Small Business Spotlight: Kramarczuk's

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

Mike Gordienko

Are you desiring some great sausage, pierogies, rye bread and other Eastern European delicacies? We went to the local source – Kramarczuk’s – and met with Mike Gordienko, co-owner, to learn more about their fundraising efforts for Ukraine and to pick up some good eats. The Ukrainian Cookie is very good – order a dozen or two for your family, friends or co-workers.

Q:  I read about your fundraising for Ukraine. Please tell us about your Ukrainian Cookies.

A:  We will continue to sell our Ukrainian Cookies (sugar cookie decorated with the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag) for $3.00 each. We will donate all the proceeds from the sales of these cookies to a yet undetermined fund. If you want to order a dozen or more cookies, please call us and we can prepare for large orders. We are working with the Ukrainian community to find the most appropriate charity/fund to send these proceeds to. We are also accepting cash donations and have links on our website to other ways to donate – also listed below: 

WAYS TO SUPPORT UKRAINE

• Special fund at the National Bank of Ukraine
• NGO that arranges life-saving equipment for Ukrainian soldiers
• Hospitallers working at the frontline
• Ukrainian Women’s Veteran Movement
• NGO that assists internal refugees
• NGO that aids traumatized children
• Foundation that assists healthcare and education in eastern Ukraine

Q:  For someone visiting your restaurant and store for the first time, what would you suggest they try?

A:  For the retail store, for a first time visitor, I would suggest our Polish, Ukrainian and Krakowska sausages. These three products are the foundation of the business. We have many other varieties as well, but to get a sense of what built the business those three are the main ones. An employee favorite is the bacon jalepeno cream cheese brat. Our traditional cooked brat is also a customer favorite here and at Target Field. To accompany whatever brat or sausage you choose, our brat buns are a must. Top it off with our homemade sauerkraut (which has bits of our Polish sausage in it). We also have a wonderful bakery and I would suggest our Polish Rye bread and any variety of our kolachi, which is like a Danish. In the restaurant side of the business, a must is the cabbage rolls and pierogi. All the wonderful soups are made in house from scratch. 

Q:  What is the best way to follow your food and fundraising news?

A:  The best way to follow us is on Facebook. Please tell your readers to come and visit us at  215 E. Hennepin Avenue.