we knew we had to help.

In April 2022, we opened a donation center in Edmonton, providing essentials for Ukrainian newcomers. These newcomers, once recipients of help, started coming back as volunteers. Their generosity and resilience inspired us. They shared their talents, culture, and passion for Ukrainian food.

In January 2023, with the help of First Nation Chef Matthew Potts, we launched our first Ukrainian kitchen pop-up at Edmonton's oldest country saloon. Canadians fell in love with the authentic flavours—selling out of varenyky (perogies), cabbage rolls, and borshch in a single day!

In June 2023, with Scott Kelly’s support, we opened our first dedicated kitchen space at Butchers & Packers, marking a turning point in our journey.

The momentum kept growing. By June 2024, our products were featured in the Italian Centre Shop, making us the first Ukrainian Kitchen in Canada, run entirely by Ukrainian newcomers, to enter the retail market.

In January 2025, we proudly opened our own manufacturing space that doubles as a retail cafe, bringing our award-winning Ukrainian flavours to a wider audience.

In April 2025, we expanded to our first downtown Edmonton cafe.. Our food continues to unite communities, support newcomers, and showcase the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our team.

Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our retail presence across Canada, growing our network of cafe locations, and partnering with investors who share our vision of cultural connection through food. We aim to continue blending heart and business strategy, creating spaces where people can gather, share stories, and experience authentic Ukrainian cuisine.

With every dish we serve, we’re building bridges between cultures and creating opportunities for newcomers to thrive in their new home. Our ultimate goal is simple yet powerful: to share peace through perogies, one plate at a time.

DON'YA UKRAINE'S KITCHEN

TEAM

"Meet our team: more than just colleagues, we are a family. We support one another, craft beautiful dishes, and celebrate authentic flavors. Through food, we bring peace and foster community, sharing our passion with every bite. Each member brings their unique palette, perspective, and personality, making our kitchen as diverse and vibrant as the dishes we create."

Janice Krissa

Co-Founder & CEO

Jorgia Moore

Co-Founder & COO

Nataliia Vynohradova

Kitchen Manager

Angelina Shkykava

Inventory Manager

Anna Kachmar

Creative Director

Elia Brusevych

Quality Control Manager

Mariia Tymchyna

Cook

Mariia Kushakova

Graphic & Web Designer

Brad Smoliak

Mentor Chef

DON'YA UKRAINE'S KITCHEN

Recognitions

Square 50 Most Impactful Companies Worldwide 2024 - Community Category

Tomato Top 100 Best Food & Drink 2024 - Carpathian Cabbage Rolls

Tomato Top 100 Best Food & Drink 2025 - MEAT Brisket Perogies

SAIT Distinguished Alumni Award 2023 - Janice Krissa

EDIFY Emerging Leader 2025 - Jorgia Moore

CFR Chili Cookoff - Third Place for Chili Filled Perogies

As seen on: PBS Food's "Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana"