Hillcroft's Russian General Store drops 'Russian' amid invasion in Ukraine

A well-known shop in Houston's diverse offering of international markets will look a little different for the time-being. 

The owners of the Russian General Store, located at 9629 Hillcroft St., removed "Russian" from the marquee above the store's entrance sometime in the last week after the invasion of Ukraine. The owner, reached by phone Friday, declined an interview but said it was her decision. She did not provide her name. The store, which sells Russian and Eastern European foods and goods, is still open for business, and several in the community hope to keep it that way. 

"When we go, let's make sure they understand that they're a valued neighbor," said one poster on neighborhood social network NextDoor. "If everyone who placed a heart on a different post urging us to stand with Ukraine went and supported them, they might feel the love. And you'll love their bread."

"They have wonderful specialty foods, halvah, salami, kimchi, really good vilnius rye, all sorts of little goodies," another wrote. "I will try to get there this week and every week as long as the conflict lasts."

"I've lived here in Braeburn Terrace for nearly 25 years and it's been a constant," someone else posted. "I read some above comments and want to echo the same: here, where we are now, is who we are. American, Ukrainian, Russian… all of us are now a part of a community which surrounds us every day. It is, after all, our home. We’re in it together now."

It's the latest and one of the more visible reminders of how Houston is responding to Russian aggression toward the sovereign country. Hundreds protested outside the Russian embassy in February urging President Joe Biden to banish the ambassadors from the United States and increase intervention against Russia Ukraine. North of downtown, the bridge that typically hosted the "Be Someone" sign was transformed to read "No War Know Peace."

A number of Houston restaurants are also stepping up to serve the people of Ukraine through donations. Several oil and gas companies with Houston ties have also announced plans to dissolve business interests in Russia. 

The Russian General Store is loved by many in Houston and beyond. Recently, Reddit user u/inkscraper took a trip to the store and documented his findings and critiques in a comic that showcases some of the best the store has to offer.