Ruslan Myronov is a Ukrainian entrepreneur, restaurateur, inventor, and hospitality expert whose career spans more than seventeen years in the restaurant industry. Living and working between Ternopil, Ukraine, and New York City, he has dedicated his professional life to creating successful culinary concepts while introducing authentic Ukrainian cuisine to international audiences. 

For Myronov, gastronomy is much more than food. It is a universal language that connects people, preserves traditions, and serves as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy. His work combines entrepreneurship, innovation, science, and engineering, pr… 

 In addition to running restaurants, you have also contributed to scientific research in food technology. Why is academic work important to you? 

— Innovation should always be supported by knowledge. 
The restaurant industry evolves rapidly, and practical experience alone is not enough. Scientific research allows us to evaluate new technologies, improve production processes, and develop solutions that benefit the entire hospitality sector. 

Writing scientific articles gives me the opportunity to share real-world experience with researchers, educators, and industry professionals. I believe that when business and science work together, they create stronger, more sustainable innovations. 

Your professional achievements have been recognized by several respected organizations. What does it mean to be an Honorary Member of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the International Association of Scientists “Intellectual Leadership,” and the Association of Ukrainian Engineers? 

— I consider these recognitions a great honor, but even more importantly, a responsibility.
Hospitality may seem very different from science or engineering, yet innovation connects them all. Every successful business depends on creativity, research, technology, and continuous improvement. 

Being recognized by these organizations inspires me to keep developing projects that combine entrepreneurship, engineering, education, and cultural diplomacy. It is a reminder that meaningful innovation can emerge from any profession. 

As a member of the Guild of Restaurateurs and the organizer of major culinary festivals, what role do you believe gastronomy plays in shaping a country’s image? 

— Food is one of the most authentic ways to introduce a nation to the world. People may forget statistics or presentations, but they rarely forget a memorable meal or genuine hospitality. 

Every restaurant, every festival, and every traditional recipe tells a story about who we are. Through gastronomy, we preserve our heritage while building bridges between cultures. 

I believe Ukrainian cuisine deserves global recognition, not only because of its unique flavors, but because it reflects the history, resilience, and creativity of our people. 

Today you divide your time between Ukraine and New York. What opportunities do you see in the American market? 

— The United States is one of the world’s most dynamic culinary markets.
People here appreciate authenticity, innovation, and quality. They are curious about new cuisines and open to discovering different cultures. 

That creates tremendous opportunities for Ukrainian gastronomy. I would like to see more Ukrainian restaurants, products, and culinary traditions represented internationally, helping people discover Ukraine through its food. 

What advice would you give entrepreneurs who dream of building an international restaurant brand? 

— Start with a clear purpose. Success is never built on recipes alone. It comes from consistency, strong values, respect for your team, and a willingness to keep learning. 

Don’t be afraid to innovate, but never lose your authenticity. The strongest brands are those that create genuine emotional connections with people. 

When guests remember how you made them feel, they will always come back.
 

Finally, what is your personal mission? 

— My mission is to demonstrate that gastronomy can be a powerful force for positive change. It can preserve traditions, inspire innovation, strengthen communities, and serve as an ambassador for an entire nation. 

I want to continue building projects that unite business, science, technology, and culture while promoting Ukrainian cuisine around the world. 

If my work encourages young entrepreneurs to think bigger, inspires chefs to innovate, or helps more people discover Ukraine through its culinary heritage, then I know I am moving in the right direction. 

Because in the end, great food does more than satisfy hunger—it brings people together, creates understanding, and leaves a lasting impression that no words can fully express.

Natalia Nesterova
Photo from the archive of Ruslan Myronov