Help Empanadas Come to Bow Market in Somerville

An empanada pop-up will soon turn permanent with a shop in Somerville’s forthcoming Bow Market, and the duo behind it just launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cushion some of the costs associated with opening a restaurant. Buenas is the work of Melissa Stefanini and Sebastian Galvez (aka Nini and Bass), who shared detailed explanations on Indiegogo about what they’ll need to set up shop in Union Square.

Contributions made to the Indiegogo campaign will help fund the purchasing of equipment like freezers, sinks, and an espresso machine, among other items, and will help cover general construction costs. With a total goal of $45,000, the Buenas team aims to raise the money within the next month. Unlike Kickstarter, Indiegogo allows crowdfunders to keep money raised even if the campaign doesn’t hit the full goal.

Stefanini and Galvez have about two months to get the space ready once they receive the keys to their future empanada home, and they’re offering a long list of rewards for those who contribute to the campaign. Among the treats: 30 percent off a baker’s dozen empanadas upon opening, a glass of wine at Haley.Henry Wine Bar, t-shirts, hats, and a fanny pack stamped with a cartoon empanada.

Buenas even has a 1973 Ford Econoline named Gary, which is incorporated into the rewards in the form of empanada delivery or a travel picnic, depending on the value of contributions. Buenas will open at 337-341 Somerville Ave. in the spring of 2018, serving a variety of empanadas, Chilean sauces, and more.