Syrne Korolivstvo («Cheese Kingdom»), a Ukrainian chain specialising in cheeses from around the world, is suspending operations after losing 60% of its shops during the full-scale war, co-owner Liubov Nikolaieva told LIGA.net.
The chain has more than halved
Before the full-scale war, the chain had 84 shops across Ukraine, both company-owned and franchised. In 2026, it shrank by more than half.
According to Nikolaieva, the current closure is driven by security concerns.
«We cannot ensure safety for our guests and staff», she explains.
Most of the chain’s outlets were located in Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, the cities currently hit hardest by russian forces.
Developing the chain and keeping staff and partners engaged in the idea of atmospheric shops has also become impossible, the co-owner stresses.
«The decision to close was forced on us. We are not leaving for good — we are suspending the company’s operations», Liubov Nikolaieva said.
Partner shops of Syrne Korolivstvo will continue to operate in western regions.
15 years of cheese culture
The chain was built over the past 15 years and sold more than 100 types of cheese, mostly authentic Dutch cheeses such as various Goudas, as well as classic cheeses from France, Switzerland, Italy and other European countries.
«We are the founders of cheese culture in Ukraine. Over 15 years, we created not only a strong brand but also the largest chain of cheese shops», Nikolaieva stressed.
Not only in Ukraine but in Europe: the largest chain in the Netherlands has 22 shops, while Syrne Korolivstvo had 84 in 2021.
«Syrne Korolivstvo sold not just cheese, but experiences, gourmet enjoyment and a taste of European consumer culture», she said.
In recent months, the chain has shrunk, opening hours have been cut and, above all, danger and unpredictable war risks have increased.
War losses
Over more than four years of full-scale invasion, Syrne Korolivstvo suffered heavy war-related losses, including shops in frontline areas (Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kryvyi Rih); the chain also had a shop in Mariupol.
«Almost every month, the chain’s shops were hit, with varying degrees of damage. Some had to close», the co-owner said.
A year ago, on 23 June 2025, a russian Shahed drone completely destroyed the chain’s head office.
The company estimated the damage at UAH 4 million. The losses included not only physical assets (office, workplaces, equipment, stock) but also intellectual ones — the chain’s operating management system, developed over more than 10 years.
At the time, the company decided not to wind down but to find a new office and rebuild its management processes. As war risks increased, however, a different decision was made.
A notice about the closure appeared on the company’s website:
«Dear guests! For 13 years we have served you and shared the finest flavours. Unfortunately, we have been forced to close our shops. Thank you for being with us!»
Source: LIGA.net
