Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Vivas
Hi Mario, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, food is an important part of the culture but especially for me and my family, food is what brings us together. I grew up in a house where people and guests flowed in and out constantly. When I was a kid, my parents would frequently have people over for dinner parties. In fact, I remember being disappointed when I learned that no one was coming over for a weekend.
I moved to NYC at 24 and instantly started working in catering and events. It was in those jobs I learned about anticipating people’s needs and desires and the importance of working a fast pace and being resourceful.
When Covid hit, and events dried up, I began cooking and delivering individual meals for friends and other customers. It was my way to keep an income and keep working during this time, but I needed to take it to another level in order to survive.
I saw opportunity when places started closing and store rents dropped. Armed with my grandmother’s empanada recipe, I found the right investors and opened up my idea: an empanada bakery in NYC.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting during Covid was a huge risk and I didn’t know if we would survive past a year. Plus, with so many rules in place for safety, I wasn’t sure how that would affect business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Criollas Baked Empanadas. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a small empanada bakery with other items such as coffee, desserts, dulce de leche, beverages. We have two locations in midtown Manhattan. Our empanadas baked, 100% hand made, and taste delicious. We source fresh ingredients and have vegan options. Our most popular flavor is malbec-beef empanada.
When we opened Covid, we received a letter of congratulations from the governor of New York State.
We have many repeat customers and are proud of have a loyal fan base. People like that we prioritize quality over quantity.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Getting your ideas organized, but then taking action on those ideas is also important. Also it’s important to research the market and have a vision for your brand. When hiring, make sure to hire a diverse crew so that you have different opinions and different solutions to problems.
Pricing:
- Each empanada $6
- Alfajor $4
- Coffee $3
- Chipa $2
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.criollasempanadas.com
- Instagram: criollasbaked
