Zoelily Empanadas

06/04/2026

I never know what to put on social media now a days. But when I found this out it hit me hard. Not many things in life hit you and make you sad and mad at the same time.

Jack Safkan passed away June 2nd according to a message on his page. Way too young!!! Him and I go back to middle school and high school days. The homie was a part of the Zoelily Familia, he was an OG supporting us in the Gazebo days. Use to come with the family all the time. Then when his son got older, they started visiting us a a special father-son outing. And his son is awesome. Great kid! And he was always up to trying something new and letting us use the videos. Those were always great times.

To his son, to his family, I'm sorry for your loss. I was genuinely gutted to hear we loss Jack. I've missed nott seeing him as much since they kicked me out of Rockaway. Jack has messaged or dmed about it a couple times. And on my last post Jack said something because he always supported the business and myself. Jack you're gonna be missed homie. To young, too soon. Life sucks sometimes.
Thank you for the good times.

05/05/2026

To the Zoelily Familia,
Wasn't expecting to write anything today. But this past week I've been running into so many in Zoelily Familia. I've missed you all. I literally am so happy to see everyone. You all make me realize this was so much more than just a food truck. We built something special. I know I haven't been as a vocal as normal but when you pretty much get attacked by your local Mayor and his administration and removed not just from your spot but basically your home. Rockaway wasn't just a spot, it's a place I've called home for over 30 years. If you live here and became part of the Familia you are my neighbors, and the many who traveled all the way to Rockaway made us a destination location. You all were part of the Familia. Your kind words almost make me want to cry at times. I was told many things about being able to possibly come back but I've become aware that I'm not welcomed back. The Mayor and the Administration in my opinion tried to shut us down. I was told in a couple weeks there would be a solution and that was a very long time ago. Rockaway unfortunately is part of our history and no longer our future. A lot has happened to me that unfortunately has prevented me from doing it daily. But when I fight to bring Zoelily Empanadas back full time, I do for the Zoelily Familia. And running into everyone recently and the phone calls and conversations have true made me understand the love Zoelily Empanadas has out there. It's more than just Rockaway. And I genuinely want to thank you all. Not done yet. "Don't call it come back, I've been here for years"

Zoelily Familia you all are the best!!!

03/27/2026

This is the coolest thing to be able to introduce to the Zoelily Famila. The World Premier of the song "King of Empanadas" The love I have for the Zoelily Familia is real. Unfortunately you don't see us around our local spot. They might have the power to take that away. But I will find a new local place! And I know the love of the Zoelily Familia has always been there. We built this!! This is to be a positive post so I won't give updates here but believe me there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss everyone of you. Much love to the Familia. Share this video, this song. Let those who want to bring us down, hear that the Zoelily Famila is still strong. I promise the come back is coming. For now, share this on all the social media pages, tag everyone. The power of the Zoelily Famila!

01/12/2026

Inspired by the Zoelily Familia and when we earned and given the title of "King of Empanadas" (A little coronation)

I've been off social media for a bit Zoelily Familia. I thought building this business was one of the hardest things in my life. After the pandemic and you follow that up shortly with getting your hometown spot taken away from you and being played with that you might get it back, it's been tough. I still love what I built what we built. There is no Zoelily Empanadas without the Zoelily Familia. I appreciate everyone of you.

They can take our spot, but they will never take what we have achieved. You Familia have made us one of the most decorated Food Truck in NJ. We aren't done.

I've always been honest with the Familia, and right now I am not ready to talk. But I will. I hope you enjoy the fun creative videos I make. I make them always with the Familia in mind. ❤️ 👑

06/09/2025

The Number ONE EMPANADA TRUCK IN NJ has been back into the swing of things. Zoelily Empanadas is the go to catering truck for so many families, companies, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, universities and all events you're planning. We handle the food and take that stress off your plate, you take care of all the other stuff.

Make your event memorable and bring Zoelily Empanadas and the EmpanadaMobile to your next event. Dates are filling up so reserve yours today.

04/16/2025

Next Big Announcement* we've been picked up for a new Saturday Morning Cartoon with a deal that includes a new toy line. Coming soon.

Who's watching the many adventures of Zoelily Empanadas and the EmpanadaMobile?? Toys come with your own EmpanadaMobile, Chef Rafa, Empanadas, and our very own Zoelily Familia. Must have for all ages.

Tag someone you're watching this with...

04/13/2025

It's late but it's never late to celebrate 🥳 🎉 🎊.
Zoelily Empanadas once again named one of the best Empanadas in the state. We are do thrilled and overjoyed and being recognized. We've busted our tails off for so many years. You the Zoelily Familia have truly pushed us to get more creative, to push the envelope on our Empanadas. Look at the picture that was used, our brand new one of a kind Doritos Crunchy Beef Empanada. So grateful for the Zoelily Familia and the years of support. Even though it reports us as being from Rockaway Township, just last year Rockaway Township pretty much said they no longer want us, but we can't wait to find a new home and continue making the best Empanadas in NJ. Feeling stronger and better, not at 100% but I miss the Zoelily Familia.

