On Dec. 1, 2025, two Lakewood businesses specializing in European-inspired goods began a partnership: Taste of Europe and Bring on the Butter. The main product of the partnership is delicious sourdough bread.

Owner of Taste of Europe, Dafina Bidini, said about the partnership, “I love the sourdough bread, it is the best bread that you can eat, so we decided, because we are both European ladies, and most of the people here are ethnic, and they love to have sourdough.”

The collaboration benefits both local businesses, which sell products rooted in European traditions. Bidini has known Dia Dunay, the owner of Bring on the Butter, for several years. Dunay launched her business this past September, originally operating a stand in front of her home during warmer weather with a drop-off and pick-up system for her baked goods.

The partnership began through Dunay’s idea during the coming cold season. “After the weather turned cold, I couldn’t stand out there anymore, and I was thinking how I could make it more accessible to other people,” she said. At this time, she remembered Bidini’s shop, which offered similar European foods and treats. She later reached out about the idea, and Bidini accepted the offer.

Bidini noted that the partnership, while still very new, has already seen positive results in terms of both customer interest and profit. “The first week was pretty good. So far, it has had good progress, and I also have customers for my new product, so it’s hard to tell exactly how much sales have increased,” she said.

Sourdough isn’t the only thing, though, that Dunay plans to provide for Taste of Europe to sell. “The long-term goal is to provide more products in the future, but those will not be announced until after Christmas time with the busy holidays,” she said, suggesting there will be possibilities to come in the new year and possibly new, freshly baked goods.

Both owners are pleased with the initial success and are cautiously optimistic about future growth.

Bidini expressed openness to further expansion, but only if it is the right fit. “I’m not sure about that. But if someone comes and if it’s interesting, if it connects with my products, then I would be open to expanding partnerships,” she said.

Dunay also hopes to see the collaboration grow. “I’m very happy with our connection and how it is going. I hope to see it grow more. I hope to attract more people to try the bread,” she said.

The partnership is already attracting and retaining customers. Adis, a longtime Lakewood resident and Taste of Europe customer, is highly satisfied with the store.

“It’s a very unique store that has a lot of different cultural products from various countries. The staff is very, very friendly. They’re very accommodating, and they have good taste in what they have available for people to buy,” Adis said.

He noted that his family has been coming to the store since it was under two previous owners, which he discovered simply by living down the street. When asked if he would recommend the business, he replied, “Yes, absolutely.”

If you are looking to grab yourself a loaf, Taste of Europe is located at 15512 Madison Ave.