My Empanada

## Introduction / Overview

For residents across the **Richmond, Virginia, Metro Area**, **My Empanada** offers a flavorful gateway to authentic South American, specifically Colombian, culinary traditions. This highly-regarded establishment is more than just a bakery; it is a **Latino-owned small business** specializing in artisan, handheld foods that bring a “hug to your palate” and your busy day. The foundation of My Empanada is built on **traditional family recipes** passed down by a dedicated husband-and-wife team from Colombia, aiming to share the rich flavors and culinary secrets of their culture with the beautifully diverse people of Richmond.

Empanadas, known as the classic street food of Latin America, are the heart of their menu. Each crescent-shaped pastry is baked fresh every day, using **fresh, high-quality ingredients** to ensure a flavor profile that is both authentic and deeply satisfying. While their focus is savory, offering varieties from the classic **Beef** and **Chicken Empanadas** to their unique, fan-favorite **RVA Empanadas**, they also provide sweet options, vegetarian selections, and an expanded menu that includes Arepas, salads, and traditional desserts like **Tres Leches Cake** and **Alfajores**.

The business operates as a dual concept: a main location for comprehensive services and a **Mobile Hub** that takes the taste of Colombia directly to the customer. This commitment to accessibility, combined with a warm, friendly atmosphere—often described by customers as feeling like visiting a caring relative—has established My Empanada as a true local gem, highly recommended for its quality, freshness, and dedication to cultural authenticity.

## Location and Accessibility

The main, permanent location for My Empanada is tucked away in the Richmond Metro area, specifically in **Regency, VA**, though it remains central to the region’s West End. The address is 1421 Blue Jay Ln, Regency, VA 23229, USA. It is important to note, as customers often mention, that the small shop is discreetly located on the backside of a strip of small businesses, making a GPS check highly recommended for first-time visitors.

To accommodate the busy schedules of local Virginians, the bakery offers extensive service options and accessibility features:

• Accessibility: The location features a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and a **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, ensuring comfortable access for all patrons.
• Parking: Customers benefit from a designated **Free parking lot**, simplifying the process of stopping by for a quick visit or a large order pickup.
• Service Options: The store supports a wide array of pickup and dining styles, including **Curbside pickup, Delivery, In-store pickup, Takeout**, and general **In-store shopping**.
• Mobile Hub Presence: Beyond the physical location, My Empanada operates a **Mobile Hub** and is frequently found at local **Farmers Markets** (like the Birdhouse Farmers Market) and events across the RVA region, making their delicious goods even more convenient to find. This allows them to function as a **Mobile caterer** as well.

## Services Offered

My Empanada is a dynamic food business whose offerings extend far beyond the typical bakery model, functioning as a full-service food and drink supplier for individuals and events across the Richmond community:

• Daily Baked Empanadas: Serving fresh, hot empanadas with popular savory fillings like **Beef, Chicken, Pork**, and the signature **RVA Empanadas**, which feature juicy shredded chicken, fresh mozzarella, and a special guajillo chili sauce.
• Ready-to-Bake (Frozen) Empanadas: A highly popular feature that allows customers to purchase **frozen empanadas** to take home and bake at their convenience, ensuring a fresh-from-the-oven experience at any time. This option is available for most savory and some sweet flavors.
• Breakfast Menu Items: Providing satisfying options for morning dining, specializing in **Breakfast Empanadas** and other baked goods, perfect for a quick start to the day.
• Catering & Party Trays: Acting as a dedicated **Catering food and drink supplier**, offering large party trays of assorted empanadas (available in medium and full sizes), Arepa trays, and catered bowls like Arroz con Pollo and various specialty salads.
• Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options: A diverse menu includes **Veggie Empanadas** (like Quinoa Vegetable and Spinach Ricotta), as well as dedicated **Gluten Free** options, ensuring dietary needs are easily accommodated.
• Desserts and Sides: Offering traditional South American desserts such as **Milhojas, Alfajores**, and **Tres Leches Cake**, alongside fresh, house-prepared sauces (Avocado, Chipotle, Red Salsa) to compliment the empanadas.

## Features / Highlights

The core of My Empanada’s appeal lies in its unique cultural background and customer-focused operations, setting it apart in the competitive Richmond food scene:

• Authentic Colombian Heritage: The business is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team from Colombia, ensuring the food is prepared using **traditional family recipes** that reflect genuine South American culture.
• Commitment to Freshness: All empanadas are **baked fresh every day**, and the staff emphasizes the use of **fresh ingredients**, a quality consistently praised in customer reviews.
• The Signature RVA Empanada: A local favorite that has become a fan-favorite, this specialty empanada features a unique filling that incorporates local taste with South American spice.
• Customer Education and Service: Staff members are known for being exceptionally friendly and helpful, taking the time to **explain all menu items and daily specials** to new visitors, fostering a welcoming, warm atmosphere.
• Dual Operation (Shop and Mobile): The ability to easily find the food either at the main Blue Jay Lane shop or at their **Mobile Hub** at local farmers markets provides ultimate convenience for RVA customers.
• Convenient Payment Options: Accepts all major forms of payment, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**, making transactions quick and easy.

## Contact Information

For orders, inquiries about their catering services, or to find out where the Mobile Hub is currently located, you can reach My Empanada using the following contact details:

Address: 1421 Blue Jay Ln, Regency, VA 23229, USA

Phone: (804) 203-3473

The owners encourage customers to call ahead for large orders or to ask about the daily selection, ensuring your quick visit is efficient and satisfying.

## What is Worth Choosing

My Empanada is worth choosing because it delivers a rare and delicious combination of **authentic Latin flavor, exceptional customer care, and flexible convenience** that perfectly suits the Richmond lifestyle. For those in the Virginia region seeking high-quality, freshly prepared food that moves beyond the typical fast-casual fare, this Latino-owned small business is a standout option.

The dedication to making everything from scratch using **traditional family recipes** results in food that is consistently described as “amazing,” “very fresh tasting,” and having “flavors on point.” The unique **RVA Empanada** is a testament to the owners' commitment to serving the local community while staying true to their cultural roots. While some customers note that the price point might be slightly higher than chain options, the consensus is that the **quality, freshness, and generous service** make the food well worth the spend.

Furthermore, My Empanada is highly valued for its sheer convenience. The availability of a **Ready-to-Bake (Frozen) option** is a huge selling point for busy families or hosts, allowing them to stock up on their favorite flavors—like the savory Beef and Chicken or the sweet Guava Empanada—and serve them hot and fresh from their own oven. Coupled with their efficient **curbside pickup and delivery** services, My Empanada adapts seamlessly to nearly any dining need, from a quick **Breakfast** on the go to a fully catered event. Choosing My Empanada means supporting a local business that not only nourishes you with excellent food but also shares a piece of its South American heart with the RVA community.

My Empanada

1421 Blue Jay Ln, Regency, VA 23229, USA