What started as a way for Argentinian-turned-Minnesotan Belén Rodríguez to fend off homesickness has evolved into an entrepreneurial career and broader mission: to bring quality heritage-inspired Hispanic recipes to the freezer case of mainstream grocers. In just five years, St. Paul-based Quebracho Empanadas has gone from local farmers markets to more than 250 stores including Cub and Lunds & Byerlys, with national expansion in the works. A 2023 MN Cup division winner, Rodríguez is emerging as a voice for Latina women entrepreneurs and an inspirational founder, pioneering the Minneapolis micro food wholesaler license that allows small brands to operate as a USDA facility. “I want my grandma’s empanadas to be the go-to hand-held food in the U.S.”

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