GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- A Ukrainian family is trying to make ends meet with the opening of their new business at the Bay Park Square Mall.
Owners Tetiana Brus and Vasyl Ryabiy are hoping to bring a taste of Europe to Green Bay. Their new business "Taste It: French Hot Dog and Treats" opened in early December.
"It was my dream to sell something, to make it perfect and bring our culture to the United States, you know?" Brus said.
The Ukrainian natives are serving up sweets like European cakes, macaroons and even French hot dogs in an effort to make ends meet, while also introducing Americans to new food.
Much of the food comes straight from Europe, while other treats are made here in the U.S. So far, they've all been a hit with customers.
"They just [go], 'Oh my gosh, what is this? We've never tried it before, just explain,'" Brus said.
The married couple has lived in the United States for several years now, but just moved to Northeast Wisconsin about a year ago. However, a new business in Green Bay wasn't originally these entrepreneurs' plan. They were supposed to move back to Ukraine in 2022.
The ongoing war in their home country changed their plans, keeping them in the U.S., which eventually lead to the opening of Taste It. They said it was the best decision for their children.
"Just to be safe and save our children, we just decided to stay here a little bit longer," Ryabiy said.
"We can't bring our kids where it's everyday bombing. That's not a life," Brus added.
Ryabiy and Brus haven't been back to Ukraine in more than five years, but the war is something their extended family deals with on a daily basis.
"They still can see the rockets and the drones fly by," Ryabiy said.
While it's hard for this couple to be so far away from family, they feel happy and safe in Green Bay, and they're hoping "Taste It" takes off.
"It's so beautiful here and I like here and people so good," Brus said.
If you're interested in stopping by "Taste It" they're located in the south end of Bay Park Square near Steinhafels Furniture.