West End Scores Face-Size Feast as Big Papa’s Empanadas Moves In

Big Papa’s Empanadas is getting ready to drop serious comfort food into Charlotte’s Historic West End this August. The counter-service spot at 1812 Rozzelles Ferry Rd is planning a lineup of half-pound sweet and savory empanadas, backed up by tacos, wings and hand-cut fries.

As reported by the Charlotte Observer, chef and founder Jonathan Leonard said the empanadas are “literally like the size of my face,” with fillings that lean playful and over-the-top. Diners can expect options such as a bacon-Gouda cheeseburger empanada, Cajun crab mac-and-cheese and Caribbean oxtails. Leonard told CharlotteFive the concept is hip-hop inspired, with the shop running as counter service and offering a small patio for outdoor seating.

From meal prep to a storefront

According to his LinkedIn profile, Leonard studied at Johnson & Wales University and developed the empanada concept through his meal-prep and catering company Freshly Cracked. He says the turnovers started out as a way to give leftover dishes from pop-ups a second life, then grew into a full takeout-focused menu.

Why the Historic West End

Growth and renewed commercial interest have turned the West End into increasingly attractive territory for small food businesses, with the Charlotte Urban Institute documenting recent development pressures and fresh activity across the area. Community groups and local history projects highlight that the neighborhood includes longstanding Black communities such as McCrorey Heights, Hyde Park and Oaklawn, giving new openings a built-in audience and clear cultural context.

What to expect

Construction and inspections at the Rozzelles Ferry storefront are slated to wrap ahead of the planned August debut, and Leonard says Big Papa’s will also stock pre-made Freshly Cracked meals and keep extended hours on select nights. The plan includes internship slots for Johnson & Wales culinary students and longer-term ambitions to branch into future sit-down projects, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Big Papa’s is already teasing menu items and posting progress photos on Instagram at @bigpapasempanadas, with the team saying a firm opening date will drop once inspections clear. Nearby residents and Johnson C. Smith University students are expected to be among the first regulars lining up for those face-size turnovers.