Food & Drink

Empanadas Aqui Opens Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Mason

The Venezuelan food truck opened up permanent digs in the space formerly occupied by Troy’s Cafe

by Hailey Bollinger March 11, 2020July 8, 2024

Empanadas Aqui Right before the start of the pandemic in 2020, Venezuelan food truck Empanadas Aqui opened its highly anticipated brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Mason. And in Janiurary, the restaurant announced it would be closing its doors. "We have made the difficult decision to close the doors of the restaurant. Our last day will be Saturday, January 29th," read a Facebook post from Empanadas Aqui. "Unfortunately, COVID has had a dramatic impact on our business. We have run several scenarios to see what options we have but the effects of COVID have outlasted small business assistance and hard work. Recovery is not in sight." They say they had been open for 15 days before COVID shutdowns began in March of 2020. Photo: facebook.com/EmpanadasAqui

Empanadas Aqui Photo: facebook.com/EmpanadasAqui

Venezuelan food truck Empanadas Aqui has opened their highly anticipated brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Mason.

The eatery takes over the space formerly occupied by Troy’s Cafe at 322 Reading Road.

Interior of Empanadas Aqui Photo: Facebook.com/EmpanadasAqui

Owners Pat Fettig, Brett and Dadnitri Johnson first opened their food truck in 2014 as a way for Dadnitri, a Venezuela native, to share a taste of home with the hungry folks of Greater Cincinnati and pay homage to the country she dearly missed.

After several successful years and gathering a loyal following of foodie fans, the food truck embarked on opening a permanent location.

Open 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, the restaurant offers a plentiful menu featuring a selection of arepas like the Gringo Pepiada and the caprese; entrees like the pabellon, the national dish of Venezuela; salads; finger food; dessert; and of course some empanadas, like the Carne Mechada and the queso and plantains.

The food truck will still be appearing at events around town.

Empanadas Aqui, 322 Reading Road, Mason.