Islanders Serving Up Salvadoran Pupusas and Tacos for Hispanic Heritage Game

As part of Tuesday’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the New York Islanders are adding some authentic Latinx flavors to the food offerings at UBS Arena. 

The team has partnered with Flores Restaurant, an El Salvadoran eatery in Brentwood, and owner Miguel Flores to bring special concession items to UBS Arena for Tuesday’s tilt.

Flores will be serving up tacos and traditional Salvadoran pupusas – corn-based griddle flatbreads with different fillings and toppings – at Market 103. Three different types of pupusas will be available (cheese, beans and cheese and revueltas) along with beef and chicken tacos.

“I would love to introduce this part of my food here,” Flores said. “Once people taste it, they’re going to stay with it. They’re going to love them. It’s very exciting for me.”

Flores moved to Long Island in 1983 and started his restaurant in 2001, noting a lack of Salvadoran restaurants in the area and filling a need by serving up traditional dishes, like his signature pupusas. His restaurant has been a mainstay in Brentwood ever since.

“You have to have quality in everything you sell,” Flores said. “If you buy good stuff, good quality, and you’re really clear with everything you do, you have the power to grow and make good food. For me, that’s part of my success, quality.”

Flores raised his family on Long Island, so when the Islanders and UBS Arena approached him about collaborating for Tuesday’s game – as well as the two Los Temerarios concerts last week – he jumped at the chance. While he didn’t grow up with hockey in El Salvador, his move to Long Island coincided with the Islanders’ fourth Stanley Cup and he has followed the Isles ever since.

“For me, being from Long Island, I’m an Islanders fan, no doubt about it,” Flores said. “For a team that represents Long Island, my heart is with the Islanders… Everyone who knows the Islanders has to be proud to have a professional team that represents Long Island and New York.”

Fans can find Flores’ stand at Market 103 on Tuesday night. Additionally, fans who purchase a special ticket will receive a ¡Vamos Islanders hat!