Our Story | Julio's Empanadas

Julio presenting his craft with pride in front of the painted Chef Julio mural

The Man Behind the Empanada

Julio didn't open a restaurant because he saw a business opportunity. He opened one because he couldn't stop cooking for people. Every recipe he carries comes from a kitchen where food was love made visible — where the smell of sofrito meant everyone was about to be taken care of.

When he brought his craft to Gulfport, Florida, Julio knew exactly what he wanted to build: a place where every empanada is handcrafted with the same care he'd put into feeding his own family. Not a chain. Not a franchise. A restaurant with his name on it, his recipes behind the counter, and his face in the window.

"I don't just make food. I share my family, my culture, and my heart with every plate that goes out this window."

That commitment shows in every detail — from the hand-painted murals that cover the restaurant walls to the signature sweet onion sauce that Julio developed himself. At Julio's Empanadas, nothing comes from a box and nothing is made in advance. When you bite into one of his empanadas, you're eating something that was crafted that day, by hand, with intention.

Rooted in Gulfport

Julio's Empanadas isn't just located in Gulfport — it belongs to Gulfport.

From the hand-painted mural of the Gulfport waterway on the building's exterior to the Puerto Rico flag that hangs proudly in the kitchen, every surface of this restaurant tells you exactly where it comes from and who built it. The Latin Twist identity isn't a marketing angle — it's the honest expression of a chef who cooks from his roots.

Julio's commitment to the community goes beyond the restaurant walls. You'll find his bright yellow food truck at local events, neighborhood celebrations, and community gatherings throughout the Tampa Bay area. When Gulfport celebrates, Julio's is there — feeding people, joining in, and showing up as a neighbor, not just a business.