Restaurant features twins-only staff

Twin Stars restaurant in Moscow, Russia features a staff of servers and bartenders exclusively comprised of twins. Owner Alexei Khodorkovsky told Reuters the concept for the eatery was inspired by a 1964 Soviet film. Alexei said, “My favorite film from childhood 'Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors' also of course was there in my head. And that type of cellar, fairytale idea - the imaginative world of twins.” In the film a girl looks into a mirror and meets her twin that is living in an alternate reality.

While it is not the first twin themed restaurant ever (“Twins Restaurant” in New York City was open from 1994-2000), Twin Stars claims to be the only restaurant of its kind open in Moscow, and perhaps anywhere. Each pair of twins dress identically and serve together. Vika and Nika are originally from Tashkent, Uzbekistan and wanted to work together. Nika said, “I really like it. It's a very friendly team. One pair (of twins) is already fun. When there are two, it's even more fun."

Alexei wanted to entertain customers while providing good food and felt the twins concept would help him stay competitive in the tough Moscow dining market. Reuters spoke with several repeat customers who appreciated the two-for-one service. A diner named Elvira commented, "You know, I really like it because it's unusual and at the same time memorable. When you come to a place like this, leaving here you already won't forget it because it differs in a big way from other places."