New empanada spot in Merrick offers a taste of tradition

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A new Latin American eatery in Merrick is taking the South Shore by storm, causing lines out the door and sell-outs of favored empanada flavors. Since its grand opening on Oct. 7, Island Empanada, located in the Merrick Mall, has been busy filling boxes full of the savory, pocket-sized pastries for residents hungry for something new.

“We hope to become one of their regular takeout spots, something to switch it up,” said franchise owner Angelina Perry. “It’s important for us to connect with the Merrick community and surrounding communities, and serve them great-quality empanadas.”

Perry was the third-generation owner of her family’s florist shop in Ronkonkoma before she opened a SoBol franchise in the hamlet. She enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the “quick serve” industry so much that she opened a second SoBol store in Hauppauge.

The opportunity to open Island Empanada’s first Nassau location arose when Perry’s father’s childhood friend, Roy Pelaez, sought to expand his business cross-county. Pelaez opened the first Island Empanada in Ronkonkoma 10 years ago, which has since spawned satellite locations in Deer Park, Medford, Commack, Rocky Point and Huntington.

On the menu, variety is the name of the game. Customers can choose from nearly 30 types of freshly-made empanadas, ranging from the traditional — like sofrito-seasoned chicken and chipotle beef with sweet plantains — to the novel — like buffalo chicken, loaded potato and Philly cheesesteak, Perry’s personal favorite. Island Empanada’s three dipping sauces — a tangy, cilantro-based green sauce, a spicy, tomato-based red sauce and a garlicky pink sauce — are homemade, as well.

Another popular item is the deep-fried sofrito beef, loaded potato or mac ‘n’ cheese balls. Lunch and dinner specials come with a side order of rice and beans, sweet plantains or tostones, and for dessert, customers can try Oreo, apple caramel or guava and cream cheese empanadas.

Perry said she and her staff crank out more than 1,000 empanadas per day.

The storefront has attracted diners who’d typically trek to Brooklyn or Queens for an authentic empanada experience, Perry said. “Even though we have all the novelty flavors, we have a lot of people who appreciate that it’s authentic, Puerto Rican-style empanadas,” she added. “We have so many repeat customers already, it’s insane.”

Perry said she was grateful to the community for keeping her busy since Island Empanada opened two weeks ago. The store is at 2142 Merrick Ave. in the Merrick Mall. To place an order for pickup, call (516) 608-2663.