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Delicatessen European Deli provides 'fine eating' in Innisfil (7 photos)

Offering the flavours and foods of Eastern Europe, and more

Timing is everything.

On March 10, Delicatessen European Deli & More opened its doors in the plaza at 945 Innisfil Beach Road, in the heart of Alcona – a bright, clean, friendly store offering a wonderful array of foods primarily from Eastern Europe.

In addition to packaged and prepared foods from Poland, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia – even Portugal, Germany, and Israel – Delicatessen European Deli & More also offers smoked meats and cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, fish, pastries, and a full dairy section, with organic milk, kefir and sour cream.

The deli was all set to offer a “taste of home,” for those whose roots are in Europe, or who have adventurous taste buds.

And then COVID-19 hit.

As a grocery store, Delicatessen European Deli & More was able to stay open, serving the community - but it was a challenge for owner Jenya Rojkova and her staff to get the word out.  

Rojkova, who comes from Russia, and her husband, who is from Belarus, moved to the area in 2016. “We were missing the flavours and the food,” she said – which is why they decided to open a deli.

It wasn't a snap decision. “From the idea and finding the place and renovating, took about a year,” she noted. The result was Delicatessen European Deli, a well-thought-out store that manages to offer an impressive selection of products. 

“It’s a small place, and it’s convenient if you just want a small amount,” said Rojkova, of anything from Macedonian feta cheese, to freshly baked bread, ready-made perogies and pelmeni. “It’s hard to compete with the big stores, like Sobeys. We’re trying to bring something you can’t get in those stores.”

Customers have been delighted to have their favourite brands and Old Country foods available in Innisfil, including “ready-to-eat” dishes prepared locally, hard-to-find cold drinks, fabulous desserts like Rhum Baba, Honey Cake and Vegan gluten-free tarts, and even hard candies available in bulk.

The cheerful staff, masked and gloved to protect against coronavirus, are happy to provide assistance and chat with shoppers.

And through advertising, word-of-mouth and the quality of the products, the Deli has managed not only to survive, but thrive.

Delicatessen European Deli & More is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 to 6 Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call 705-294-7700  or visit the Delicatessen Innisfil Facebook page.

 


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Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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