Local Grad Opens New Island Empanada Location In Oakdale

OAKDALE, NY—Island Empanada is a Long Island chain of franchises that serves 31 varieties of the Puerto Rican dish. The business is a family, and a local affair, and now the daughter of the founders has opened a location in a community she knows well.

Danielle Pelaez grew up in Ronkonkoma and graduated from Connetquot High School, so when she decided to open her own location of Island Empanada after serving as the corporate trainer for the company for seven years, she chose Oakdale.

"I know the area really well, and it's a great community. I love being able to employ kids from the high school that I went to, and I really want to get involved with the community."

Island Empanada opened last week at 1551 South Country Rd.

Pelaez' parents, Roy and Kathy Pelaez, opened the first Island Empanada restaurant a decade ago in Ronkonkoma and now there are nine fast casual stores and two food trucks across Long Island.

"Before that they always made empanadas at home, cooked them for family and friends. It was always my father's dream to open an empanada restaurant."

This location will be the first to offer beer, wine and sangria. There are eight vegetarian and two vegan options on the menu.

"I'm so grateful for how busy it's been—the staff has been amazing and we had a great turnout at the grand opening last week," Pelaez said.