The beloved Miami-born brand, best known for feeding travelers at Miami International Airport (MIA) and students at Florida International University (FIU), and the University of Miami (UMiami), has opened its first-ever store at 6625 S. Dixie Hwy.
The move marks a full circle moment for the brand that started in the city 16 years ago and now boasts 25 kiosk locations nationwide, including major airports like Denver, Miami, Austin, D.C., and more.
The design is clean and modern, and according to the brand, the service will be fast, and the empanadas will come out hot and flaky.
Half Moon Empanadas photo
One of Miami's Most Prominent Female-Founded Success Stories
Co-founded in 2008 by CEO Pilar Guzmán Zavala and her husband, Juan Zavala, Half Moon has built its name on empanadas that are fast, fresh, and made with real ingredients. The concept was simple: take a Latin American staple and serve it in a way that fits into people's busy lives. From that idea, the brand took off, expanding into major airports and university campuses, and landing spots on Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies list in both 2023 and 2024.Still, one thing was missing: a spot locals could call their own. "We're on a mission to make empanadas as iconic in American food culture as pizza and burgers, and this store is a big step in that direction," says Guzmán. "South Miami has so much heart and energy. We're excited to bring something fresh, authentic, and convenient to the neighborhood."
On the menu, fans will find the usual suspects, like empanadas filled with hot beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach and cheese, all made fresh daily.
Half Moon Empanadas photo
What to Expect at the SoMi Shop: Classic Empanadas and a Brand New Drink
The South Miami shop keeps the grab-and-go energy that Half Moon is known for, but leans into the neighborhood vibe. The design is clean and modern, and according to the brand, the service will be fast, and the empanadas will come out hot and flaky.On the menu, fans will find the usual suspects, like empanadas filled with hot beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach and cheese, all made fresh daily.
Also making its debut at this location is Moon Rush, Half Moon’s first-ever line of tropical drinks. Available in flavors like mango, hibiscus, and dragon fruit, they’re light, refreshing, and made to cool you down when the Miami heat hits.
For Half Moon, the South Miami opening is more than just another location. It's a return to where it all started, but this time, on its own terms, with a little more space and a lot more flavor.
The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and delivery and pickup are available through Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Half Moon Empanadas. 6625 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami; 305-306-1532; halfmoonempanadas.com.
