V Empanadas: Building Community Through Flavor

.yawA
2 days ago
2 min read

Veronica Fitzgerald in front of V Empanadas Sign — Photo By Donn Greenberg

Back in 2009, while living in North Carolina, Veronica Fitzgerald was searching for ways to build community. With her husband and two young children far from family, she longed for a meaningful way to connect with those around her. She realized that food, especially something authentic from her Ecuadorian roots, had the power to bring people together.

So she began teaching herself how to make traditional empanadas, testing recipes, experimenting with flavors, and sharing them with neighbors and friends. What started as a simple way to connect soon grew into something much bigger. It grew into a way to share a piece of her culture and create community through flavor and tradition.

A Dream on Wheels

Veronica’s proudest moment came with the launch of the V Empanadas food truck, a dream that took over a year to bring to life. From finding the right truck and designing its look, to navigating permits, licenses, and all the challenges in between, every step required persistence and heart. Seeing it all come together and serving the first customers from the truck was an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience. The moment represented not just hard work, but also growth and the next big step for her business.

A Day in the Life at V Empanadas

No two days are ever the same for Veronica and her team. Some days are spent sourcing ingredients, running around to four or five different stores to find the best produce and proteins. Cooking days are long but rewarding, ensuring the kitchen stays stocked and the food stays fresh. Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated prep days, when the team prepares everything for the upcoming markets.

But the best days of all? Market days. Those are filled with energy, conversation, and connection. Whether at the Lancaster Farmers Market in Wayne or out and about with the food truck. For Veronica, there’s nothing quite like seeing someone take their first bite of an empanada and smile.

Where to Find and Support V Empanadas

You can find Veronica’s empanadas at the Lancaster Farmers Market in Wayne, or visit www.v-empanadas.com to learn more about catering services, events, and food truck bookings. Every purchase, visit, and word of mouth referral helps support this growing small business and keeps the spirit of community alive, one empanada at a time.

Inspiration and Community

Veronica draws inspiration from creative entrepreneurs who have built meaningful brands through authenticity and passion. Meg Veno, owner of Life’s Patina in Malvern, has been a mentor, friend, and constant source of encouragement. Veronica also admires Eddie Ross, whose talent and vision inspire her to continually evolve and stay true to her creative instincts.

Both remind her that success is built not just on skill, but on heart, something she pours into every batch of empanadas.

The Favorite Flavor

When asked to choose a favorite, Veronica doesn’t hesitate, it’s the Cuban Empanada. “It’s delicate and flavorful,” she says. “Ground pork cooked in white wine with fresh peppers, onions, tomatoes, and garlic mixed with white rice and garnished with green olives and raisins — my take on the traditional Latin Picadillo.”