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That’s Alotta Empanada

By Eric Gross

The Montague family at Alotta Empanada in Brewster. (l-r) Linnie Montague, Payton Montague, Tanya Montague and Shelby Montague. Photo, Eric Gross

The newest restaurant in Brewster is Alotta Empanada, at 141 Main Street in the Village.

Tanya and Chris Montague have created a take-out restaurant featuring a fusion of African American and Puerto Rican fare which Tanya called “Afro-Rican.”. She explained: “Our empanadas are packed with fillings that include everything from meats and fish to fruits and desserts. A vegan filling is also available.”

Family favorites include beef, chicken, shrimp, black bean, spinach and cheese, mac and cheese and an apple empanada.

The family relocated from the Bronx to Putnam a few years ago, and decided to open a local eatery as Tanya explained: “We wanted to put our money into our community by bringing something unusual and different into our home town, which will result in shoppers returning.”

Tanya, a nurse by trade, and her husband opened the restaurant because “my family loves my cooking. I have been told countless times over the years: ‘You need to open a restaurant!’ My five kids kept egging me on as did my husband.

Brewster Mayor Jim Schoenig stopped by during our visit and welcomed the new business to his community: “This is truly fantastic. It’s wonderful to see a family like this doing its part to aid in the rebirth of our village. They could have opened anywhere but they chose Brewster.”

Gross, Eric. 2024. That's Alotta Empanada. Putnam County Courier, March 19.

At 11:30 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, a water line in the Carmel Avenue/Hillside Park area was hit, and the Village of Brewster is currently working to repair the damage. If you reside or own a business in this area, you may see discolored water and lower or no pressure. We will update this post as we receive more information. Thank you for your patience while repairs are made. 

The repair is complete, but if you are still having issues, please call Village Hall during normal business hours. 

It is with profound sadness that the Village of Brewster announces the passing of Terrie Schoenig, wife of Mayor James Schoenig.

Terrie was an active member of the Brewster community, serving on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals and providing steadfast support to the Mayor throughout his years of service.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Mayor Schoenig and his family during this difficult time.

Services are as follows: 

Monday
Visitation/Wake
Beecher Funeral Home
1 Putnam Ave
Brewster, NY 10509
United States
Date: Monday, November 9th
Time: 3 - 8 PM

Tuesday
Funeral
St. Lawrence O’Toole Church
31 Prospect St
Brewster, NY 10509
United States
Date: Tuesday, November 10th
Time: 11 AM - 12 PM

The Village of Brewster Municipal Office will be closed during the following hours to attend the services of Mayor James Schoenig’s wife, Terrie Schoenig:

November 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
November 10, 2026 after 10:30 AM

Village Hall will also be closed on November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day.

Thank you for your patience during this time.

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The Village of Brewster in Putnam County, NY is an historic community about an hour north of New York City, 30 minutes north of White Plains, 10 minutes from Connecticut and the City of Danbury.  We are pursuing strategies and resources that will position us to renew our community by, broadening our tax and government services customer base, re-purposing vacant buildings, leveraging new and upgraded infrastructure, capitalizing on the hub of two interstate highways, proximity to NYC via commuter rail, and highlighting natural surroundings such as the East Branch of the Croton River and other environmental assets.