I love your comments. Let me know what your favorite Empanada was. I'm curious.

02/11/2025

Zoelily Empanadas is booking for Spring and Summer. When deciding who to choose for your event, just remember, them other Caters. 🎵"They Not Like US, They Not Like Us"🎵 Best Food Truck, Best Cater, Best Restaurant in the Game.

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01/13/2025

Hi Zoelily Familia. Just an update on my brother's, Chef Rafa's condition. He will avoid surgery for now!! I think it's great and he had been hoping to avoid surgery at all cost because he's had many surgeries in his life already. MRI found no ligament damage and no meniscus tear. The knee cap they believed got pushed in, there was inflammation in the back of the knee and what they saw was torn and worn cartilage. Because of the area they can't tell exactly what happened, but the cartilage behind his knee seem to be torn. They will be injecting some kind of jelly into, that's what my brother said. Also he will be starting PT. Won't be able to be on his feet long. And he said they did a a simple test of just standing on one leg to see if you can keep balance and for how long. He was shocked at how difficult it was. He said it really showed him how injured he is. He said his balance never been an issue and he knows he has some time for recovery. They are also looking to order a special knee brace to help support the knee. He'll be out of a commission and there is no time table for his recovery. I know he'll get to it. But he was so grateful for the messages, calls and dms. He was also so thankful for everyone who donated to the GoFundMe. He wasn't happy at how I started it but I know this is a hard time for him. He and I appreciate all the donations. And please share the link and the story. Even a message truly touches my brother, I'm not sure if is injury hurts more or his heart because he can't be out on the truck with the Familia. And he knows he might never be in Rockaway Township again. Thank you Zoelily Familia.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-chef-rafas-recovery-from-a-car-accident?fbclid=IwY2xjawHyc5NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUcKlonpwPPzMBqBTpbYGUxNl6JZaO-s5Ash8JNQbClBeUW62UQwV6Mc7A_aem_BRPtu7ndXdx3MdMGbxn3-Q

My name is Jesse and I am writing this on behalf of my older brother, wi… Jesse Vargas needs your support for Support Chef Rafa's Recovery from a Car Accident

01/05/2025

Hi Zoelily Familia. So I've been away for a bit and some of you who have called, texted, or dmed know my situation cause I wasn't hiding it. I've been through a lot recently. My sister has been incredible during these difficult times even though she lives far away. She's taken me to the hospital multiple times and sat with me for hours. She was there for me when I literally could barely walk. I had no mobility and ended up in the hospital 3 times in less than a week. She's the one person that knows all my stresses and she started a GoFundMe. She ran into issues where she couldn't get the Familia to see it because she isn't active on social media or lives locally anymore. She's been trying for a couple weeks. I thought it was weird when she asked me for my social media passwords lol. I trust her but I was curious why and she finally just told me. Below are her words, if you didn't know where I was now you do. But always feel free to text me or call me. I've had many conversations with the Familia. I'm not hiding but just trying to deal with it and all the other stresses, you may all know regarding the truck and no longer being welcomed in my home town.

Just updating the Zoelily Familia about my brother Chef Rafa, the owner of Zoelily Empanadas, the food truck.

In late October, he was the passenger of a car accident that left him very injured. He has been following up with specialists and there are concerns that surgery may be in his future. My brother doesn't know that I've started this in hopes of finding him some help. He misses being open in Rockaway. After three hospital visits in the course of a week, we know he has a herniated disc in his lower spine contributing to his pain. His most recent appointment with an Orthopedic specialist, they fear my brother also may have a torn ligament or meniscus, or possibly a dislocated kneecap due to unresolving knee pain since the accident. My brother just wants to get better and get back to his life but every visit he says feels like a setback. I've seen my brother more and more depressed because after the accident he thought he got lucky avoiding any broken bones and would just need time to heal from superficial injuries. But unfortunately, the pain persisted and at times intensified and he felt it wasn't healing right. Currently they are waiting to do an MRI and will proceed from there. With Zoelily Empanadas officially being kicked out of Rockaway Township, he was looking into opening at other locations during the winter now that catering season slowed down but the simple act of walking now is too difficult at times. He has his good days and his bad days and says he manages the pain with a lot of medication the doctors have given him. I started a GoFundMe in hopes that the Familia and community who love his Empanadas as much as I do can help get him back on his feet. Please help me share this to the Zoelily Familia and let's help our favorite Chef back on his feet.

My name is Jesse and I am writing this on behalf of my older brother, wi… Jesse Vargas needs your support for Support Chef Rafa's Recovery from a Car Accident