At 21 years old, I opened my first restaurant with little more than passion and determination. By the time I turned 30, I was operating three successful establishments with 150 employees – living the dream of every entrepreneur who believes in the power of good food and great service. Those early years taught me everything about the restaurant business: the long hours, the financial pressures, the joy of creating memorable dining experiences, and the responsibility of being an employer.
My journey took an unexpected turn when I began consulting internationally, working with restaurants and hotels across Asia and the Middle East. This global perspective showed me that while culinary traditions vary widely, the challenges facing restaurant owners are remarkably similar everywhere.
In 2002, I brought this accumulated wisdom home to New Mexico as CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. The transition from operator to advocate felt natural – I knew firsthand the obstacles our members face daily, and I was determined to use my experience to make their paths easier.
NMRA’s Mission: Protecting New Mexico’s Restaurant Community
Today, our work at NMRA is more critical than ever. This summer, we’re fighting on multiple fronts to ensure our restaurants can thrive in challenging economic times:
Santa Fe “Living Wage” Proposal
- We’ve recently submitted an Op-Ed to the Santa Fe New Mexican outlining the distressing effects a proposed $2.50 hourly wage increase would have on our members. While we support fair wages, sudden, dramatic increases threaten the very survival of many establishments already operating on razor-thin margins.
Heat Rule Advocacy
- Thanks to our efforts, the proposed Heat Rule has been postponed until after the first of the year. Our Executive Committee has secured a meeting with NMED Secretary James Kinney on September 16th to ensure any regulations balance worker safety with operational feasibility.
Fighting Unnecessary Fee Increases
- We successfully persuaded NMED to postpone proposed fee increases until after the legislative session. More importantly, we’ve committed to supporting the department’s request for legislative funding, ensuring they can operate effectively without burdening our restaurants with additional costs.
Political Engagement Through ACT
- Our commitment extends to the political arena through ACT (Albuquerque Coalition for Transformation), formerly known as HELP. NMRA has committed $20,000 to support pro-business candidates who understand the unique challenges facing our industry. This November’s election will be crucial for restaurants across our state. https://www.actabq.org/
Celebrating Excellence Together
One of the highlights of our year is the upcoming Hospitality Industry Awards Dinner on September 29th. This event isn’t just about recognizing excellence – it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and dedication that define New Mexico’s restaurant industry.
I’d love to personally connect with you at this special evening. Consider purchasing tickets not just to support our association, but to join me and other industry leaders in honoring the incredible work happening across our state. It’s the perfect opportunity to share your experiences, discuss the challenges we’re facing together, and help shape the future of our industry.
Why This Work Matters
Every day, I draw on my experience as a restaurant owner to guide our advocacy efforts. I know what it’s like to make payroll during slow seasons, to navigate complex regulations, and to balance customer expectations with operational realities.
The restaurants we represent aren’t just businesses – they’re community gathering places, employment centers, and sources of local pride. They’re where celebrations happen, where traditions are maintained, and where the diverse culinary heritage of New Mexico is preserved and shared.
My journey from restaurateur to industry advocate has taught me that our greatest strength lies in our collective voice. Together, we’re ensuring that New Mexico’s restaurant industry not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
I hope to see you on September 29th as we celebrate the best of our industry and continue building a stronger future for every restaurant in New Mexico.