When stepping into Aniko Market, guests are greeted with bright colors, tasty offerings, and a friendly smile. Owned by husband and wife Bojan and Alina, the market reflects a dream they each carried for years before bringing it to life here in the neighborhood where they already live and work.

For Alina, the idea goes back decades. When she first came to the United States for college, she remembers stumbling across an Eastern European market and feeling an immediate sense of connection to home. Seeing familiar foods and ingredients after so long away was emotional, and she recalls being moved to tears. When Bojan later encouraged them to revisit the idea of opening their own market, the right space in Ivanhoe Village seemed to appear at just the right time. A true family-affair, the market is run by Alina and Bojan, and even the art on the walls was hand-painted by family.

While they expected the market might primarily serve people looking for foods from Eastern Europe and the Balkans, they quickly discovered something else: neighbors were also eager for a local grocery. With few places in the district to pick up pantry staples, many residents now stop in for everyday items, while others come simply to explore and try something new. There have been some full circle moments, with Alina finding guests emotional that they have found such a grocery to connect to, like years ago for Alina.

One of the market’s most creative offerings right now is Alina’s “World to Mouth” program. Each box features a mystery country along with a traditional grandmother’s recipe and the ingredients needed to cook it at home, an invitation to experience another culture and connect through food.

The deli counter, which already offers meats and cheeses, will soon expand with a full sandwich menu. We’re grateful to have Aniko Balkan Market in Ivanhoe Village and look forward to introducing even more neighbors to it during this month’s Sip Into Spring.