U.S. Gets a Taste of Soviet-Style Fast Food

While Muscovites waited in long lines at the Red Square McDonald’s, Americans were able to belly up to the counter and order pirogis without waiting at the first Soviet fast-food eatery in the United States.

The Friday lunch-hour crowd at Piroshkis in the Waterside Festival Marketplace was slow. While many of the fast-food franchises in the development’s food court were moderately busy, there was no waiting for service at the eatery, which opened in April.

Its owners said that business has been “gratifying,” but the joint Soviet-American firm does not release sales figures.

A pirogi is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with potatoes and mushrooms, beef and rice, or fish.

The counter, which opened in April, also serves Russian varieties of pancakes, doughnuts, coffee and tea.