ARTICLES/BLOGS
Penny Panic: New Mexico Restaurants Need a Federal Fix
If you’ve tried giving exact change lately, you’ve felt it: the penny is disappearing. The U.S. Mint stopped producing them earlier this year, and the federal government is no longer recirculating existing coins through banks. That’s left restaurants across New Mexico...
Why You Can’t Afford Not to Be a Member – From the Desk of NMRA CEO
I hear it so often—restaurant owners telling me, “I just can’t afford the membership in the New Mexico Restaurant Association this year.” Believe me, I get it. Every dollar is precious these days, and the pressure to cut costs is real. But I want to talk honestly with...
Top 5 Food Safety Violations in New Mexico—and Why They Matter More Than You Think
New Mexico’s food scene is bold, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. But when it comes to health inspections, even the most celebrated kitchens can get tripped up by the basics. The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) just released its Q1 inspection data,...
A Word from the CEO – Fall 2025
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...
A Balanced Way Forward on Santa Fe’s Wage Policy
Santa Fe’s “Living Wage” ordinance, one of the first in the nation, has long been regarded as a model of balance. By tying annual adjustments to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the city has allowed wages to keep pace with inflation while giving employers...
Supporting the Unsung Heroes of Hospitality: Serving NM & COREGives
In the vibrant heart of New Mexico's culinary scene, there's a group of unsung heroes who bring flavor, warmth, and community to every meal served. They're the restaurant workers – the servers, bartenders, cooks, and hospitality staff who pour their passion into every...
NMRA Letter to NMED on Proposed Changes
We are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed amendments to New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 7.6.2, specifically regarding the fee increases. The New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA) firmly believes that these changes impose an undue...
2025 Hospitality Industry Awards Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to make a lasting impact on the Hospitality Industry Awards by sponsoring one of our unique event enhancements. Your support will help elevate this unforgettable evening and showcase your commitment to New Mexico’s thriving hospitality community....
NMRA Comments on Proposed Heat Illness and Injury Prevention Rule
The New Mexico Restaurant Association respectfully submits these comments in response to the Proposed Heat Illness and Injury Prevention Rule. We firmly oppose the Proposed Rule in its current form. It represents an ill-conceived, one-size-fits-all regulatory approach...
The Stagnation of Growth in New Mexico’s Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry in New Mexico has long been a vital part of the state's economy and cultural identity. From traditional New Mexican cuisine to modern dining experiences, the variety and richness of the food scene have attracted both locals and tourists alike....
Impact of Minimum Wage Increases on the Restaurant Industry in New Mexico
Executive Summary This report examines the impact of minimum wage increases on the restaurant industry in New Mexico, utilizing publicly available data from government agencies, industry associations, and academic research. The analysis reveals a complex landscape...
NMRA Partners w/ RestaurantOwner.com
You’re Invited to Learn More About Building a Thriving Operation with RestaurantOwner.com Mark your calendar for April 23 @ 3 PM & join us for an exclusive RestaurantOwner.com webinar, a session designed exclusively for our members. This is a unique opportunity...
RestaurantOwner.com Has Got Your Back
Is your restaurant being bogged down by staffing shortages? Struggling to maximize profitability? Maybe you’re looking to expand, but don’t know where to start? RestaurantOwner.com is here to offer NMRA members a helping hand with exclusive discounts on restaurant...
Elevate Your Success w/ RestaurantOwner.com
Running a restaurant takes more than hard work and great recipes. You need resources specifically designed to help your business succeed. RestaurantOwner.com, in partnership with NMRA offers insights, tools, and training proven to help independent restaurant owners...
2025 Legislative Wrap-Up
The 2025 New Mexico legislative session was a resounding success for the New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA), with several landmark victories that will have a lasting impact on the state's restaurant industry. From defeating burdensome family leave legislation to...
Cash Back Rebates with Buyers Edge
Click below to get started, or read on to learn more! GET STARTED Dining Alliance helps independent restaurants reduce their costs and increase their profitability by providing CASH BACK rebates on the food and supplies they purchase every day! New Mexico Restaurant...
2025 ProStart Invitational
Congratulations to the winners from the 21st Annual New Mexico ProStart Invitational. Taos High School Culinary & Management Teams will be on their way to Nationals, May 2-4 in Baltimore.. The teams will compete against other qualifying teams from across the...
Shaping the Narrative Around Paid Family Medical Leave
The Unintended Consequences of Paid Family Medical Leave As we enter 2025, the push for paid family medical leave (PFML) continues to gain momentum. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly benevolent initiative lies a complex web of unintended consequences that...
2024 Holiday Letter from the CEO
Dear NMRA Members, As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement with the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Your commitment to our collective mission is invaluable. I am...
2025 Legislative Priorities
Dear NMRA Members, As we navigate the legislative landscape in New Mexico, I want to take a moment to outline our four key priorities for this session that will significantly impact our industry. Paid Family Medical Leave - Oppose We believe that while the intention...
