In Sierpów, Poland, a tale of culinary struggle unfolded on the latest episode of the popular show Kuchenne Rewolucje, aired on March 20, 2025. The focus was on Bistro Zalewajka, a family-run restaurant owned by Kamil and Blanka, who faced severe financial difficulties after their business failed to attract customers despite being well-located next to a fuel station.
As they recounted their story, Kamil shared, "We signed a lease for a fully equipped restaurant thinking it would be easy, but we hardly get any visitors." The couple, disheartened after discovering that their savings were dwindling, welcomed the expertise of celebrity chef and restaurateur Magda Gessler. Her intervention came at a crucial time, when the future of their bistro was uncertain and they were contemplating selling the business.
The menu at Bistro Zalewajka offered traditional Polish dishes, including tomato soup with pasta, roasted potatoes, grilled chicken breast, and salads. However, despite their culinary efforts, the bistro was struggling with rising bills that far outpaced earnings, leading to an impending sale of the establishment.
During her visit, Gessler examined the kitchen, noting, "There are remnants from a lifetime here." She expressed concern about the hygiene standards but quickly shifted her focus to how they could reposition the restaurant for success. One of her key suggestions was to change the location of the bistro altogether, highlighting that a spot where people could be drawn in for a quick meal might yield better results.
Gessler’s advice didn't end there. She also urged Blanka and Kamil to leverage the culinary skills offered by Kamil's mother, who served as the head chef. "You need to show off your abilities and get the word out about what you're doing," she stated, encouraging them to not give up despite the setbacks.
As part of the transformation process, Gessler introduced several changes to the bistro's interior design and the menu. The uplifting changes were designed to create a more welcoming atmosphere and enhance the overall dining experience. Viewers witnessed a transformation not just in the ambiance of the restaurant, but also in the spirits of Kamil and Blanka as they gained renewed hope for their business.
After Gessler’s intervention, the bistro underwent a rebranding, proudly emerging as Pyza w Sosie przy szosie, signaling a fresh start. Now, this revitalized restaurant maintains its focus on Polish cuisine, featuring dishes like zalewajka, pork cutlets, dumplings, and Hungarian pancakes, all at a price range of about 20 to 50 Polish zlotys.
Located at Sierpów 1A in Ozorków, Pyza w Sosie przy szosie remains operational, catering to customers with welcoming hours from Tuesday to Sunday between 12 PM and 8 PM. Following their difficult period, the restaurant is once again open to patrons who can find it on social media, indicating a significant turnaround in their fortunes.
The journey of Bistro Zalewajka, captured in the fourth episode of the 30th season of Kuchenne Rewolucje, serves as a reminder of the challenges small businesses face and the impactful role expert guidance can play in revitalizing a struggling venture. With Magda Gessler’s guidance, it appears that Blanka and Kamil have not only salvaged their business but have set the stage for a brighter future in the Polish culinary landscape.
