Mr Empanada - South Tampa — Restaurant in Tampa

Most Expensive Sunday Lunch - EVER!

Today, we decided to go to Mr. Empanada for Sunday lunch. We parked directly outside of the restaurant. We were a little sad to read a notice posted on the door stating the restaurant was closed. We looked around for another place to eat lunch and decided on Segunda Bakery as a replacement. When we came back from eating, our car was gone!

I did not know initially if my car had been towed or stolen. Another business owner in the plaza came to speak with me, and shared that Mr. Empanada could have had it towed. The only reason I found my car is because I had left my cell phone inside and we were able to track the phone’s location (Safely Towing, 3617 E. Mohawk Ave). We found the contact number of the towing company and we were able to retrieve our vehicle, in return for $220. Definitely my most expensive lunch ever!

When I told the tow truck driver I had no idea what had happened to my car, because there is no signage posted on the parking spots indicating it is a tow zone, I was told there is a single sign posted on a tree in that plaza with the towing company’s name and phone number. It is obviously not visible from the parking spots because I did not see it.

Mr. Empanada you have definitely lost me as a customer. Unless you would like to compensate me for the $220 for the towing service, please??? Yes, the parking spot we used had a sign posted stating it was for Plaza customers only. At the time of parking, we parked there in good faith because we were planning to be Plaza customers. The car park was 95% EMPTY, and yes we did walk across the street to buy food at a different restaurant because you were closed. But the fact that I left my car parked there did not negatively impact your trade or any other businesses in that Plaza. You were closed!!! If you’re going to have people towed, perhaps be courteous to post some “Towing Zone” signs that are actually easily visible to your customers - or former customers, should I say!!

This is a response to the owner's comment. Thank you for replying.. I understand the need to preserve parking for your customers when it is busy. If I had parked there when parking was limited, I would have moved my car after I discovered your restaurant was closed. But please re-read my comment. I didn't decide to leave my car there because the lot across the street was full. I left my car parked there because the entire plaza parking lot was 95% empty, the majority of the businesses in the plaza were NOT even open. I did not prevent anyone from using any of the other businesses in the plaza.

Perhaps, the landlord should not hire Safety Towing because they are obviously a bunch of cowboys. It is giving your restaurant a bad name. There are several reviews posted for the same issue with that towing company. The other plaza business owner I spoke with, who said my car had probably been towed, is also under the impression the towing company has been hired by you. The towing company are vultures. They sit there and wait for anyone to park outside your restaurant to make easy money. ...

Today was my first time ever seeing a Mr. empanada. Let me just tell you this place had a steady stream of people coming in and out of it and I just had to find out for myself why. This place does not disappoint these empanadas taste fresh homemade they’re cooked fresh to order the lady in front of me ordered a platter with a large salad and I asked her what she recommended she said she recommended taking a lot of extras home because you’ll want some later. I ordered two of the beef which were delicious they’re cooked fresh they taste homemade. The guy that ordered after me was ordering 40 when the counter asked him how many he was trying to feed he said they were just to munch on for the over the weekend. Now that I’ve eaten mine I understand why. I also want to comment I was at the South Tampa location guys were so friendly in there the staff was friendly courteous polite they spoke to my granddaughter it was just all-around a good experience if you haven’t tried this don’t hesitate not only is the food fresh and delicious they have a great staff they are kind courteous and...

I eat at Mr empanadas all the time this is my first time visiting this location and purchasing from this specific location. Upon entering I was greeted by the cashier my order was taken in a timely manner. While I waited for my order the lady at the sandwich station belittled the cashier several times loud enough that other customers took notice. While she continued to do so the gentleman working the fryer station joined in and did the same it made for an awkward setting. The cashier was clearly embarrassed by the outburst. What was more so upsetting was as the lady behind the sandwich station and the man that was working the friers continue to belittle the cashier I waited 20 minutes for an order that should have been done in 5 to 10 minutes. While two other customers walked in placing new orders and their orders where completed prior to mine even thou I placed my order prior to them even entering the establishment. I have to be honest I really enjoy Mr empanadas but unfortunately I Will Not VISIT THIS...