When Tiina Karhunen took over Turulan Ruokala in 2022, she acquired more than just a lunch restaurant. She took responsibility for a long-established part of everyday life in Outokumpu's Industrial Park, where Turulan Ruokala has been serving local employees since 1981. Now, Tiina has renovated the restaurant to better meet customers' needs while creating new opportunities for business development. Turulan Ruokala is operated by Tiinan Kanttiini Oy.
Turulan Ruokala was established in 1981 in the business centre of Outokumpu Industrial Park. For decades, it has served good, honest food to employees of local businesses. Many customers still work at companies in the industrial park, but over the years, local residents and various groups have also discovered the restaurant as a welcoming place for lunch.
Tiina Karhunen, who became an entrepreneur in September 2022, sums up the restaurant's main purpose with a touch of humour:
– The practical benefit for customers is simple: they leave with a full stomach.
Her light-hearted comment captures the essence of the business. At Turulan Ruokala, the focus is on what customers value most: good food, friendly service and reliability.
Turulan Ruokala currently employs two full-time and two part-time staff members. Most dishes are prepared from scratch, and traditional Finnish home-style favourites such as meatballs, minced meat patties and meatloaf remain popular with customers.
Although eating habits have changed over the years, customers' appreciation for genuine home-cooked food has remained strong. Tiina sees flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to customers' needs as particular strengths of a small business.
- We make good food, and because we're a small business, we can respond quickly. We can make changes to our menus and adapt to different situations quickly and flexibly.
In addition to lunch, Turulan Ruokala provides catering for meetings, baked goods made to order, and food for parties and other events.
The restaurant's dining area had remained largely unchanged since the 1980s. The large, open space had a somewhat hall-like feel, and the acoustics sometimes made it noisy. Although customers rarely complained about the premises, Tiina saw an opportunity for improvement.
- I hoped we could do something about it one day, but I wasn't quite sure what.
The idea for the renovation began to take shape through discussions with an interior architect. Cooperation with the landlord, Outokumpu Industrial Park, also played a key role.
– Once the landlord was supportive of the renovation plans, things started moving forward, Tiina explains.
The renovation included updating the appearance of the serving counter and the restaurant's colour scheme, including the walls, as well as improving the acoustics. The changes have made the space more welcoming, functional and versatile.
Early in her entrepreneurial journey, Tiina participated in Business Joensuu's Virtaa Group Coaching Programme for Small Business Owners and actively used its business advisory services. These experiences strengthened her belief that entrepreneurs do not have to manage everything on their own.
Business Joensuu's experts provided Tiina with advice and support in preparing the restaurant's renovation project and applying for LEADER funding.
- I feel fortunate that we're in the same building as Business Joensuu's Outokumpu office. Help is close at hand, and support has always been easy to access.
Tiina encourages other entrepreneurs to make use of business support services and seek advice early.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help and make use of the services available to you.
According to Tiina, the renovation would have gone ahead even without project funding, as she considered it essential for the future of the business.
- I felt it was so important for the company's future.
The renovation took place in July 2026 while the restaurant was closed. Customers have responded positively to the updated premises.
The aim was not only to make the restaurant more comfortable for existing customers but also to attract new customer groups. The more welcoming and versatile premises now provide an even better setting for meetings, celebrations and other events, which form an important part of the restaurant's business.
Looking to the future, Tiina Karhunen hopes for modest, steady growth and opportunities to continue developing the restaurant.
– I'm hoping for a little growth. I'd like us to establish a consistent way of working and develop new, interesting dishes. I want us to keep up with developments and continue improving both our food preparation and the customer experience.
Tiina hopes more people will discover Turulan Ruokala not only as a lunch restaurant but also as a welcoming place for meetings, events and social gatherings.
In a customer survey conducted in the spring, the restaurant received plenty of positive feedback, with customers suggesting very few improvements. The encouraging response motivates Tiina to keep moving forward.
Despite all the changes and development, Tiina's most important measure of success has remained the same.
- Success is when a customer says, 'Thank you, that was really good food.'
Appreciation from customers gives her the motivation to keep going, embrace new ideas and continue developing the business. This same philosophy is reflected in Turulan Ruokala's promise:
- We always strive to make even better food.
For more information:
Tiina Karhunen
+358 50 368 1099, turulan.ruokala@gmail.com
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Text: Jaana Karppanen, Business Joensuu
Photos: Tiinan Kanttiini Oy, Business Joensuu