Gringo Gordo opens in Purcellville – I’ll have just one more of those empanadas, please.

By Liz Jarvis

Gringo Gordo has joined the growing list of ethnically diverse restaurants in Purcellville. Serving a variety of baked crescent-shaped empanadas, the restaurant celebrated its grand opening with an official ribbon cutting on Dec. 17.

Empanadas are savory pockets of dough filled with meats, cheeses and/or vegetables plus spices. They may then be baked or fried (Gringo Gordo opts to use large ovens for baking). There are breakfast empanadas that feature eggs. Dessert may include a form of empanada made with apples, cheese and spices.

Empanadas are thought to have originated in Spain in the 1500s but were brought to Argentina and being an easy hand-held meal or snack, they quickly became popular in the rest of South and Latin America. Each region is known for their particular fillings and special empanadas are served during various celebrations/festivals.

Purcellville’s shop is now the third one to open. Originally, Gringo Gordo was a building on the walking mall in Winchester. The second location was on Valley Ave in Winchester; subsequently, a food truck was obtained. Prior to the opening in Purcellville, Gringo Gordo’s food truck was at the recent Celebrate Purcellville event – attendees got a taste of their empanadas and sauces.

The source of the restaurant’s name comes from Gringo Gordo’s franchiser, Mark Pajak, who had lived in Argentina for almost ten years. On the plains, the “pampas,” the word Gringo was used to distinguish the native gauchos (cowboys) from the non-native workers. With the nickname Gringo Gordo, Pajak utilized his experiences living in Argentina along with working with a chef there. He came to learn the technique and the authentic ingredients that make up the twelve or so delicious empanadas served at the shop today.

Purcellville’s outpost is owned by franchisee Andrew Gingras, who grew up in Purcellville.  Of the empanadas offered, Gingras says that not one stands out as a favorite. They appeal to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. For example, Spicy Beef is made with ground beef, onions, red pepper, garlic, pepper flakes, tomato and spices.  The brisket empanada includes ground beef, smoked brisket, peppers, onion, garlic, green olives and dried cranberries. The Argentine is similar but has hardboiled egg among its ingredients.

Though Argentina is world famous for its beef (and recent World Cup 2022 win), Gringo Gordo features empanadas made with smoked chicken, pepperoni or ham. There are vegetable offerings as well. Corn fillings and ones with mushroom and kale are popular as are empanadas with just cheese. Dipping sauces are a creamy chipotle or the traditional chimichurri (herbs with vinegar and oil).  Menu items and their ingredients are on gringogordo.com.

With the recent opening, owner Gingras says, “the support we have received from Purcellville has been incredible and a lot more than expected both with the people coming into the shop and the people spreading reviews on social media.”  Gingras adds that quite a few patrons have been curious about what empanadas are; however, he states that, “for the most part people have an idea what they are.”

Andrew Gingras is an enthusiastic entrepreneur who has big ideas for the introduction of their empanadas to the community and beyond. The current plan for the franchise is to expand to Leesburg next summer and add a few more locations throughout the year of 2023. “There are a couple of deals I am looking to add, but we have not completely set on any,” said Gingras. He added that Purcellville was a great town to launch that empanada trajectory as the town is attracting more and more spots to dine. 

Gringo Gordo has most certainly arrived and delivered with another diverse dining option. They are located at 609 E Main Street, Unit N.