Meet Carina Balonchard | Owner Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carina Balonchard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As an Argentinean who has lived in Belgium and with a Belgian husband, I was inspired to start Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles as a way to bring food experiences from around the world to the USA. My husband and I have always enjoyed exploring different cuisines, and we wanted to share our love of Argentinean empanadas and Belgian waffles with others. The idea of combining the two food items came to me one day while I was experimenting in the kitchen. I wanted to create something that was unique and reflected both of our backgrounds, and the combination of savory empanadas and sweet Belgian waffles seemed like a fun and interesting concept to explore.
Starting my own business also gave me the opportunity to be my own boss and have more control over my work life. I wanted to create something that was entirely my own and to have the freedom to make my own decisions and follow my own vision.
Of course, starting a business is always a risk, but I was willing to take that chance because I believed in my product and my ability to make it successful. It has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m proud to bring a taste of Europe to the USA through Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles, we are passionate about creating a dining experience that is unique, delicious, and meaningful. What sets us apart from others is our combination of a cuisine inspired by flavors of around the world and exceptional attention to the public. We believe that great food is not just about nourishment, but also about creating a sense of community and connection.

Getting to where we are today has not been easy. As with any business, there have been challenges and setbacks along the way. One of the biggest challenges we have faced is hiring difficulties, which can make it difficult to maintain the level of service and quality that we strive for. But through perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to our values and beliefs, we have been able to overcome these challenges and continue to grow and succeed.

I am most proud of the fact that we have been voted “Best in Alpharetta” in 2022, which is a testament to our commitment to quality and service. We are excited to be expanding our business with new locations opening soon, and we look forward to bringing our unique cuisine and exceptional service to even more people.
Overall, we are excited about the future of Besties Empanadas and Belgian Waffles, and we look forward to continuing to grow and succeed while staying true to our values and commitment to exceptional service.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta may not appear a typical tourist destination, but it is a wonderful place to live and offers a great experience for visitors. With its unique neighborhoods, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine, it offers something for everyone.

If my best friend was visiting the area, I would want to show them the unique character and charm of each neighborhood. We would start by exploring some of the local spots that offer a true taste of the area’s culture and cuisine.

We would visit some of the area’s cultural attractions that should be on everyone’s to do list. I’m thinking of sites like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, or the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead, which offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history and culture. We would also check out some of the area’s art galleries or museums, such as the High Museum of Art, and the Georgia Aquarium is one of the nation’s best!
In addition to exploring the city’s cultural offerings, we would also take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking on the Chattahoochee River. One of my favorite outdoor experiences in the area is only about an hour’s drive North of the city: my family loves kayaking on the Chestatee River in Dahlonega. During that trip you’ll be amazed by spotting the local wildlife, including the many turtles that live in and along the river.

And of course, no visit to the area would be complete without a visit to some of the wonderful local eateries. A lot of local chefs go above and beyond every single day. We hope that Besties is on everyone’s list for a delicious and memorable dining experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the Sae Han Tae Kwon Do Academy in Johns Creek. The academy brings together children from all cultures and backgrounds and provides a space for them to interact, learn a new skill and work on their agility and both physical and mental strength. The Choi family’s Tae Kwon Do program, with its series of belt promotions, is particularly impactful for young children, helping them build confidence and a sense of achievement with every belt promotion. We’ve seen that firsthand with our son’s journey to black belt and beyond, and we are grateful for the efforts of their instructors in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who walks through their doors.

Website: https://bestiesempanadas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/besties_empanadas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cometobesties

Image Credits
We own the images