Social Work Meets Salsa:
How Miriam Espaillat Is Spicing Up Charlotte's Culinary Scene
Miriam Espaillat ’13 merges social work and business at Sabor Latin Street Grill, creating opportunities — one empanada at a time.
By Suzanne Leger
Photos by Osvaldo Hernandez
From Empanadas to Entrepreneurship
Miriam Espaillat ’13 understands that food transcends mere sustenance; it embodies love, culture and community. As co-owner of Sabor Latin Street Grill, she offers more than just empanadas and arepas. She provides opportunities, equity and second chances for her team. Her path from Queens, New York, to Charlotte's vibrant food scene is as rich and layered as Sabor's signature dishes.
Rolling the Burrito of Social Work into Business
With a psychology degree in hand, Espaillat moved to Charlotte to be near her siblings but found limited job prospects. Undeterred, she pursued a Master of Social Work at UNC Charlotte.
As the 2008 recession reshaped industries, Espaillat and her husband found themselves pursuing the unexpected but familiar field of the restaurant world. Through Raydal Hospitality LLC, the restaurant group behind Sabor Latin Street Grill, Three Amigos Cantina and Grill, La Caseta and MaBí, Espaillat saw an opportunity to blend her passion for community support with business.
“A lot of the issues I was learning about in social work — housing insecurity, childcare, mental health — were the same struggles my employees faced,” she recalled. “I saw an opportunity to bring my passion for community support into this industry.”
Serving Social Change with Quesabirria Tacos
Sabor Latin Street Grill was conceived not just to feed customers but to foster a movement. Espaillat integrated social work principles into the business, creating a workplace where employees have access to mental health resources and financial literacy support to help them create generational wealth.
“We had no idea homeownership would become a thing within our company culture,” she noted. “But when employees see their managers buying homes, they start believing they can do it too.”
The restaurant also embraced owner-operator models, giving long-term employees a stake in the company. It's akin to crafting the perfect margarita: Blending trust, mentorship and opportunity creates something refreshing and full of potential.
Learn how Espaillat's mission is creating real-world change through innovative entrepreneurship.
Crafting Culture Through Arepas
The menu at Sabor is a reflection of Espaillat’s diverse experiences and rich cultural heritage. Growing up in Queens, she was surrounded by a vibrant blend of Latin flavors, which she has now brought to Charlotte. Her husband and co-founder’s Dominican heritage brings bold and vibrant influences to the menu.For first-time visitors, Espaillat recommends the empanadas, arepas and quesabirria tacos. For the more adventurous, the asada fries offer a fusion of cultures, blending flavors that tell their own story.
With locations across North Carolina and plans for further expansion, Sabor has become a staple in Charlotte’s food scene, helping redefine local tastes while staying true to its Latin roots. Espaillat fondly recalls the early days when customers were unfamiliar with empanadas, and how Sabor has helped introduce and celebrate new flavors across the region.
Lessons Marinated at UNC Charlotte
Reflecting on her time at UNC Charlotte, Espaillat credits her professors, particularly Lori Thomas, associate professor of social work and executive director of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, with expanding her understanding of social structures.
“Social work isn’t just about counseling. It’s about creating environments where people can thrive. That’s what we do at Sabor." For students interested in social work and entrepreneurship, her advice is simple: “Take business classes. Even if your passion is in social work, knowing how to manage finances and lead organizations will only help you. Whether it’s a nonprofit or a restaurant, the fundamentals are the same.”
More Than a Meal: Building Community One Elote at a Time
Sabor Latin Street Grill demonstrates that food can do more than satisfy hunger — it can create community, foster economic growth and offer second chances. Miriam Espaillat has transformed a simple plate of food into a powerful tool for change, one empanada at a time. In Charlotte, that’s a recipe worth celebrating.
To further explore Miriam Espaillat’s journey and her recent recognition, watch the following video highlighting her achievements
KEEP UP WITH MIRIAM AND SABOR
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