Che! Empanada continues its tasty Argentinian comfort food to Lincoln Street

The brick-and-mortar shop Che! Empanada officially expanded its Worcester operation in July, with a second location at 536 Lincoln St. The store took over first floor space in the building that also houses the Press Box and Liberty Tax.

Albie Alvarez-Cote first introduced her artisanal, Argentinian-style empanadas at 19 Kelley Square, Worcester, in 2021, moving into the former Anthem Bagel spot. She and her husband, James Cote, also own Che! Empanada stores in Newtonville and Cambridge. Alvarez-Cote and a New Hampshire chef were the original owners of the Kelley Square business, but the chef has since moved on, and Alvarez-Cote is now sole owner.

Cote, former Worcester resident and Che! Empanada’s business manager, said the Lincoln Street location is the result of customer feedback. “Our customers kept telling us that the Kelley Square area is busy and parking sometimes gets hard to come by when they want take-out at the store,” said Cote, noting there are many nearby businesses. “We looked for a second Worcester location for quite a while,” he said.

The couple had previously checked out properties on the city’s West side and had given serious thought about leasing in a retail building on Pleasant Street. A fire in May destroyed the building, home to several family businesses and the former Corner Grille and Lulu’s Bakery. Cote said the couple haven’t lost interest in opening on the West side.

Lincoln Street is a neighborhood store that not only attracts walk-ins, but also take-out and catering customers who can use the parking lot next to the business. Customers can enjoy a bite and beverage inside (accommodates 16), or outdoors, where seasonal seating is set up in front of the store. The business caters to small and large parties, recently making 500 empanadas for a client. That’s a lot of dough! We’re talking about the flour-based dough the business uses to make the empanadas, of course.

According to Cote, the new store space has been completely renovated and Che! Empanada’s “crew” hauled out bags of trash from outside the building before opening day. Interior design was done by Alvarez-Cote, who created a warm and inviting ambiance.

Che! Empanada offers more than 20 different types of empanadas featuring an array of ingredients and vibrant flavors. There’s an empanada for everyone. Chicken, Beef, Veggies, Pork or Sweet, it’s all about personal taste. Tango Beef (beef, olives, red peppers), Vegan (zucchini, yellow squash, onions, sweet potatoes), Tuna (tuna, onions, peppers, boiled egg) or Spicy Chorizo (chorizo, onion, barbecue sauce chili pepper), take your pick. If you’re looking for something sweet, try Banana & Nutella, Apple & Walnut or Dulce De Leche.

Ranyer Firmino of Worcester, who manages the Lincoln Street store, said in his home country of Brazil empanadas are traditionally fried until gold and crispy. The store’s Argentinian-style empanadas are baked. Firmino has worked for Che! Empanada for two years, helping out in all locations. “When I got hired Albie (owner) told me I had to know everything about the business and products, from start to finish. She’s a great teacher, and I love working in the business,” said Firmino.  A graduate of Doherty High School in Worcester, he’s studying business at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester.

For new customers to Che! Empanada, Firmino recommends starting off with a Classic Chicken (chicken, onions and red peppers) or Classic Beef (beef, onions, peppers, scallions, eggs) empanadas. If you’re taking empanadas home, they will be cold. Recommended heating time in a 350-degree oven is 7 to 10 minutes. To dip or not to dip? Empanadas are wonderful eaten just plain, but dipping sauce just elevates the experience. Either way, empanadas make a perfect snack, meal and decadent dessert, said Firmino.

Visit cheempanada.com for more information about menus, ordering, delivery, etc. The Lincoln Street store is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (508) 304-9951. Hours at Kelly Square location are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (781) 268-7782. Follow the business on Facebook. Note: Gluten-free empanadas will be made, with a two to three notice from customer.

Alvarez-Cote of West Newton immigrated from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a member of Worcester’s Latin American Business Organization and the Canal District Business Association. She has served on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs since 2017 and is founding member of the Latino Council, Milagros para Ninos, at Boston Children’s Hospital. Both she and her husband are financial advisors.

Cote said the couple plan to open a kitchen facility in the city, allowing them not only to make products for all their stores, but also venture into selling wholesale. “We’re currently working with the city on the project,” said Cote. “We’re really excited about making it happen.” An owner of a large empanada company in Argentina and his wife recently visited the Worcester business. “We’re in talks with him about support of the kitchen facility,” said Cote. The facility would be located in a Worcester factory building, he said. Empanadas currently are baked at Kelley Square for the two city locations.

Che! Empanada brings a timeless Argentinian tradition and a homemade, comfort food favorite to the city.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.  

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Che! Empanada's Lincoln Street location now open