Flavor And A Family Legacy
When Alberto and his family arrived in the United States in 2001, a close friend told them about a place where they could find real, transparent support in their language: Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU). Following that recommendation, they became members just six months after arriving in the country. “It was easy, it was honest… and from the first day I felt I was in the right place,” Alberto recalls.
Since then, for over two decades, the credit union has been an essential part of their journey. With a smile, he shares how LCCU opened doors that seemed impossible elsewhere: their first credit cards, loans, car purchases, and above all, the trust they were never denied. “We never had problems. Always attentive to our needs. I’m satisfied, very satisfied.”
The dream of owning their own business didn’t happen overnight. Abby’s Empanadas is named after his eldest daughter, Abigail, and began like many dreams in our community: from home, with effort, perseverance, and faith. “We sold empanadas at church, to friends, to anyone who wanted to try them,” Alberto remembers. For years, lack of documentation, limitations, and the realities of day-to-day life made the dream always seem far away.
Finally, in December 2023, the restaurant doors opened in Spring Lake, NC. Today, Abby’s Empanadas is a local treasure: authentic artisanal empanadas made by the family, warm service, and a loyal customer base that grows every day. Alberto speaks proudly of the effort behind every step: “It’s not just good food. It’s customer service, administration, attitude. It’s a day-to-day process. And thank God, we’ve been blessed.”
The restaurant is more than a business: it’s a legacy. His wife, Maria, the head chef, leads the fillings and recipes. Their children also participate: one makes the dough, others work in the food truck, and all understand that they are building something that will one day be in their hands. “I’m not going to last forever… this is for them.” The family works six days a week, from early morning until late afternoon. Through sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering faith, they have built a business born from the heart and sustained with dedication.
Today, Alberto dreams of expanding, opening more locations, and continuing to grow prudently, step by step. He knows the credit union will continue to play a key role in that journey. “The credit union trusted me from the start, even before there were numbers to show. That’s what matters.” He envisions a future where LCCU can offer business products to further support Hispanic entrepreneurs driving the local economy.
The story of Alberto Lagos and Abby’s Empanadas is a reminder of the real and profound impact a credit union can have in the lives of its members. It’s a story of gratitude, hard work, dreams, and opportunities and above all, of the transformative power of a community that supports one another