The Empanda Lady: Building Our Dream Bodega
Allow us to bite into your support! The Empanada Lady is getting a new home and we need your help!
Project Description
Affectionately known as The Empanada Lady, Elisa Milan chose the latter, believing she could, and she did! What began as a simple dare/challenge that she could not make money selling food evolved into a passion and love for providing authentic recipes to bridge the gap between the Afro-Latinx culture and Baltimore’s dynamic community.
Elisa utilizes a family recipe passed down from her grandmother with a love that was given in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and is hand rolled into each savory empanada. Since 2016, she has created a cultural haven supported by minorities, artists, and creatives where she and her team have been able to shed light on the need for communal spaces dedicated to experiencing and engaging in rich cultural practices.
We need your support to take The Empanada Lady to the next level! Our dream is to create a vibrant and inviting space where friends, families, and food lovers alike can gather to enjoy our irresistible creations. A dedicated restaurant will not only provide us with a permanent home but also allow us to expand our menu, hire a talented team, and offer an unforgettable dining experience to our community!
Our goal is to raise $50,000 through this campaign, and we believe that with your help, we can make this dream a reality. Your contribution will directly contribute to the creation of our welcoming restaurant space, complete with a cozy dining area, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a warm ambiance that captures the essence of The Empanada Lady.
But this campaign is not just about financial support; it's about becoming part of The Empanada Lady's story. By backing our campaign, you will join a community of passionate food lovers who appreciate the joy of culinary exploration. You'll have the opportunity to indulge in exclusive rewards and experiences, giving you a taste of what's to come.
Together, let's celebrate the flavors, the culture, and the magic of The Empanada Lady! Join us on this adventure by contributing to our campaign, sharing our story with your networks, and helping us spread the word.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
- What is an Empanada?
- Our empanadas are true Puerto Rican culture, natively known as pastelillo. It is hand rolled dough wrapped around a filling of your choice with seasoned and authentic spices. Then flash fried and served with our famous Nada Sauce.
- What are your passions?
- Aside from cooking, my passion is creating opportunities for the community. My Sous Chef, Ericka, is just as passionate about providing top quality food and service! I love working with individuals that are equally as passionate about their craft and simply need an opportunity to reach their consumer base. Ericka also is a small business owner who is the sole provider for our dessert menu, The Bread Puddin' Lady, as she is known around the city has grown her brand by being apart of the team. Partnering with small business owners is something I am extremely passionate about and will continue to do as The Empanada Lady brand expands.
Pick ya blessing! Choose your amount. All contributors will receive an email "Thank You" from our Founder + El Jefe, Elisa Milan. No additional rewards are provided with this contribution selection.
All "WEPA!" contirbutors will receive a social media shout-out!
- The Empanada Lady (TEL) Mural Poster Digital Print by Baltimore Muralist, Jaz Erenberg. This is a digital print of the mural featured in The Empanada Lady's new restaurant.
- In addition to (1) 15% off dine-in coupon to be used in-store by 12/31/2023. This coupon is one-time use and is limited to one per contributor. Coupons will be distributed and activated on 09/01/2023.
- “YOU HUNGRY?” T-shirt
- The Empanada Lady Logo Reusable Bag
- Personalized "Thank You" card from Founder Elisa Milan
An intimate Nada Rollin’ convo with El Jefe + Founder, Elisa Milan. This package includes (1) ticket to our 2-hour session. Light refreshments will be served.
-
Reusable Grocery Tote Bag
-
Nada Altar Candle
-
“You Hungry?” Oven Mitt
-
The Empanada Lady (TEL) Logo Deck of Playing Cards
-
2024 TEL Calendar
A unique opportunity to enjoy a private seasonal menu preview experience at the Chef's Table, where guests can interact with the chefs, learn about the empanada-making process, and savor an empanada cocktail pairing menu!
- This package includes (4) tickets.
- Each guest will receive a Nada Average VIP swag bag during the event.
