The Story of Tsar Varvatsi Caviar Founder Oleg Sanzyapov: From Russian Immigrant to Brooklyn’s Sustainable Caviar Legacy
Hello, I’m Oleg Sanzyapov, founder and owner of Tsar Varvatsi Caviar.
When I immigrated from Russia to America in 2014, I had one clear dream: to bring the finest, purest, and freshest caviar to American tables. That same year, I opened my delicatessen in Brooklyn at 2584 Coney Island Ave. What started as a small neighborhood shop has grown into a professional brand delivering overnight across the United States.
The Passion That Came from Russia
Growing up in Russia, caviar was never just food to me. It was the symbol of culture, tradition, and the highest quality. The rich waters of the Caspian Sea, the natural life of sturgeon, and centuries-old salting techniques… these were part of my childhood.
When I arrived in America, I saw that people were desperately searching for real caviar, but the market was filled with either low-quality or overpriced options. That was the moment I decided to create my own brand.
The “God Loves Caviar” Movie and Our Name Story
One day I watched the 2012 movie God Loves Caviar. The film tells the true story of Ioannis Varvakis, a legendary Greek entrepreneur who rose from pirate to one of the world’s largest caviar traders. His incredible journey and vision deeply inspired me.
Right then, I decided to rename my brand Tsar Varvatsi Caviar – a tribute to Varvakis and the timeless spirit of caviar excellence. “Varvatsi” honors this legendary figure and carries forward the passion that defines our craft.
The Brooklyn Adventure Begins
My Brooklyn delicatessen wasn’t just a store — it became the heart of a passion. I talked with customers every day, listened to their expectations, and worked tirelessly to find the best caviar. I quickly realized that true quality meant overseeing every step myself. That’s why I started visiting farms personally and selecting the fish alongside the farmers.
Today, Tsar Varvatsi Caviar has physical stores in Brooklyn and Hallandale Beach, Florida. But our roots will always remain in that small Brooklyn delicatessen.
My Personal Commitment to Quality
I personally inspect every new batch before it goes on sale. We work with technologists from the Caspian Sea region who use traditional salting methods perfected over decades. The result is an unrivaled taste, perfect texture, and pure flavor.
Our greatest pride is the exclusive partnership with a unique farm on the Caspian Sea. Here, the fish live almost in the wild: in saltwater closest to their natural environment, fed with live seasonal food, hand-salted using secret traditional technologies, containing only caviar and salt.
Tsar Varvatsi Caviar’s Sustainability Commitment
Sustainability is not a trend for me — it is a core principle. Tsar Varvatsi Caviar works exclusively with the world’s most reputable sustainable farms:
- 100% CITES compliant
- Fully traceable production
- Controlled farming instead of wild catch
- Protection of endangered sturgeon species
This allows us to protect nature while delivering consistent premium quality. Sustainable caviar is the luxury of the future.
Experience Tsar Varvatsi Caviar at Your Own Table
From Siberian Sturgeon Elite to Caspian Osetra, Kaluga Fusion, Bester Hybrid, Hackleback, and Keta Ikura — every product is produced with the same philosophy.
Order now and bring this legacy to your table. Use code VARVATSI15 for 15% off your first order.
