Chef Juris Latišenoks returns from Norway to Vidzeme to build his own business

Chef Juris Latišenoks has come back to Latvia after five years in Norway and, together with his partner Linda, is building a hospitality business in the Vidzeme region. The couple now operate in Cesvaine, Vecpiebalga and Madona. Juris told his story in a conversation with the Valka municipality, and it is one example of Latvians returning home after working abroad.

From the pandemic to Norway

Juris spent his childhood in Riga and Jaungulbene, where he spent his summers. Before leaving, he had taken part in international cooking competitions in Greece and Taiwan and completed an internship at a Michelin restaurant in France. He had not planned to work abroad, but during the Covid-19 pandemic the catering sector in Latvia faced serious restrictions. He could choose between a job in Saudi Arabia or Norway, and picked Norway. Over five years he worked in about seven or eight restaurants and cafés.

In Norway Juris met Linda, and after their daughter was born the couple began thinking about where to settle permanently. With the child soon due to start kindergarten, they chose Latvia, and within it Vidzeme.

From a bakery idea to several eateries

The couple first planned a small bakery in Jaungulbene. Then an offer came to provide catering at Cesvaine Castle. After the first year, to secure steadier turnover, another eatery was opened in Cesvaine. Later they began operating at "Ūdensrozes" in Vecpiebalga, where an old barn was converted into a lunch spot and a restaurant was later developed. A new eatery focused on lunches is being set up in Madona. In Vecpiebalga, the couple plan to hold markets, tastings and dinners in the future.

Challenges and advice

Juris admits that running a business in Latvia is difficult, as costs, employee pay and the prices customers will accept must be balanced. As an employee abroad he would most likely earn more, but his current aim is to build a stable team. In his view, each person should return only when ready, and those living abroad should gather as much experience, knowledge and contacts as they can.