Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau
They say that great things come in small packages, and Empanola is out to prove just that. Their empanadas are palm-sized powerhouses with bold flavors packed into a flaky crust. Whether you’re craving classic Latin-inspired flavors or something with a little Louisiana flair, these golden pockets bring new savory tastes to Spring Hill.
When Empanola Mobile owner, Raul Malaver, left the corporate world in search of his next adventure, he didn’t know he’d find it stuffed inside a crust. It was love at first bite. “They were amazing. I called the owner at the same time I was eating them,” says Malaver. “I told him about me and my background in finance, and we met together about two weeks later. I was hired, and I told [the founders of Empanola] that I would help them grow, but that I wanted to be a part of the system too. They agreed to let me have my own store and I helped them grow.”
With decades of financial expertise and a relentless work ethic, Malaver was more than ready to take on the challenge of running a restaurant — especially one inspired by the vibrant flavors of his home in Columbia. “I have been in the States for about 35 years, and it has always been my dream to have a restaurant,” he says. “I just couldn’t figure out the right product. I talked to several companies about franchises, and they were just not the right fit for me. I wanted something that was family-oriented and something that was from my culture. I wanted a place where people like to go and enjoy their time there.”
Empanola’s empanadas are as diverse as they are delicious, and regular customers have started to claim their favorites. You’ll find traditional favorites like beef and chicken alongside Louisiana-inspired fillings such as gumbo and crawfish etouffee. There’s a taste for every craving — even sweet options if you’re in the mood for dessert. Their coffee menu is just as thoughtfully crafted, a nod to the Spanish and South American cultures that gave us the empanada in the first place. From savory to sugary, standard to surprising, every bite is proof that good taste knows no bounds.
In a neighborhood that values family and community, Empanola stands out by offering a little bit of everything to please every palate. “That was a concept that I liked about this place,” says Malaver. “Everybody has something to eat. You can all sit down together and enjoy empanadas that have nothing to do with the others at the table. We have something for everybody.”
On the Menu
Beef Argentina
A hearty mix of ground beef, peppers, onions, olives and egg delivers deliciously bold Argentinian flavors in every bite.
Crawfish Etouffee
Packed with Louisiana crawfish and a kick of New Orleans spices, this empanada wraps a taste of the bayou in a flaky crust.
Spinach and Artichoke
It’s your favorite party dip reimagined. Spinach, artichokes and cheese melt together for a hand pie that’s impossible to resist.
Apple Pecan
With tender apples, toasted pecans and warm spices, this perfectly-sweet empanada is an apple pie in a pocket.
Empanola Mobile • 4415 Old Shell Road Suite C, Mobile • Mon – Sat 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
