Cafe in Rostov Closed Over Pleven Park Dispute

Cafe «Lюся Vпарке», whose construction sparked a legal dispute over Pleven Park in Rostov-on-Don, has temporarily closed. The management of the concession company MIV commented on the situation.

A notice on the entrance door announces closure for winter holidays. Operations are expected to resume by the summer season, but specific dates have not been provided.

MIV General Director Maria Prigorodova stated: «We just made this decision for now. Possibly, we will change the concept next year. It»s closed for now, but the final decision hasn«t been made yet. It will reopen, I just can»t say when exactly.«

Company MIV obtained a concession agreement for Pleven Park in 2003 for a term of 49 years. Under its terms, the lessee is obliged to improve the territory in exchange for the right to conduct commercial activities. The legal entity is owned by Ildar Khaziullin, former owner of cafe St. Tropez. Financial reports for 2024 show revenue of 87.6 million rubles (approximately $876,000 at current rates) and net profit of 9.2 million rubles (approximately $92,000).

Previously, the Department of Property and Land Relations of the Rostov administration filed a lawsuit demanding the cafe be dismantled, as it was built without necessary approvals. MIV company claims that all works were carried out within the agreements.

In November 2025, city authorities initiated legal proceedings for the complete return of Pleven Park to municipal ownership. Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar previously criticized the park«s condition, calling it a »kolkhoz in the southern capital« that »got stuck« in the 1990s.

Rostov Head Alexander Skryabin accused the lessee of damaging green spaces, cluttering the historical square with attractions, and placing trade objects without permission. The authorities« goal is to return the park to citizens in a form that, in their opinion, meets residents» expectations.