When Steve Goisan opened RIZZ Lounge & Grill in Stamford, he brought more than a new restaurant to the city. He brought a piece of his Ukrainian heritage—and a personal mission to channel the community’s support toward people who need it most.
RIZZ has become part of Stamford’s vibrant dining and social scene. Yet behind its cuisine, design and hospitality is a story about entrepreneurship, resilience and giving back.
Steve, RIZZ’s owner, is originally from Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, a city known for its flourishing culinary culture. Although he arrived in the United States 30 years ago, his connection to Ukraine remains deeply rooted. As the war continues, that bond has inspired him to use the restaurant as a way to transform the positive energy of its guests into meaningful help.
“If there is one thing people should understand about Ukrainians, it is their resilience,” Steve said. “Their refusal to surrender when their minds and hearts are set on something has been demonstrated throughout history. Ukrainians continue to defend their values and their country’s right to exist, even under unimaginable circumstances.”
In creating RIZZ, Steve and his partners drew upon extensive experience across several industries. Their goal was more than a traditional restaurant. They envisioned a vibrant destination where elevated cuisine, design and social atmosphere come together to create memorable experiences.
Even the name reflects that vision. “Rizz,” a slang term for charisma and personal magnetism, captures the restaurant’s energy. Its food, atmosphere, entertainment and service were designed to bring people together to celebrate life’s moments.
That commitment extends to the details. RIZZ was built on a philosophy of using quality ingredients and materials, with careful attention given to every choice rather than cutting corners.
For Steve, the dish that brings him home is borscht. Its taste immediately evokes childhood memories of Ukraine, family and the wholesome food he grew up eating. Some local Ukrainians visit RIZZ specifically for it. It may appear to be simply a bowl of soup, but for someone separated from home, it can mean far more. The aroma, color and first spoonful can transport a person back to a family kitchen and meals shared with loved ones.
That is food’s power: it does more than satisfy hunger. It can carry us across the world and let us feel at home again, even if only for one meal.
“Family is extremely important to Ukrainians,” Steve said. “We work hard, but we also know how to celebrate life. We gather around a long table, share food, dress beautifully, dance and create lasting memories. We know how to live and truly cherish the moment.”
That philosophy reaches beyond hospitality. Through a charitable initiative tied to designated bottle-service sales, RIZZ commits 30 percent of proceeds to helping Ukrainians affected by war and misfortune. The effort provides financial assistance to families in need, those who have lost loved ones, and people facing extraordinary hardship because of war or serious health circumstances.
For Steve, the mission is deeply personal.
“Ukraine is where I was born, learned to ride a bike and first went to school,” he said. “Those memories do not fade in a new country or environment; they build you as an individual.”
Steve and his partners share a vision: to create a gathering place that celebrates life while using its platform to make a difference. For RIZZ, it is personal. For Stamford, it is a reminder that a restaurant can offer far more than what is on the plate.