Empanadas BG, a family-inspired food truck, has grown into a brand-new brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Bowling Green.
Co-owners Juan Gomez and Almar Perez have operated out of a food truck since 2020. From serving customers outside factories and medical centers to establishing a permanent location, Gomez and Perez are the faces of the business.
However, Perez said it is her mother, Belinda Galindo, who is really the secret to their success. In fact, her initials are what put the “BG” in Empanadas BG.
“She is the backbone,” Perez said.
Gomez and Perez said they first met in 2011 through their families. Gomez’s sister was roommates with Perez’s brother, and their bond eventually led to a business partnership.
Gomez said he moved to Bowling Green in 2006 from Cookeville, Tennessee, and attended Bowling Green Junior High and Bowling Green High School. Perez said she arrived a year later from Mexico, attending Moss Middle and Warren Central High School before studying Latin American Studies and Spanish at WKU.
While Empanadas BG officially opened as a food truck, the concept started in Perez’s mother’s kitchen. Perez said her mother made empanadas for the family and they quickly realized that no one else in Bowling Green was selling them. Inspired by her cooking, Gomez said they decided to bring empanadas to the local food scene.
Gomez said he previously worked at Five Guys, gaining kitchen experience by holding different positions. Also working at a local Mexican restaurant, Garcia’s Grill BG, Gomez he knew he wanted to offer something different from the traditional Mexican fare already available in town. He said his experiences opened up the idea of starting something.
“Working at Five Guys, and you know, working as a cook, and then manager, and then general manager, I got to see how the business works,” Gomez said.
The food truck’s success led them to seek a permanent home. Gomez said they found the perfect spot at 348 College St, Suite 130. The space, which was formerly a Save-A-Lot, became available through the Housing Authority of Bowling Green’s Pop-Up Program. Perez said the program is designed to help small businesses transition into physical storefronts.
Perez said Empanadas BG officially opened its doors on March 5, giving customers a reliable location to find their favorite dishes while allowing the restaurant to expand its hours.
Bowling Green resident Maria Zubel said that it’s great to have another dining option downtown. She said she loves being able to walk there from her house.
“As an added bonus, my rather picky child happily wolfed down his empanada,” Zubel said.
Living downtown herself, Zubel said she is excited to add Empanadas BG to the rotation of restaurants her family patronizes.
For those unfamiliar with empanadas, Gomez said they are fried flour dough stuffed with a variety of fillings, similar to a fried or hand pie. While Empanadas BG primarily focuses on savory flavors, Perez said they occasionally offer sweet options as specials.
In addition to empanadas, the menu features refreshing agua frescas. Gomez described them as being similar to a Starbucks Refresher. They also make horchata, a rice milk beverage with cinnamon notes that pairs well with iced coffee.
“It’s like Cinnamon Toast Crunch,” Perez said.
As they settle into their new space, Perez said Empanadas BG invites the community to experience their take on this Latin American classic.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays they are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Perez said Empanadas BG is ready to serve up something special.