- All “To More Than Before” contributors will be added to the “Nada Family” plaque that will be displayed in the new restaurant.
Nada Average Tuesday is a monthly mixer hosted by our Founder Elisa Milan, drawing upwards of 200 people each event. Elisa partners with oragnizations from across the city to bring varying themes to life (i.e. drag brunch, sip and paint, game night and live performances)! This series has allowed collaboration with multiple Baltimore-based artists, musicians and creatives.
Each Nada Average Tuesday event will cost about $2,000 to execute. This donation sponsors one full Nada Average Tuesday event! You will get to choose which event you would like to sponsor, July- December of 2023 (in order of donations).
This reward grants us the use of your name and likeness to promote your business and/or brand during one of our Nada Average Tuesday events. Your information will appear on promotional materials "Sponsored by" and in swag bags provided to our VIP guests. This can also be for an individual in which case your name will appear as "Thanks to the Support of" or anonymous, if you prefer.
Event Date(s): Every First Tuesday of the Month; July-December 2023
A high-level package tailored for corporate sponsors, offering prominent branding opportunities, recognition on the restaurant's website and menu, and a catered event for up to 50 guests. Please contact Sola at [email protected] customize your sponsorship package today!
Rewards
Pick ya blessing! Choose your amount. All contributors will receive an email "Thank You" from our Founder + El Jefe, Elisa Milan. No additional rewards are provided with this contribution selection.
All "WEPA!" contirbutors will receive a social media shout-out!
- The Empanada Lady (TEL) Mural Poster Digital Print by Baltimore Muralist, Jaz Erenberg. This is a digital print of the mural featured in The Empanada Lady's new restaurant.
- In addition to (1) 15% off dine-in coupon to be used in-store by 12/31/2023. This coupon is one-time use and is limited to one per contributor. Coupons will be distributed and activated on 09/01/2023.
- “YOU HUNGRY?” T-shirt
- The Empanada Lady Logo Reusable Bag
- Personalized "Thank You" card from Founder Elisa Milan
An intimate Nada Rollin’ convo with El Jefe + Founder, Elisa Milan. This package includes (1) ticket to our 2-hour session. Light refreshments will be served.
-
Reusable Grocery Tote Bag
-
Nada Altar Candle
-
“You Hungry?” Oven Mitt
-
The Empanada Lady (TEL) Logo Deck of Playing Cards
-
2024 TEL Calendar
A unique opportunity to enjoy a private seasonal menu preview experience at the Chef's Table, where guests can interact with the chefs, learn about the empanada-making process, and savor an empanada cocktail pairing menu!
- This package includes (4) tickets.
- Each guest will receive a Nada Average VIP swag bag during the event.
- All “To More Than Before” contributors will be added to the “Nada Family” plaque that will be displayed in the new restaurant.
Nada Average Tuesday is a monthly mixer hosted by our Founder Elisa Milan, drawing upwards of 200 people each event. Elisa partners with oragnizations from across the city to bring varying themes to life (i.e. drag brunch, sip and paint, game night and live performances)! This series has allowed collaboration with multiple Baltimore-based artists, musicians and creatives.
Each Nada Average Tuesday event will cost about $2,000 to execute. This donation sponsors one full Nada Average Tuesday event! You will get to choose which event you would like to sponsor, July- December of 2023 (in order of donations).
This reward grants us the use of your name and likeness to promote your business and/or brand during one of our Nada Average Tuesday events. Your information will appear on promotional materials "Sponsored by" and in swag bags provided to our VIP guests. This can also be for an individual in which case your name will appear as "Thanks to the Support of" or anonymous, if you prefer.
Event Date(s): Every First Tuesday of the Month; July-December 2023
A high-level package tailored for corporate sponsors, offering prominent branding opportunities, recognition on the restaurant's website and menu, and a catered event for up to 50 guests. Please contact Sola at [email protected] customize your sponsorship package today!