Island Empanada Opens New Location In Shirley

SHIRLEY, NY — The first-ever Shirley location of Island Empanada opened in Shirley recently.

According to Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Jan. 29 at the new location in the Southport Shopping Center at 999 Montauk Highway. The event was also attended by members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley, Panico said.

"Definitely stop by and check out this family business, they have a wide variety of empanadas and more," he said.

Also in attendance were Suffolk County Legislator Rudy Sunderman, Senator Alexis Weik, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano.

"We wish the best of luck and continued success! A taste of the islands in every bite," Sunderman said.

Island Empanada, founded by Roy and Kathy Pelaez, has locations in Ronkonkoma, Medford, Rocky Point, Merrick, Commack, Huntington, and Deer Park, according to the Island Empanada website.

Camille and Terry Short are at the helm at the new franchise, the first in Shirley; both are thrilled to see the business sited in such a welcoming community, they said.

The eatery offers more than 30 varieties of empanadas from beef to chicken, including dessert empanada choices such as an oreo empanada and apple caramel. Vegan options such as "nada beef" and "veggie lover" are also available. Other flavors include Buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch and chipotle beef.

For additional information on Island Empanada in Shirley click here.