Blog · October 12, 2026
Felix Godward: From a Charlotte Trailer to Orchard Street
Felix Godward started Felix Empanadas in Charlotte in 2017 with a trailer. From day one, what he cared about most was an authentic empanada with a modern, fusion twist. The menu grew slowly from there, to over 21 empanadas. Charlotte The trailer grew into a spot at Optimist Hall, then a second Charlotte location at Latta Arcade uptown. Felix runs Felix Empanadas with his brother, Ivan Godward. Along the way, Felix also ran Carnales Bistro in Charlotte for about a year, from 2023 to 2024. New...
Felix Godward started Felix Empanadas in Charlotte in 2017 with a trailer. From day one, what he cared about most was an authentic empanada with a modern, fusion twist. The menu grew slowly from there, to over 21 empanadas.
Charlotte
The trailer grew into a spot at Optimist Hall, then a second Charlotte location at Latta Arcade uptown. Felix runs Felix Empanadas with his brother, Ivan Godward.
Along the way, Felix also ran Carnales Bistro in Charlotte for about a year, from 2023 to 2024.
New York
Today Felix Empanadas is at 192 Orchard St on the Lower East Side, open late on weekends. Next to the empanadas you'll find a grass-fed ribeye with pan sauce and a Tres Leches Brûlée. Miami is next.
Helping the next ones
Felix spends part of his time helping food businesses that are just getting started. He consults for free on certain jobs for new businesses, and does paid consulting for bigger restaurants.
Read more about Felix Godward and get in touch at felixgodward.com.