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 you—choosing not to support the Association right now is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. What we do at NMRA is not just background noise; it’s the shield that helps keep your doors open and your business thriving.
This past legislative session showed just how crucial our work is. We rallied nearly 2,000 restaurant operators, sending tens of thousands of emails to lawmakers, and we stopped a devastating paid family medical leave bill that would have cost the average restaurant over $20,000 annually. That’s money you keep in your business and your employees’ pockets instead of handing it over to the State of New Mexico to decide when your employees get to take 12 weeks of paid leave.
We stopped a proposed $17 minimum wage and the elimination of the tip credit—both could have added hundreds of thousands of dollars in payroll costs for many restaurants. And we blocked liquor tax hikes that would have taken thousands more from each licensee. This is the work your membership supports, and it’s the work that saves you thousands every year.
But it’s not just about what we stop. We’re here for you every day with fast, expert guidance on food safety classes, payroll, legal questions, and so much more. We negotiate exclusive discounts on insurance, payment processing, food supplies, and even natural gas — savings you won’t find on your own, because we’re working collectively for all our members.
I understand that budgets are tight, which is why we offer flexible, monthly payment plans to make the cost of membership manageable. Membership in your association really is an investment that pays off many times over. Walking away now doesn’t protect your bottom line—it puts everything we fight for at risk. The truth is, without your support, NMRA can’t continue to be the powerful voice New Mexico restaurants need.
From where I sit, this is about more than dues. It’s about preserving the future of your business, your employees, and the vibrant food community we all cherish. We’re here, fighting for you every day—so please, let’s keep fighting together.
If you would like to learn about our monthly payment options or are ready to renew or join, please contact us at your convenience. Your membership keeps our association strong—and keeps your restaurant strong as well.
At your service,
Carol Wight
CEO
New Mexico Restaurant Association