TURKITCH JOURNEY
With an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Turkitch grew from a small, local concept into a brand recognized for its authentic Turkish food experience. Through strategic expansion, partnerships, and consistent customer engagement, the brand plans to open branches across different cities with varying investors, contributing to its ongoing growth and reach.
When we arrived in America in 2015, we started by gifting homemade baklava and börek to our American friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The combination of hospitality, warmth, and delicious food quickly transformed this gesture into a business opportunity, giving birth to the Turkitch brand.
This origin story highlights how Turkitch grew from a personal gesture into a brand that now brings the authentic taste of Turkey to a broader audience, aiming for growth and expansion through partnerships and investor-supported branches across the U.S.
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2015
Foundation in Milwaukee
- Home-based production started
- Orders began to increase
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2016
Production Shift
- Outsourced Private Label to Asli Börek (Türkiye)
- First packaged products shipped to USA
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2017
Expansion
- Nationwide online sales launched on Amazon.com, etc.
- Reached 26 stores in Milwaukee & Chicago
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2018
Investment & New Stores
- New investment received
- Opened 3 branches in Chicago (Lincoln Park, Downtown, West Loop)
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2022
Impact of Covid-19
All branches closed due to lockdown
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2025
New Business Model
- Shift to online sales with Cloud Kitchen
- Ghost Kitchens for delivery across USA
- Focused on delivery to homes and workplaces
Turkitch quickly scaled its business and returned to Turkey to invest in machinery. However, with the support of key industry figures, the company outsourced production to Aslı Börek, marking Aslı Börek’s first export to the U.S. market through private labeling for Turkitch. Starting with small orders, demand grew rapidly, and products began shipping to the U.S. in larger quantities, progressing from pallets to 40-foot containers. This partnership allowed Turkitch to meet the rising demand for its products in the U.S.
Turkitch expanded its operations by shipping packaged products across all 50 U.S. states, including Alaska, through Amazon.com. Simultaneously, the brand gained traction in local retail, with frozen products now available in the freezer sections of 24 chain stores in Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Chicago. This distribution strategy allowed Turkitch to effectively meet consumer demand for its authentic, high-quality Turkish goods across a broader market.
At the time, Turkitch became the third major player in the U.S. market, joining the ranks of Seyidoğlu and Güllüoğlu. Turkitch set the trend for packaging systems and marketing strategies, paving the way for other brands to enter the U.S. market.
With the involvement of investors, Turkitch launched its first physical store in Chicago, followed by the opening of the second and third locations. This expansion solidified Turkitch’s presence and growth in the U.S. food industry.
The first Turkitch location opened, followed by the second and third. In a short period, the concept attracted significant interest, receiving 96 Licensed Partnership Agreement applications.
The opening of Turkitch’s first location at 565 W Diversey Pkwy was attended by several distinguished guests, including:
TOBB stands for The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey . It is the highest legal entity representing the private sector in Turkey. TOBB’s mission is to support businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and facilitate trade, both domestically and internationally. Through chambers of commerce and industry across the country, TOBB plays a key role in shaping economic policies and represents Turkish business interests globally.
- T.C. Chicago Consul General, Mr. Umut Acar
- TOBB President, Mr. Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu
- TOBB Vice President, Mr. Tamer Kıran
- TOBB Board Member, Mr. Cengiz Günay
- Chicago 43rd Ward Alderman, Ms. Michele Smith
- TACA President, Mr. Ilgaz Ülger
The event also gathered valuable support from the Turkish community in Chicago.