Taste of Transylvania Brings Authentic Romanian Flavor to Parma Heights
By Alexandru Iovi, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- Food always tastes better when it's fresh, especially when it comes to authentic international meats. But finding food of that quality isn’t always easy, and discovering the special place that sells it can be even harder. Luckily for the residents of Parma Heights, they don’t have far to look.
Taste of Transylvania is a small locally owned and operated European store that specializes in preparing fresh meats in store every single day. It was started by brothers-in-law Lucian Solomon and Daniel Varvaruc and although the store had only recently been opened as of July 12, 2025, they have already made a huge impact on the community. Long-term residents appreciate the simplicity and openness of the business while others praise its richly flavored authentic European style meats. The overall consensus seems to be that it brings an appreciated taste of flavor to the neighborhood. The business gets the name “Taste of Transylvania” from Solomon and Varvaruc’s national heritage in central Romania, with many of their products being traditional foods that are common there.
With the close-knit community, the word has quickly spread and people from all over have gone to try the products for themselves, many of which have become regulars. When entering, the smell of freshly smoked sausages fills the air and the warm environment ensures that customers always feel welcomed. The store is located at 6275 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, in the Greenbrier Commons Plaza. Following the closing of another local business, it took 8 months of planning and the brothers-in-law were ready to open their doors to customers. Despite the business’s relatively limited space, it has experienced tremendous success and has even started online orders as of December of last year.
Although dozens of similar stores scatter the Parma area, Taste of Transylvania differs in one key way. It is one of the only stores in the area that prepares its meats freshly daily with an in-house deli and full-service butcher. “Everything you see here, we make it fresh, every day”, said Solomon. Solomon and his brother-in-law offer a wide variety of Romanian meats from pork chops, bacon, skinless sausage, and head cheese. In addition to their meats, they also carry products such as European snacks, sodas, pasta sauces, cheeses, noodles, cereals, and vegetable spreads.
Even though the brothers-in-law try their best to keep their store open as long as possible, the amount of work needed to maintain the business limits its operating hours. It is closed Sundays and Mondays and open from 11 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Friday, while closing earlier at 2 pm on Saturdays.
While they started out small, the brothers-in-law have hopes of expanding and reaching more customers to spread authentic European flavors to even more Northeast Ohio customers. To learn more, visit their Facebook page at “Taste of Transylvania" or give them a call at 440-340-5069.
Alexandru Iovi, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Throughout Taste of Transylvania store.