By Sarah Hickner, Staff Writer
They say the only certainties in life are death and taxes, but there’s one more thing you can count on: if you’re at the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne, you’ll find Flor of Delsuc Baked Goods and her famous empanadas. That is, unless they’ve already sold out—then you’ll just have to wait until next time.
Flor’s beloved empanadas are the result of entrepreneurial spirit, a helpful tip, and a rich family legacy of cooking. Twelve years ago, her son Oliver heard that the woman selling empanadas at the Reston Farmers Market was leaving. Restonians couldn’t be without their empanadas, so Oliver stepped in, knowing his family’s Peruvian recipes were up to the challenge.
He launched the business, crafting empanadas inspired by his grandmother’s recipes. But a year later, Oliver left to serve in the army, and his mother, Flor, took the reins. She now dedicates her entire week to creating empanadas from scratch. One day is for preparing the meat, another for seasoning. By Friday, she’s shaping the dough pockets, ensuring they’re fresh and ready for Saturday mornings at the market.
When asked about her favorite part of running the business, Flor doesn’t hesitate: “My customers! Definitely my customers and friends—the other vendors too.” Her joy is infectious as she describes looking forward to Saturdays at the market: “Around Tuesday, I start missing them and can’t wait to see everyone again.”
For Flor, making empanadas is more than a business—it’s a way of sharing her family’s legacy of love and hospitality. “When I make the classic beef and chicken empanadas, I’m remembering my mom. She cooked until she was 101, just before she passed away.”
Although Flor is proud to call America home, her cooking remains rooted in her Peruvian heritage. At her house, the food is all Peruvian, made with recipes passed down through generations.
It’s no small feat to sell 200 to 300 empanadas in a single morning. Flor’s business is a family affair, with her son Oliver, grandson Thomas, and other relatives like nieces and nephews pitching in. Spend even a little time with Flor, and it’s clear that her empanadas do more than feed her customers—they bring people together, turning strangers into family.
So, when the Reston Farmers and Craft Markets return in April, be sure to visit Lake Anne to find Flor—the “Empanada Lady”—and her delicious creations.
When we feature businesses in The Reston Letter, we are not endorsing them as a company or speaking to their credibility. We are telling their stories according to them. We want to give exposure to a lot of businesses, but that does not necessarily mean that we have firsthand experience with them as clients. Hopefully you will always have great experiences with them, but our job stops once we've told their story. We cannot vouch for them beyond that.
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