Volkswagen’s auto assembly plant is not only producing jobs in the Tennessee Valley; it’s also adding spice to the Scenic City’s cuisine, say merchants at local world food markets.
“As Volkswagen brings more Germans to the city, they are telling us more will be coming, so get ready,” said Christina Melnik, who manages Euro Food on Lee Highway with her sister, Elena Melnik. The store is owned by their father, Tony Melnik.
Auto executives aren’t the sole driving force behind the interest in global foods. Many local residents also are expanding their culinary horizons.
“Fifty percent of our customers are Americans who travel or just like to cook something different,” said Natalia Sokil, whose European Market carries foods from 25 countries.