Half Luna Empanadas started with a love of food, family, community and the traditions that bring people together. Founded by Stephanie Rivera, Half Luna began with homemade empanadas shared among friends and family, inspired by her father's cooking and her Peruvian and Puerto Rican heritage. Born in the Bronx and raised in Buffalo, Stephanie grew up surrounded by the flavors, traditions, and cultural influences that would eventually inspire her business. After two decades in nonprofit leadership roles, Stephanie took a leap into entrepreneurship, turning something she had always loved into something bigger. She saw an opportunity to bring bold, culturally inspired flavors and a fresh perspective to Buffalo's food scene. With no formal culinary background, she built Half Luna around a simple idea: honor the traditions behind a beloved food while making room for creativity, unexpected flavors, and new experiences. As Stephanie puts it, "Food isn't in my background, it's in my DNA." What began as a small passion project has grown into a local business serving weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, community celebrations, and customers simply looking to satisfy an empanada craving. From traditional favorites to inventive combinations, Half Luna brings something special to every occasion. Every empanada is handcrafted with care, bringing together quality ingredients, bold flavors, cultural inspiration, and a little creativity. It's a reflection of where we come from, what we love, and the belief that good food has a way of bringing people together. At Half Luna, we're not just making empanadas. We're sharing a little culture and a lot of flavor.