Ukrainian owners of Bethlehem Deli have increased business .

And support since Russia invaded their homeland.

Milana Shparber, like most mornings at Black Forest Deli’s, skillfully juggled several dishes at different stages of preparation for her customers.

As Shparber collected the ingredients for the stuffed cabbage, the air was filled with the scent of plum, cherry, and apricot riffles in an oven.

These days, she has to prepare more food. Sharper, an immigrant from Ukraine, has opened a popular West Bethlehem deli.

Sharper stated, “This community is amazing.”

Victoria Shparber said that hundreds of customers had left messages, phone calls, and comments on the Facebook page asking for help.

“The support we are receiving is difficult to describe and very touching. Victoria Shparber expressed her gratitude to everyone who reached out to us.

They emigrated from Kyiv 25 years ago and opened their deli in West Bethlehem at Seventh Avenue & Union Boulevard. Their food is all made from scratch. While you can find American favourites on the menu, many customers prefer authentic dishes from their home country.

Ukrainian borsch is a popular soup made mostly from cabbage and beets. It is served with sour cream and fresh herbs. It can be chilled in the summer. The deli’s famous pierogies, completely handcrafted and come in a range of sweet and savoury flavours, have gained wide popularity. The restaurant also hosts multiple-course Kyiv dinners that pay tribute to their hometown and include food such as Salukis (Salukis), meat or sauerkraut piroshkis (hand pies).

Mother-daughter duo has many extended friends and family back in Ukraine. They were devastated when they heard that Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

Milana Shparber stated, “I couldn’t believe it.” “I was crying.”

While some of their family members and friends remained in Ukraine, others fled to Poland. It wasn’t easy to contact them to confirm their safety.

She said that “a lot of people are suffering over here.” It is a horrible situation.

Regular customers contacted them to check on their health as the invasion progressed. They received messages from their customers on Facebook, such as “Thank you ladies!” Glory to Ukraine from the third generation Ukrainian! and “If anyone is taking donations for Ukraine, I might be able to donate some medical supplies.”

Potato and cheese perogies are on display Tuesday, April 12, 2024, at The Black Forest Deli in Bethlehem. Milana Shparber, owner of the deli, has seen a swell of support from the community and a rush of customers. (Rick Kintzel/The Morning Call)

The restaurant raised funds to support Ukrainian families by selling knitted hair ties and art-themed “I Love You To Peaces”.

Victoria Shparber stated, “We are sending money to families or to friends directly. We recently discovered that our local doctors are going to be there to help. Some of the proceeds will go towards them to buy medical supplies and equipment.”

Their customers supported them, who continued to come back to them and enjoy authentic Ukrainian food.

Victoria Shparber stated, “It’s nice for the community to pull together when something such as this happens.” It shows humanity, and we are grateful for it.