The empanadas, which one reviewer called “pockets of Argentine bliss” are filled with everything from ham and mozzarella to eggs, potato and chorizo. 

Lorena Cantarovici, right, stands with her kitchen manager, left, Jose Manuel Marquez Gatica.

Cantarovici developed Maria Empanada after wowing catering clients with her food. Before opening the first location, she sold empanadas from her garage.

The concept now has three restaurants in the Denver area.

A fourth location is under construction, fueled by a $3.5 million round of funding from a venture capital firm.