In January, a Georgian restaurant, Little Georgia, opened at the UGR (Ukrgas Resource) gas station on the Kyiv-Kharkiv highway, near the Lubny bypass, the operator company told NaftoRynok.
The increasing competition during the winter season is pushing retailers to explore new formats to attract customers. However, this is the first time NaftoRynok has encountered the launch of an ethnic cuisine restaurant in the fuel retail sector.
A Restaurant at a Gas Station
Little Georgia offers visitors a full range of traditional Georgian dishes, including khinkali, khachapuri, kharcho, and shashlik, as well as drinks like tarragon soda and Borjomi mineral water. A kids' menu without spicy seasonings is also available. Additionally, the restaurant plans to introduce traditional breakfasts soon, featuring cheese pancakes (syrnyky), omelets, and more.
Open Kitchen Concept
One of the key features of the restaurant is its pizza oven for khachapuri and a full-scale grill. Both are located inside the establishment in an open kitchen, allowing customers to watch their meals being freshly prepared right in front of them.
«The Georgian restaurant was initially designed as an additional attraction for our gas station. However, we already regret listening to some ‘experts’ and limiting the seating to just 36 places,» the company stated. «Our main priority now is to maintain high-speed service even during peak hours.»
What is Known About UGR?
The UGR gas station near Lubny opened in early 2024 and is considered one of the most modern and high-quality stations on this highway. Located almost halfway between Kyiv and Poltava, it serves as a convenient stop for travelers.
For better visibility, a 12-meter billboard has been installed 2 km from the restaurant on the Kyiv-bound side, while a convenient U-turn is available for those traveling in the opposite direction.
The Lubny bypass UGR station is currently the second highway facility in the UGR network. The company operates six locations in the Poltava region, specializing in the sale of liquefied gas and premium petroleum products from the EU.
Other UGR stations are located in Pyraytyn, Lubny, and Orzhytsia (on the Sumy-Cherkasy highway).
