Veselka: Serving Pierogies, Latkes, and the Grand Street Community

The year is 1954. Throughout the country, Americans are navigating the end of segregation after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Brown v Board of Education, vaccinations against polio are being released for the first time, and Elvis Presley’s first record “That’s All Right” hit the airwaves.

On the Lower East Side, Grand Street Settlement was in our 38th year serving immigrant and working families. And just a few blocks up on 2nd Ave and 9th St., Wolodymyr and Olha Darmochwal, a couple who had recently immigrated as Ukrainian refugees, were opening a new restaurant called Veselka.

More than 70 years later, Veselka has become one of the most loved restaurants in the East Village. Today, they serve 7,500 pierogies every day and 5,000 latkes every week. The restaurant has been passed from generation to generation, now operated by Wolodymyr and Olha’s son-in-law, Tom Birchard, and grandson, Jason Birchard.

Tom and Jason have continued Veselka’s deep connection to their Ukrainian heritage, supporting issues important to their homeland. Their work supports the Ukrainian Habitat Fund, the Ukrainian Institute, and the Ukrainian Museum. Along with their charitable efforts, Veselka serves as a cultural hub for their community to gather and share food that reminds them of home.

Through the years, Tom and Jason have also championed causes connected to their New York City roots, remembering the generations of immigrants and families who came to the Lower East Side seeking opportunity and a fresh start. In 2006, their spirit of generosity led them to become a supporting restaurant of Grand Street Settlement’s annual fundraiser, Taste of the Lower East Side.

Twenty-four years later, Veselka holds the distinction of participating in Taste of the Lower East Side more than any other restaurant. Their steady partnership has been at the foundation of uplifting Taste of the Lower East Side’s profile, which is now widely considered one of the best food events in the entire city. This year, Tom and Jason are taking their commitment even further by serving on the event committee to ensure another successful evening.

“Veselka is proud of our continued partnership and support of Grand Street Settlement and Taste of the Lower East Side,” said Jason Brichard. “Supporting organizations that create a positive impact in our community has always been a core value of ours at Veselka. We look forward to supporting Taste and Grand Street for many years to come!”

Each year, restaurants like Veselka help bring Taste of the Lower East Side to life, supporting Grand Street Settlement’s work in early childhood education, youth services, older adult programs, and community initiatives across the Lower East Side and beyond.

Get your tickets to Taste of the Lower East Side and stop by the Veselka booth to get a taste of the family recipes that have made them a cornerstone of the East Village!