After losing a close family member after COVID, a husband and wife duo turned grief into
purpose. Determined to carry on his legacy and passion for cooking, they opened Big Pappy’s
Empanadas, a place built not just on food, but on love, resilience, and community.
Maria and William Valentin both work full time jobs, their commitment to serving others never
wavers. Long days don’t stop them from stepping into the kitchen, where they prepare hundreds
of empanadas in advance — each one a reflection of their dedication.
That commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over time, they’ve built something deeper than a
customer base — they have built trust.
“If they come and say their phone died or they don’t have any money, we will still take care of
them,” they said.
That trust was put to the test during a Verizon outage, when many customers suddenly couldn’t
pay. About 15 to 20 people were affected — but turning anyone away was never an option.
Instead, they wrote down names and phone numbers, choosing faith over doubt. The next
morning, their phones lit up with messages. One by one, people followed through and paid what
they owed.
They didn’t just build a business. They built a community.
Their mission goes beyond food. They want every student who walks up to their window to feel
seen, supported, and welcomed.
“We aren’t here to get rich. We’re here to serve and help our community,” they said. “It feels like
I have a million kids now. If you need something and we can help, we will.”
That care leaves a lasting impact. On graduation day, students often return — not just for food,
but to introduce their families and say thank you fo the role this place played in their lives.
And sometimes, what people need isn’t a meal — it’s comfort. Maria and William embrace that
and create a space where students feel safe enough to open up.
“Everyone comes with respect here,” they said. “When someone becomes a regular, they become
family.”
Their values are simple, but powerful.
Inclusivity, kindness, and connection.
“It’s 2026, times change. It’s time to be more diverse,” they said. “It doesn’t matter where you
go, where you are — you are always welcome. That’s what we’re trying to teach here.”
At its core, Big Pappy’s Empanadas is more than a business. It’s a place where people are
embraced without question.
“We are welcoming, good people. We just need a chance.”
For them, showing up each day — feeding people, making the connections with the community,
and giving back — isn’t just work. It’s pure joy
