Every recipe tells a story. This is ours.
Matilda is the name of our grandmother, my Abuelita.
Ana Matilde, my Abuelita, was from Santiago de Los Caballeros. Migrating to the United States during the 1960s, my Abuelita had hopes of providing a better life for my mother and siblings.
My Abuelita was proud of her Dominican heritage and made it a priority to ensure that our family's lives were enriched with culture, language, and cherished recipes. She was a woman of strong faith, integrity, and perseverance; values that helped shape the foundation and culinary philosophy of Matilda.
Spreading the same love and joy my Abuelita gave our family, we strive to give every Matilda customer a memorable experience.
Through Matilda, we keep her memory and recipes alive.
1960s
New Beginnings
Abuelita Ana Matilde migrates from Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, to the United States, seeking a better life for her children and future grandchildren.
2000s
Culinary Journey
Chef Tony's culinary journey begins with learning classic Dominican dishes at the age of 14, leading to his graduation from Johnson and Wales University in 2012. He takes on leadership roles in the food industry and dreams of entrepreneurship.
2017
Matilda Comes to Life
Chef Tony embraces entrepreneurship, envisioning a food business that incorporates Abuelita's gifts of language, culture, family, and recipes. Matilda becomes a reality, specializing in the art of the perfect pastelito crafted with local artisan dough and fresh ingredients. As a family-owned and operated business, Chef Tony fuses Abuelita's recipes and Dominican heritage.
2019
Vision Beyond Borders
Matilda opens its first take-out and delivery brick-and-mortar, becoming a hub for perfect pastelitos and a place to experience the warmth of Abuelita's legacy.
Best of Rhode Island
Matilda receives the "Best of Rhode Island" Editors Pick Award for its outstanding empanadas, gaining recognition for culinary excellence.
2020
Matilda Comes to Life
Chef Tony embraces entrepreneurship, envisioning a food business that incorporates Abuelita's gifts of language, culture, family, and recipes. Matilda becomes a reality, specializing in the art of the perfect pastelito crafted with local artisan dough and fresh ingredients. As a family-owned and operated business, Chef Tony fuses Abuelita's recipes and Dominican heritage.
Pandemic Challenges = New Opportunities
Matilda adapts with online orders, take-out options, signature sauces, frozen empanadas, and complete meals for customers to enjoy from home.
Chef Tony’s Recovery
Chef Tony encounters a tragic accident, sustaining second-degree burns. The Matilda family comes together to support.
Family Milestones
Despite challenges they faced through the pandemic, Chef Tony and Darlyne get married and welcome their daughter, Arya.
2021
Heart-Shaped Empanadas
The signature heart-shaped empanadas are introduced, symbolizing the love infused into every bite and the joy of sharing this love through Matilda's creations.
Meet the Founder
Chef Tony
Meet Chef Tony, the creative force behind Matilda's Empanadas. At 14, he traded sports for the kitchen, learning classic Dominican dishes from his mom and Abuelita. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University in 2012, he gained experience in various food roles.
Inspired by the birth of his twins in 2017, Chef Tony took the leap to pursue his dream. Matilda was born, blending his Abuelita's gifts of language, culture, family, and cherished recipes. Now, he specializes in crafting the famous pastelitos, sharing flavors and traditions in every bite. Chef Tony's journey is a simple celebration of heritage, family, and the love in Matilda.
