At the Spanish Bakery & Café in St. Augustine, Florida, empanadas fly off the shelves at lightning speed. On bustling days, these tasty treats barely cool before customers snatch them up. Bakery manager Carol Miller shared with Fox News Digital, ‘There are times when we’ll sell through three trays within an hour.’ Clearly, the demand for the bakery’s empanadas is driven by a mix of curious tourists, positive recommendations, and the buzz from social media.
The bakery’s empanadas aren’t a new phenomenon in St. Augustine’s culinary scene; they date back to the opening of the bakery in 1965. ‘We actually make everything from hand ourselves – the doughs, the mixes, pressing them, everything,’ Miller explained. Producing enough for the excited crowds requires hard work and efficiency.
An innovative rolling machine now helps streamline the process, allowing the production of 10 trays within a four-hour shift, a significant improvement from the previous eight-hour hand-rolling method. Each tray holds 16 empanadas, amounting to 160 freshly made pastries ready to satisfy eager patrons.
While many customers discover the bakery while exploring St. Augustine’s historic district, others arrive with the precise intention of savoring the empanadas they heard about through news or viral TikTok and Instagram posts. The location itself enriches the experience; the bakery nestles along a bustling pedestrian street in the heart of the city’s historic district, celebrating St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage.
Miller reflected on this connection, saying, ‘I think because we are mainly Spanish culture in the colonial quarter here, it is nice that we go back to our Spanish roots here specifically.’ She highlighted a key point that sets the bakery apart: ‘On top of that, we are a healthier version since we are baked instead of the traditional fried.’
This unique selling point holds particular appeal during Florida’s warm months, offering visitors a hearty, non-fried choice when wandering the historic streets or heading to the beach. The bakery ensures its offerings are welcoming to the diverse mix of St. Augustine’s visitors.
Miller addressed a common misconception among hesitant customers: ‘Sometimes people incorrectly assume the filling will be spicy simply because it’s Spanish cuisine.’ Her aim is to provide a universally appealing menu that invites everyone to enjoy the flavors of St. Augustine.
Not all visitors have heard of the bakery via viral fame. Alexis Rapchak, a 12-year-old from Ohio visiting for the first time, discovered the empanadas simply by chance. Her verdict on the taste was clear: ‘I really like the dough and the inside. It’s perfect.’
Fox News Digital lifestyle editor Peter Burke contributes insights into various lifestyle topics, focusing especially on the realms of food and drink.