3 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with Telva at The Ridge (and the Story Behind It)

Written and produced by The Wells + Michael Collective

When we sat down with Loryn Nalic—chef and owner of Telva at The Ridge and the acclaimed Balkan Treat Box—for our latest Collective Perspectives conversation, we knew we were stepping into something bigger than a restaurant feature. Loryn’s story is one of flavor, family, and fearless community-building, and it resonates far beyond the table. Her restaurants don’t just feed people, they create belonging. And when you taste it, you’re not just tasting the Balkans—you’re tasting community itself.  Watch the full video interview here.

Here’s why this conversation left us inspired—and why it’s worth every minute of your time. 

1. The Flavors of the Balkans Are a Story of Community

Step inside Telva at The Ridge and you’ll quickly realize: Balkan food isn’t just food. It’s a narrative told through fire, spice, and tradition. Think hand-stretched breads, sizzling meats, bright, zesty sauces—and behind every plate, a culture that celebrates connection.

When Loryn describes a dish, she isn’t simply talking about ingredients—she’s painting the picture of how families gather around it, how recipes are passed down, how the act of eating becomes a way of honoring each other. It’s food that carries people closer together.

That’s why her restaurants don’t just feed people, they create belonging. And when you taste it, you’re not just tasting the Balkans—you’re tasting community itself.

2. Service Isn’t Just Hospitality, It’s a Mindset

Anyone can serve a meal. What sets Loryn’s spaces apart is the intention behind the service. At Telva and Balkan Treat Box, guests aren’t treated like transactions—they’re welcomed like family. There’s a genuine sense that every detail matters, from the way the bread is baked to the way you’re greeted when you walk through the door.

That same philosophy is something we carry into real estate at The Wells + Michael Collective. We believe service means anticipating needs, guiding people with care, and treating each client like they’re part of something bigger. Just as Loryn’s team creates an atmosphere where you feel seen and valued, we strive to do the same in every home search, negotiation, and closing.

Service isn’t a bullet point—it’s the heartbeat.

3. The Magic of Building Belonging

At the end of the day, both restaurants and homes serve the same purpose: they anchor people. They give us a sense of stability, comfort, and identity. Loryn has built restaurants where people don’t just eat—they linger, connect, and feel part of something alive.

That’s exactly what we work to create when we help someone find a home. It’s never just square footage or bedrooms. It’s about building a life, a neighborhood, a story. And in Webster Groves, where Telva now feels like a second home for so many of us, those threads of belonging run especially deep.

Food or real estate—the heart of it all is creating spaces where people feel they truly belong.

Watch the Full Interview + A Secret Recipe

This conversation with Loryn reminded us that business, when done with love, is really just another form of service. And we can’t wait for you to hear it in her own words.

Watch the full video interview here to hear Loryn’s story in depth, discover what makes Balkan food so irresistible, and stick around until the end—she is sharing one of her secret recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’d like to dive deeper into her world, check out Telva at The Ridge or explore Balkan Treat Box’s press page for more about the recognition and acclaim her work has received.