St. Augustine, FL – The Spanish Bakery & Café, a beloved fixture of the city’s colonial quarter since 1965, is experiencing a surge of demand for its handmade empanadas. Manager Carol Miller says on busy days the bakery can move three trays – 48 empanadas – in under an hour.
Production upgrades keep pace with crowds
Traditionally, rolling the dough by hand required an eight‑hour shift to produce ten trays (160 empanadas). A newer rolling machine has cut that time in half, allowing the bakery to meet the growing appetite of tourists exploring the nation’s oldest city.
Social media and word‑of‑mouth drive traffic
Visitors cite news coverage, TikTok, and Instagram posts as reasons for stopping by. “People hear about us online and then come in to try the empanadas for themselves,” Miller explained.
Health‑conscious twist on a Spanish classic
Unlike the traditional fried version, the bakery bakes its empanadas, offering a lighter option for those strolling the historic streets or heading to the beach on a warm Florida day.
Family‑friendly appeal
Even a 12‑year‑old first‑time visitor from Ohio, Alexis Rapchak, was won over. “I really like the dough and the inside. It’s perfect,” she said, noting that the flavor isn’t overly spicy despite common assumptions about Spanish cuisine.
Local heritage meets modern demand
Located in the heart of St. Augustine’s Spanish‑influenced historic district, the bakery’s offerings connect tourists to the city’s colonial roots while providing a hearty, baked snack that fits a variety of palates.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
