Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlyse Moran.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Empanada Sonata is a Latin fusion concept blending Puerto Rican and Cuban flavors with a vibrant, music-inspired identity. Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 2015, the brand built a loyal following through its unique menu and cultural experience.
After expanding to the Nashville area in 2019, The Empanada Sonata evolved from a food truck into a brick-and-mortar location, continuing to grow its community presence. While operations paused in 2022, the brand has remained in demand, with strong community support and continued interest in its return.
Today, The Empanada Sonata is in its comeback phase—operating through pop-ups and limited takeout while rebuilding momentum. The long-term vision is to secure a permanent brick-and-mortar location and reestablish the brand as a staple in the local food scene, offering a consistent, high-quality dining experience rooted in culture, flavor, and connection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t been easy—few are in this industry. Like many, we faced the impact of COVID-19 and increasing costs, leading to our closure in 2022. But through it all, the heart of The Empanada Sonata never left, and that resilience is what drives our comeback today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I am most proud of is creating an experience that brings culture and flavor to people in a way that keeps them coming back. The Empanada Sonata is more than just food—it’s about connection, community, and sharing a piece of our heritage.
Beyond the kitchen, the brand has also allowed me to be actively involved in the community, including helping raise awareness and funds for DIPG, a pediatric brain tumor cancer.
What sets us apart is not only our unique flavor profile and concept, but also the heart behind what we do—combining culture, purpose, and resilience into every experience we create.
We are known for our Empanadas, The Cuban Jibarito and The Canoa (Banana Boat) dishes.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve always been a risk-taker, and stepping back into this journey proves it. Opening a brick-and-mortar in such an uncertain economy is not without its challenges, but I believe in this concept, and I’m committed to seeing it through.
If you dont take the risk, you will NEVER know.
Pricing:
- Empanadas $5-7
- Cuban Jibarito $14
- The Banana Boat $14
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theempanadasonata/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empanadasonata/
- Other: https://pci.jotform.com/form/251945240063048
