About Us

Our Story

“Through the inspiration of a young boy in Santiago, Chile, a dream was born. Juan Contreras developed a love of food, culture & community at the age of 8; creating his own box cart on wheels to explore a local Public Market in the heart of Santiago. His dream led him to the United States in 1970 to cultivate his love for Entrepreneurship and to share his culture and talents.

While working in the 1980’s for a local manufacturer in Rochester, NY, Juan was able to share with his coworkers the delicious Spanish foods made at home by Juan and the love of his life, Maria. The demand for Juan & Maria’s unique and flavorful Spanish Foods continued to grow until Juan realized that God was opening the door to start his first Spanish Food business: “Juan & Maria’s Chuck Wagon”, Rochester’s first unofficial food truck (or as Juan called it at the time – a “kitchen on wheels”).

The Communities love for Juan & Maria’s authentic Spanish foods and “at home hospitality” continued to grow until a rare opportunity to start a restaurant location at the Rochester Public Market arose. Juan, Maria and their 5 children sat down at their kitchen table to brainstorm which Spanish Food they would want to showcase to the Rochester community at the Public Market. Maria insisted that the Chilean Empanada would be loved just like it was back home in Chile – and she was right. Rochester’s original “Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop” restaurant launched at the Rochester Public Market in the year 2000.

From starting off selling on average 10-50 Empanadas on a Saturday, to now selling in the thousands; Juan & Maria’s signature recipes created and inspired by their love for traditional Chilean homemade foods has grown into a Rochester favorite.

Juan & Maria has been happily serving the Rochester community for over 20 years; providing the “Highly Addicting Spanish Foods” for over two decades. Having the opportunity in 2007 to send a large shipment of Empanadas to Balad, Iraq, as well as to organize and sponsor several of the local area Spanish festivals, Juan & Maria have remained connected with the Community over the years.

As Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop continues to grow, they hold of highest value their humble beginnings and strong Spanish roots that have contributed to the God-inspired recipes loved by so many. In 2021, Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop, now led by their Son, Benjamin Contreras, looks to continue expansion in Rochester. With “love in every bite”, we plan to continue enriching the community with our Food, Culture, and Spirit.