Maria Empanada Will Open at Union Station
The bakery chain will expand into a Denver transit hub on October 9 to support downtown commercial growth.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Maria Empanada is set to open its fifth Denver storefront at Union Station on October 9. The new kiosk will occupy the space previously held by the dessert bar Baumé.
Why it matters
The company aims to bolster the commercial recovery of downtown Denver while improving overall sales performance during a difficult business year. This expansion utilizes a small-footprint kiosk model to establish a presence in a high-traffic transit center.
The new location offers a two-pack of empanadas for $11 and a three-empanada bundle for $15, with non-alcoholic drinks available for an additional $2.
The players
Maria Empanada
This Denver-based bakery chain specializes in traditional Argentine empanadas and operates multiple kiosks at major regional venues.
City Street Investors
This local firm manages commercial real estate and leasing agreements for various properties throughout the Denver area.
The details
The owner finalized a lease with City Street Investors to take over the footprint formerly occupied by Baumé. Maria Empanada previously established a local business connection by supplying wholesale products to the Pigtrain Coffee Company in 2021.
Timeline
The first Maria Empanada location opened in 2011.
Pigtrain Coffee Company became a wholesale account in 2021.
The dessert bar Baumé opened at Union Station in early 2025.
Red Rocks, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and Centennial Stadium locations opened in 2026.
The Union Station store opens on Oct. 9, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move reflects a broader industry shift toward small-footprint retail kiosks that allow brands to minimize overhead while maximizing visibility in high-traffic hubs. The expansion positions the chain to capture commuter and tourist foot traffic, intensifying competition within Denver's transit retail sector.
Commuters and visitors passing through Union Station will gain access to a new quick-service dining option starting in October. Customers can expect standard bundle pricing consistent with the brand's other regional kiosks.
The takeaway
The company's pivot to small-footprint transit kiosks represents a strategic effort to maintain growth in a challenging economic cycle. Residents can support local expansion by utilizing new retail options at major transportation hubs.
Further reading
For more on the latest local business developments, visit Denver Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
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