Meet Christian Reyes of Empanadas and More

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Reyes

Hi Christian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My wife, Feroza, and I met as neighbors in Brooklyn, and it didn’t take long for us to discover our shared love for hosting and dining. Our mutual passion for travel led us to explore restaurants both across the U.S. and internationally. At the time, Feroza was working in banking, and I was in the medical field, both industries evolving rapidly. I had always dreamed of owning my own business, a space where people could come together, enjoy delicious food, share laughter, and forget their daily stresses. What better way to bring that vision to life than by opening a restaurant? A place where people could savor Latin American flavors and feel right at home. So, I made the leap, leaving medicine behind to pursue my dream. Now, two years later, we are proudly growing Empanadas and More, continuing the journey together.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s part of the journey. Starting a business, especially in the restaurant industry, comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles we faced early on was navigating the steep learning curve of running a restaurant. Coming from medical and banking backgrounds, Feroza and I had a lot to learn about the intricacies of food service, staffing, and managing daily operations.

Staff turnover was another significant hurdle. Finding and retaining reliable employees has been a challenge, especially in an industry known for high turnover. We’ve also dealt with rising inventory costs, which forced us to constantly adjust without compromising the quality of our food.

Despite these obstacles, we’ve stayed focused on our vision, adapted when needed, and leaned on each other for support. Every challenge has made us stronger and more committed to making Empanadas and More a success.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Empanadas & More is a family-owned restaurant offering a diverse selection of Central and South American, as well as Latin-inspired cuisine, right here in Morrisville and the greater Raleigh, NC area. Whether you’re craving our savory empanadas or indulging in our crispy patacones, every dish is crafted with care. We also offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

What sets us apart is the passion we pour into every dish. It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating an experience where people feel at home, whether they visit our food truck or our Morrisville, NC location. We want our customers to taste the authenticity in every bite and leave feeling satisfied and connected. All of our ingredients are sourced from trusted, local producers to guarantee the freshest and highest-quality meals.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how we’ve stayed true to our roots while also growing and adapting to meet the tastes of our customers. We want your readers to know that Empanadas and More isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where you can enjoy great food, share laughs with loved ones, and be a part of a community. We’re always working on new offerings, and we’re excited to continue sharing our love of Latin cuisine with everyone who walks through our doors.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in both my life and business, but I’d say it’s been a mix of good and bad. Meeting my wife, Feroza, was probably the best stroke of luck in my life. Our shared passion for food and hosting was the foundation for starting Empanadas and More. We’ve been lucky to have each other’s support throughout this journey.

On the business side, I’ve had moments of good luck, like finding the perfect location in Morrisville, and bad luck, like facing unexpected challenges . There were times when things didn’t go as planned, whether it was with staffing, rising costs, or supply shortages. But I believe that luck is only part of the equation—how you respond to it is what really matters. I have always approached every situation with adaptability and determination, and that’s helped us overcome obstacles and turn even bad luck into an opportunity to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.empanadasandmore.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/empanadasandmore_
• Facebook: empanadas and more