April 7, 2023Rochester, NY – The Marketplace Mall announces the opening of Juan & Maria’s, a local favorite. Friday, March 17 began the soft opening process; the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, April 7, officially marks the opening of Juan & Maria’s second location.

Family owned and operated since 2000, Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop has become a Rochester favorite at the city’s Public Market, known for their selection of authentic and perfected empanadas. Founders Juan and Maria Contreras originally hail from Chile, bringing authentic, homemade Spanish cuisine to Rochester.

This milestone will mark the beginning of Juan & Maria’s expansion as they grow outside their famous first location in Rochester’s Public Market. Recently, Juan and Maria Contreras passed the business onto their son Benjamin and his wife Melissa, marking a second milestone – generational ownership.

The second location, a 605 square foot space in The Marketplace Mall Food Court, will offer the full Juan & Maria’s menu – featuring meat, veggie, and breakfast empanadas, rice and beans, platters, homemade sauces, churros, and Spanish drinks.

Juan & Maria’s complements the locally owned eateries in the food court: Cosimos Pizza, Good News Stand, The Grilled Cheese Factory, Coffee Connection, and coming soon Pita Chik.  


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