ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop in Rochester is making its first significant transition since they first went into business two decades ago.

The restaurant has been a staple at the Rochester Public Market since 2000.

For Juan Contreras, it's a feeling of pride to provide the community what he calls “highly addictive Spanish foods.”

“We cook for ourselves and we share it with our customers, so it’s just been serving the people,” said Juan. “See how happy people are when they eat the food. It’s like that on regular basis.”

Contreras says the business has come a long way from selling a few dozen empanadas in the early days to more than a thousand on an average Saturday, but after 21 years, he is now he is handing control over to his son, Benjamin.

“It has always been a family business,” said Juan. “It will continue to be a family business with Benjamin and his wife and, of course, we will be behind the scenes, pushing them along and helping them along.”

Ben says he is honored to carry the torch but knows he is taking on a big responsibility.

“Through prayer, of course, I said, ‘big shoes to fill,’” said Benjamin. “However, my wife and I are very excited and we know we can do it with God’s help, and we will do it. We’ve been in the community. I was born and raised here, so we are absolutely excited to continue to give back to the community in terms of empanadas here in Rochester, New York.”

As for what’s next for Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop, the answer couldn't be easier for Benjamin.

“We are looking to expand of course, but the love and all of the ingredients will remain the same,” Benjamin said.

While Juan plans to stay involved in the business, he has big visions for his future.

“I have in mind a couple of books that we would like to write,” he said. “When the pandemic is over with, we would like to take groups of people to Chile, which is where Maria and I come from, and become their personalized tour guide.”