Empanada-eating contest for one-year anniversary

On Thursday, Aug. 15, Tico’s Empanadas, located on Montauk Highway in Blue Point, celebrated their one-year anniversary with an empanada-eating contest.

The winner (pictured left in both photos) was Jimmy Purificato, who ate 18 empanadas in five minutes.

“The community has played such a large role in our success. From the first night we were open when someone posted on the BBP parents Facebook page, to spreading the word that we were gluten-free, we are so grateful to our community,” said owner, Christina Santiesteban

The Santiestebans have cultivated relationships with customers as well as other businesses and civic groups in town. This includes sponsoring Girl Scout troops to obtain their cooking badge, Eagle Scouts, and various sports teams.

“We look forward to taking an even larger role in the community moving forward. We are forever grateful to our community and look forward to many more years to come,” said Ruben Santiesteban.