A brick thrown through the window of The Empanada Lady left a shattered pane and a gaping hole in the Baltimore restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to owner Elisa Milan. The shop, located near Baltimore's Inner Harbor, reopened the very next day, but Milan says the damage has already cost her far more than the price of glass.
Milan told CBS News Baltimore that the vandalism has been both emotionally and financially difficult. Video from the station shows a man appearing to throw an object through the restaurant's window, leaving behind the shattered glass and large hole that greeted Milan and her staff that morning. “I really do want to encourage people to show up and support us as we try to deal with this very expensive vandalism by supporting the business,” Milan said.
Insurance Denies the Claim
Making matters worse, Milan discovered her insurance policy would not cover the damage. According to wmar2news.com, the policy does not cover external damage to the building, leaving Milan to pay for a temporary window replacement herself. She still needs a stronger, permanent installation down the line.
The outlet reports Milan pulled the repair money from funds she had set aside for a $3,000 BGE bill just to keep the shop running. Rather than start a GoFundMe, she posted on social media asking people to come buy empanadas instead, and the station notes she's now selling a pack of three for $25 to help offset the cost.
A Spike in Support
The response has been noticeable. Milan reported that the restaurant has seen a spike in business since the incident, per CBS News Baltimore. Customer Shonna Watkins said Milan's drive inspired her to show up and support the business, the same report from the station's local coverage notes.
Milan is hoping the goodwill doesn't fade once the week is over. She has encouraged people to keep supporting The Empanada Lady beyond this weekend, and to extend that support to other Baltimore small businesses as well, according to the station's report.
Three Years In, With Bigger Plans Ahead
Milan said The Empanada Lady has been open for the past three years and that she hopes it stays open for years to come. The business has also built a reputation beyond the counter: The Baltimore Times describes it as a cultural gathering space that has hosted DJs, artists, pop-ups and community conversations, with the outlet identifying Milan as owner and placing the business at 10 South Street in downtown Baltimore.
Accounts of the business's origin differ. The Baltimore Times reports Milan launched The Empanada Lady from her home in 2017 before opening the downtown brick-and-mortar location, while The Banner reports Milan started the business as a dare in 2016. Other coverage from WBAL-TV has described the business as operating out of North Avenue's artist hub, Motor House, and the station reports Milan plans to eventually expand the concept into her own standalone brick-and-mortar restaurant.
For now, Milan's focus is on getting through the week — and the next one. She hopes the community will continue to show up long after the broken window is fully repaired.
