When you dream of Europe but don't have time to travel, there's no need to be upset. In the very heart of Ohio, in the town of Berlin, there's a true corner of Ukrainian hospitality — the SoloWay restaurant. This place has become a haven for local Ukrainians and everyone eager to feel the warmth of their native culture.
The establishment is the result of inspiration and joint efforts of the Tkachuk family, who moved to the USA from Rivne two years ago. All family members took part in opening the restaurant: father Ivan Tkachuk, mother Zlata Tkachuk, eldest daughter Solomiya, and son Roman. Already four months ago, SoloWay became part of the local community, offering its guests genuine Ukrainian hospitality and a homey atmosphere.
Solomiya Tkachuk, who actively assists with the family business, shared the story of creating SoloWay. "My parents, brother, and I never planned to open a restaurant. It's not what we did in Ukraine," — explains Solomiya. The idea to open a restaurant arose unexpectedly when the family saw a rental property in Berlin, Ohio. "We were passing through Berlin, even though we live in another town — Walnut Creek. We saw a nice location and thought: why not give it a try?" — she recalls. After a conversation with the property owner, the family decided to take a risk. "We realized we liked the owner, and we decided: we're opening!"
The opening process turned out to be more complicated than they initially thought. "We thought everything would be quick — one or two months, and we would be open. But it took longer because of paperwork, planning. We even made some furniture ourselves," — shares Solomiya. They also decided to emphasize the patriotic spirit of the establishment by adding bright blue-yellow accents and elements of Ukrainian culture on the walls.
One of the most proud features of the place is a unique installation on the wall in the form of a Ukrainian embroidered shirt (vyshyvanka). "We wanted our culture to be reflected in the interior, so we decided to create a symbolic embroidered shirt installation," — explains Solomiya. For Ukrainians, vyshyvanka is not just clothing, but a symbol of their genetic code, conveying traditions and history from generation to generation. This installation at SoloWay reminds everyone who enters of their connection to the native land and the importance of preserving national identity.
Within four months of its existence, SoloWay has already become a favorite place for many. "We wanted to create a place where people can feel at home, even abroad," — says Solomiya.
Solomiya also shared about her studies and adaptation in the USA. "I am attending high school, 12th grade. I’ve been here for three years now. At first, school seemed easier than in Ukraine, but now there's a lot of workload and homework," — admits the girl. Despite her busy studies, Solomiya actively helps her family: "I manage social media, advertising, and even complete documents for the restaurant. Sometimes I have to do everything at once."
At SoloWay, they offer a wide selection of Ukrainian dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. You can enjoy classic borscht, various types of varenyky (with potatoes, cheese, or cabbage), деруни (potato pancakes) with sour cream, and stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and rice. There’s also homemade sausage, Carpathian pilaf, and baked potatoes. For dessert, they serve nalysnyky with sweet cheese, honey cake, and meringues. You can order homemade compote or lemonade to accompany your meal.
SoloWay — це не тільки про їжу, це про зв’язок з рідною культурою. Заклад став місцем, де українці можуть зібратися разом і відчути себе частиною великої громади, де панує справжнє українське тепло.
Завітайте до SoloWay у Берліні, Огайо, і ви зрозумієте, що дім — це там, де є рідні люди, смачна їжа та душевна атмосфера.
