Popular D-FW bakery moves to new, bigger location during World Cup – Dallas News

At about 4,500 square feet, the new space is around triple the size of the former one. It will open for the first time on Friday, June 26, and a grand opening will follow three weeks later. 

The upgrade took two years to complete, and comes 10 years after store founder Luly Le Donne originally had the idea of expanding.

“Loyal customers, even new customers were like, whoa, this place is already too small,” Le Donne said. “It’s been a dream for me.”

Sunlit and wood-adorned, the new store, complete with patio, will be able to host more than 100 guests. It will also have big TVs, a full bar and tables for dining; a drive-through will open later  Le Donne was involved in the interior design process.

She started the business in 2003 with her mom, Marcela Padilla, and Padilla’s empanada recipes that Le Donne grew up eating in Argentina. Le Donne became a baker not long after they opened, mentored by Padilla and Leticia Sosa, a baker who still works with her today. 

Everything is made in-house from scratch, Le Donne said, and they start working at 3 a.m. every day. 

Empanadas were among customers’ favorites at the old location, including the traditional beef filling, the spicy version of that classic (beef and jalapeno), chicken, ham and cheese and spinach. 

The old place also offered sandwiches and pastries like palmeritas and manoplas, or crunchy, puff palm-shaped cookies covered in sugar and half dipped in dark chocolate. Their cakes, including dulce de leche, are their own recipes and have at least two fillings.

The new space will have an expanded empanada selection and offer items like choripan, milanesa, pizzas and lomito, a kind of beef sandwich.

Argentine yerba mate will be served at the bakery, along with a special cup and straw that filters the herbal tea leaves. The bar will also feature a way Lionel Messi has drunk wine: mixed with Sprite. It’s called Messi’s Favorite on the menu.

The bakery first became known in the Argentine community before it grew popular among locals and visitors alike. Le Donne said the best feedback she can get from customers is seeing new ones return.

During the 2022 World Cup, excited fans watched the games together at the bakery, even though the space only had a small TV. For the final game where Argentina won the championship, over 300 people gathered. Extra chairs weren’t enough for the crowd.

Monday was Argentina’s first game at Dallas Stadium in Arlington and Argentina Bakery’s last day at its old location. Around 150 fans gathered at the bakery to watch the game. Le Donne expects a crowd to come together for Argentina’s game this Saturday, too.

Making a dream come true brings both challenges and blessings. Le Donne is working with a team about twice as large as the one before, and customers are already knocking on the new location’s door.

“It feels amazing,” Le Donne said. “It’s like something is shaking inside you.”

Argentina Bakery’s new location is at 3143 W. Airport Freeway, Suite 101, Irving. It will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. 

June 25, 2026