Colombian Restaurant Opens First Location In Malden

MALDEN, MA — A Colombian and Latin American restaurant has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Malden.

Antojitos Gourmet recently opened at 251 Broadway near the intersection of Eastern Avenue. The new eatery expands a business that began approximately six years ago with catering, special orders, and traditional Colombian dishes.

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Antojitos Gourmet features a menu inspired by the recipes co-owner Yenny Alvarez grew up with, particularly the cooking of her mother and grandmother. Offerings include empanadas, tamales, bandeja paisa, lechona, buñuelos, and other Latin specialties. The restaurant offers dine-in service, takeout, delivery, and catering.

The business began in 2020 after Alvarez lost her job during the pandemic. A friend suggested that she make empanadas to sell to the friend's coworkers, according to a December 2025 profile published by Entrepreneurship for All, also known as EforAll. Alvarez later participated in the EparaTodos Business Accelerator program to develop business planning and management skills. Before opening the restaurant, Antojitos Gourmet expanded through catering, food fairs, sales to other businesses, and frozen products sold directly to customers.

The Malden location is owned by Alvarez and Jose Portillo. Mayor Gary Christenson recently joined the owners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new restaurant. Malden Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marianne Cohen, friends, and employees were also among those who attended the event.

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