Help Save Munchies Rock City Empanada — Support Luis Carresquillo

If you live in Rochester, you probably know Munchies.

For over 20 years, Luis Carresquillo, affectionately known as “Munchies,” has been a pillar in our community serving delicious food with love, donating meals to local events, and showing up whenever someone needed a helping hand. He’s never asked for anything in return because that’s just who he is.

But now, he’s the one who needs us.

What Happened

On September 3rd, while helping a friend on the side of the highway, tragedy struck.

A car suddenly veered off and crashed into the vehicle and trailer. Luis, who was outside helping, was hit and thrown several feet. His leg was sliced open, and he began bleeding profusely.

In a moment of divine timing, a veteran stopped at the scene, found a tourniquet in the car, and wrapped Luis’s leg, saving his life. Doctors later said that if help had come seconds later, Luis might not be here with us today.

His Recovery

Luis has spent weeks in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and intense recovery procedures. He’s still facing a long road to healing — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Because of his injuries, he hasn’t been able to work, and his business — Munchies Rock City Empanada — is struggling to stay afloat. Bills are piling up, rent and equipment costs continue, and the future of his restaurant — a true Rochester gem — hangs in the balance.

How We Can Help

Luis has poured so much into this city — feeding us, showing up for us, and making us feel like family. Now it’s time we return the favor.

Every dollar you give will go directly toward:

Covering Luis’s medical expenses and ongoing rehabilitation

Supporting his household while he recovers

Keeping Munchies Rock City Empanada alive until he’s back on his feet

Let’s come together as a community — the same community Luis has served for decades — and show him that he’s not alone in this fight.

Please Donate and Share

Even if you can’t give much, every contribution helps. Please share this campaign with your friends, family, and community pages. Together, we can help Luis heal, rebuild, and return to doing what he loves — feeding Rochester with heart.

Thank you for standing with Munchies.

Special Thanks

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have already stepped up to support Luis and his family during this difficult time:

ESL Federal Credit Union — for your generosity and compassion.

United Way — for helping mobilize resources and community support.

Daisey Algarin — for your kindness, leadership, and commitment to helping a local hero get back on his feet.

Your efforts remind us what true community looks like.