Sometimes the stories we are meant to tell find us exactly when we need them. This month, putting together this feature was not easy. Two businesses I had hoped to spotlight simply did not have the time to participate because of the demands of running their businesses. As deadlines approached, I found myself scrambling for a solution. One of my best friends, suggested I reach out to Sabrina from Argensol. Within just two days, Sabrina not only completed the interview but gathered photos and returned everything I needed. That simple act speaks volumes about who she is. She stepped up without hesitation, not because she had extra time, but because she genuinely cares about people and this community. In many ways, she saved this month’s article, but after learning more about her story, I realized that is simply who Sabrina is. She is someone who shows up when people need her, gives generously without seeking recognition, and pours her heart into everything she does. Her kindness, commitment, and love for Kingston shine through in every part of her life, making her the perfect person to feature this month. Sabrina thanked me like I did her a favor but she did the favor for me.
For Sabrina, the heart behind Argensol in Kingston, success has never been measured solely by sales, milestones, or growth. Instead, it is found in family, community, and the simple joy of sharing homemade food made with love.
Born in Argentina and now proudly calling Kingston home, Sabrina’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and gratitude. Alongside her husband and best friend of 25 years, Leonardo, she has spent the last three years building Argensol into a beloved part of the community. Together they have created more than a restaurant. They have created a gathering place where customers are treated like family and every recipe carries generations of tradition.
Sabrina often says she would not change anything about the journey. Every setback, challenge, and mistake has helped shape the person and business owner she is today. The lessons learned through difficult moments have become the foundation of Argensol’s success. It is a philosophy she passes on to her children, reminding them that hard work pays off and that giving your best effort always matters.
That perseverance was tested in one of the most difficult moments of her life. When her son Ignacio moved to Utah two years ago, Sabrina struggled with the separation. Just a week after he left, she experienced a panic attack before opening the restaurant one morning. With no additional staff available, Leonardo stood beside her, helping her through the moment and encouraging her to open the doors. Customers filled the restaurant that day, unaware of the pain she was carrying, but their conversations and support helped her make it through. Today, having Ignacio back and working alongside the family at Argensol has brought immense joy to her heart.
Food has always been central to Sabrina’s life. She began cooking at just seven years old beside her mother, who filled their home with meals, desserts, and gatherings for family and friends. Some of her happiest memories were made around the kitchen table. Her father contributed his own traditions, passing down his beloved chimichurri recipe and a passion for Argentine asados. Those family influences continue to inspire every dish served at Argensol today.
Among all the menu items, one holds a particularly special place in Sabrina’s heart: alfajores. The delicate shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut remind her of childhood afternoons when her mother would make them at home. They are labor intensive and time consuming, but seeing customers return for another box makes every minute worthwhile.
Of course, Argensol has become equally known for its empanadas. Handmade from family recipes and prepared with care, they have earned a loyal following throughout Kingston and beyond. The dough itself comes from a treasured family recipe passed down through Leonardo’s mother, and the process requires patience, often resting for many hours before it is ready. Together, Sabrina and Leonardo have turned these traditional recipes into something truly special.
While growth remains an important goal, Sabrina never loses sight of what matters most. As Vice President of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce and a frequent volunteer at community events and meals, she quietly gives back whenever she can. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but her commitment to Kingston is impossible to miss.
For Sabrina, Kingston is more than a place to do business. It is home. It is where she feels safe, loved, and connected. It is where she and Leonardo are raising their children and where they have built lasting friendships. From watching the ferry come and go to supporting fellow local businesses, she treasures the strong sense of community that defines the town.
As Argensol looks toward the future, including expanded catering services and hopes of reaching local farmers markets, Sabrina remains focused on the same values that brought her here in the first place: family, hard work, authenticity, and love. Every empanada, every alfajor, and every meal served reflects those values. And for the many customers who walk through Argensol’s doors, that love is something they can taste in every bite.
Keep looking out for an invite later this fall for us to do a meet and greet!
