Community Highlights: Meet William Martinez of La Empanada Loca

Today we’d like to introduce you to William Martinez

Hi William, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in a food truck from beginning to end. Decided to ditch the truck after three months and start my restaurant. It’s been tough but we made it through a pandemic. We’ve been here five years. Had sonia Sotomayor here twice and we are frequented by celebrities. We just finished expanding. We took the time we were closed due to Covid19 to expand and it has been amazing. My journey has been tough but I’m proud of my product and environment.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not smooth at all coming from a single mom home on public assistance we barely had food to eat and at times struggled with housing. It’s been tough opening a restaurant especially this year it’s been tough but we made it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We specialize in Puerto Rican cuisine. We cater to everyone. Our foods are fresh homemade. We treat everyone like family. My biggest accomplishment is serving justice sonia Sotomayor and her whole cabinet all 30 of them and she is a frequent customer. Her mom lives here and visits weekly. I’ve met amazing artist who I now call friends from singers to actors they visit my place and return. We give them a safe place to eat.

How do you think about luck?
It’s been hard work. No luck just pure blessing from a higher power that has allowed me to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Email: Laempanadaloca@yahoo.com
• Website: Www.laempanadaloca.com
• Instagram: Laempanadaloca1
• Facebook: Laempanadaloca1