Help Rebuild Empanada Loca After a Devasting Fire!

Hello Park Slope, Brooklyn, Friends & Family,

We’re reaching out on behalf of Empanada Loca, our beloved restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

On Monday, August 4th around 4:30 PM, tragedy struck. A sudden and devastating fire tore through the restaurant, destroying everything we worked so hard to build. Thanks to the quick response of the brave FDNY, the flames were extinguished within an hour — but the damage was overwhelming. Between the fire, water damage that followed, and a surge from a Con Edison service line, the space was left in ruins. Equipment was destroyed. The interior was gutted. The restaurant, our second home, was reduced to ashes and pieces.

Empanada Loca has been a part of Park Slope since 2015, bringing vibrant Latin flavors, warmth, and hospitality to the neighborhood. It wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a place where families gathered, kids grew up eating our food, and neighbors became friends. Over the years, we've proudly served thousands of guests and created hundreds of local jobs. We were here during the tough times, and we celebrated the good times with you too.

Like many small businesses, we were hit hard by the pandemic. In 2023, we made a bold choice — to reinvest in Empanada Loca, revamp the space, and reimagine our future. We wanted to make it even better for the community we love. Every dollar was put back into the business. Every decision was made with Park Slope in mind. And just as we were gaining momentum… this fire took everything.

About the Team Behind Empanada Loca

George Kontolios, the founder of Empanada Loca, has been the driving force since day one. A dedicated small business owner with unmatched work ethic and heart, George poured everything into this restaurant — from his life savings to sleepless nights away from his wife and newborn daughter.

In July 2024, George made the ultimate act of love — donating a kidney to save his mother’s life after a near-death medical emergency. Less than two months later, despite the toll on his body, his priority was getting back to Empanada Loca and serving the Park Slope community he loves.

At the heart of our kitchen is Executive Chef Jorge Mckenzye, whose passion, creativity, and mastery of Latin fusion flavors have shaped the signature taste that keeps guests coming back. Jorge has been the backbone of our menu — crafting dishes with care, love, and authenticity.

None of this would be possible without our incredible staff — a tight-knit team that has become more like family. From our cooks to our servers, every member plays a vital role in creating the warm, welcoming experience that defines Empanada Loca.

Later in 2024, JD R. Maleh joined as a strategic partner to help take Empanada Loca to the next level. Together, they planned a major expansion, new locations, and a stronger presence in Park Slope and beyond — all aimed at serving the community even better.

Now we’re:

Facing over $400,000 in losses and damages

Temporarily closed and unable to serve our community

Without income to continue to support our team and families

Trying to recover from yet another major setback

Worse still, our insurance will only cover a fraction of the losses. Without help, it may take endless months to rebuild — if we can do it at all.

This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about a neighborhood institution that has always put community first.

Why We’re Asking for Help

We’re raising funds to:

Rebuild Empanada Loca from the ground up

Support our loyal staff — over 20 hardworking individuals who are now suddenly out of work

Bridge the gap while the restaurant is closed and unable to generate income

Preserve a business that has become part of the Park Slope

Every Bit Helps

If you’ve ever eaten at Empanada Loca, shared a meal with friends, or simply believe in the power of small businesses, we ask you to please contribute. Any donation, large or small, brings us one step closer to reopening.

And if you can’t donate, we ask you to share this fundraiser. Help us spread the word and rebuild something that matters — not just to us, but to the entire Park Slope community.

Thank you for your support,

— The Empanada Loca Family