New Mexico Restaurant Association

08/31/2026

Meet the powerhouse leaders behind New Mexico’s most iconic hospitality spots—your NMRA Hospitality Industry Awards 2026 Manager of the Year nominees! From front-of-house finesse to back-end brilliance, these nominees set the gold standard. Tickets for the 2026 HIA are moving fast. Join us on September 21 at the Route 66 Casino Hotel as NMRA celebrates its 80th Anniversary. https://business.nmrestaurants.org/ap/Events/Register/BDFDalMtaCKC0
Anthony N. - The Valley Cafe
Francisco P. - Sazón
April V. - Steel Bender Brewyard
Rodolfo A. - Albuquerque Convention Center
Jody R. - Leals Mexican Restaurant
Joey F. - Philmont Scout Ranch
Monte W. - Cattle Baron Restaurant Inc. Las Cruces
Deana Z. - Isleta Resort & Casino
Michael P. - Route 66 Casino Hotel
Jose A. - El Parasol-Pojoaque
Andy R. - Tomasita's and Atrisco Cafe & Bar
Jasen G. - Isleta Resort & Casino
Delisha N. - The Valley Cafe
Vita H. - Leal's Mexican Restaurant
Geri and Anne B. - Cheese & Coffee
Nayeli R. - The Ivory Brunch House
Diana B. - Atrisco Cafe & Bar
Mireya E. - Tomasita's Santa Fe

08/31/2026

The 2026 Hospitality Industry Awards are shaping up to be one of the biggest nights New Mexico’s hospitality community has ever seen — a once‑in‑a‑generation celebration at the Route 66 Casino Hotel honoring NMRA’s 80th Anniversary, the Centennial of Route 66, and CEO Carol Wight’s retirement. We’ll be recognizing Ed Linderman of Las Cruces with NMRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of impact across the state. If you want to be in the room for the stories, the tributes, the energy, and the people who shape our industry, now’s the moment to secure your seats.
https://business.nmrestaurants.org/arw2026/Details/2026-hospitality-industry-awards-1506246

08/31/2026

For the first time ever, the Southwest MICHELIN Guide has been released — and New Mexico earned multiple spots on the 2026 Recommended Restaurants list, highlighting the strength and talent across our state’s dining scene, featuring NMRA members: Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Izanami & Market Steer Steakhouse.

Campo at Los Poblanos receives wide recognition NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Michelin Guide on Wednesday announced its restaurant selections for the first-ever Michelin Guide Southwest. The announc…

08/28/2026

The inaugural Southwest Michelin Guide is here, marking the first time our region has been included — and New Mexico restaurants showed up strong with Bib Gourmand distinctions highlighting exceptional food at an accessible price point. A milestone moment for our culinary community, featuring NMRA members: Frontier Restaurant & JAMBO CAFE.

Campo at Los Poblanos receives wide recognition NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Michelin Guide on Wednesday announced its restaurant selections for the first-ever Michelin Guide Southwest. The announc…

08/28/2026

The Gallup ServSafe Manager Certification Class on September 14 is one of the easiest chances you’ll get to knock out this required credential — and seats are already tightening. This one‑day, instructor‑led training gives you real‑world guidance, insider insight into what inspectors look for, step‑by‑step exam prep, and a same‑day proctored test so you walk out certified without juggling multiple appointments. If you still need your ServSafe Manager Certification, don’t wait. Lock in your spot before this class fills. https://business.nmrestaurants.org/ap/Events/Register/WqFvxMoiaCJCE

08/27/2026

NMRA member Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm received standout recognition in the inaugural Southwest MICHELIN Guide, including the Exceptional Cocktails Award and a place among the region’s recommended restaurants. A well‑deserved spotlight for a team shaping our state’s culinary identity.

Campo at Los Poblanos receives wide recognition NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Michelin Guide on Wednesday announced its restaurant selections for the first-ever Michelin Guide Southwest. The announcement…

08/27/2026

We’re sharing this again because the landscape around THC beverages is shifting quickly — and the latest federal update makes the trend even more important for operators to watch. As part of the Senate’s Continuing Resolution, Congress moved to delay the implementation of federal restrictions on naturally occurring h**p products until December 11, 2026, giving restaurants and retailers more time before any potential changes take effect. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s own sales data continues to show how deeply cannabis has become part of everyday consumer behavior. It’s a major, fast‑growing market operating alongside traditional beverage alcohol, and restaurants are paying close attention.

New Mexico’s restaurant industry is watching a clear shift in how guests choose to unwind, and the state’s own sales data shows why THC beverages are becoming part of everyday consumer behavior.

08/26/2026

The Hospitality Industry Awards will take place on September 21 at the Route 66 Casino Hotel! Once again, the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF) is asking for donations of bottles of wine and spirits to raise money in support of our essential initiatives. Last year our generous members donated 125 bottles of excellent wine and spirits, helping us raise more than $4400. Your donation of a few bottles or even a case of something special will go a long way to support our important initiatives. For more information or to make a donation please contact Tom Schuch at 505-494-5758 or [email protected].

08/26/2026

New Mexico restaurants are hiring—and the NMRA Job Board is where the industry goes to find its next great hire. Whether you’re building a team or looking for your next move, this is the statewide hub for real opportunities in hospitality. Jump in and get connected. https://business.nmrestaurants.org/jobs

08/25/2026

Our partner Drew Thompson of B*K Digital Marketing is in the running for ABQ-Live The Magazine ’s Hot Singles, and we’d love to see New Mexico’s hospitality community rally behind him. Drew helps restaurants sharpen their digital presence, boost engagement, and turn online visibility into real customers — and this nomination is a fun way to spotlight someone who consistently shows up for our industry. Head to abqthemag.com/hot-singles-nominations to show your support and help highlight a leader who keeps New Mexico’s hospitality community moving forward.

Please note: you must be at least 25 years of age to enter – and not currently in a relationship.