New Mexico Restaurant Association

06/23/2026

Santa Fe industries are feeling the strain of rising consumer prices, with inflation up 4.2% year over year and residents responding by cutting spending, reducing savings, and relying more on credit. Economist Reilly White notes that the pattern mirrors post‑pandemic spikes in 2022, while New Mexico Restaurant Association CEO Carol Wight warns that restaurants remain “caught in the middle” as food, fuel, and delivery costs climb. The pressures extend beyond hospitality: art galleries anticipate softer discretionary spending, even as long‑term resilience offers hope, and local entertainment venues report steady attendance driven by the public’s desire for escapism despite economic uncertainty.

As consumer prices rise and consumer confidence plummets, New Mexico residents and business owners alike are feeling the distressing impacts.

06/23/2026

A restaurant’s first impression is made long before anyone sits down — and it’s happening online. The digital landscape has shifted fast, and the tactics that once brought in steady traffic barely register anymore. Platforms now reward strategy, consistency, and content that actually earns attention. When listings fall out of date, visuals don’t sell the experience, or social presence goes quiet, guests drift toward competitors without a second thought. This webinar gives operators a clear, modern roadmap to fix that, led by Drew Thompson, owner of B*K Digital Marketing , in partnership with NMRA.

Most restaurants are losing business long before a guest ever looks at a menu — not because of food or service, but because their online presence isn’t working for them. Outdated listings, weak photos, and inconsistent social media quietly push customers toward competitors. This webinar gives op...

06/19/2026

The New Mexico Restaurant Association is now inviting partners to step into a premier visibility opportunity at the 2026 Hospitality Industry Awards. This event is where New Mexico’s hospitality leaders, innovators, and rising stars are recognized — and where sponsors get in front of the operators and decision‑makers who shape this industry every day. Companies looking to align their brand with excellence, support the people who power hospitality, and stand out in front of a statewide audience can visit the HIA page and select “Sponsor Registration” to secure their placement.
https://business.nmrestaurants.org/arw2026/Details/2026-hospitality-industry-awards-1506246?sourceTypeId=Hub

06/18/2026

New Mexico’s small businesses are getting crushed by rising credit‑card swipe fees — and the authors argue it’s the status quo, not competition, that threatens our tourism economy. This op‑ed makes the case for the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act, saying more choice in processing networks would finally give Main Street relief while keeping rewards programs intact. With fees climbing as high as 2–4% per transaction, the piece warns that without reform, the mom‑and‑pop shops that define New Mexico’s visitor experience will keep paying the price.

A bipartisan bill could lower swipe fees for NM businesses. Here's why the opposition's claims don't hold up.

06/17/2026

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján was recently honored in Chicago with the 2026 James Beard Foundation Impact Award, a national recognition reserved for leaders who move the needle on food security and nutrition access. KOAT’s coverage highlighted how Luján’s work on strengthening SNAP, expanding hunger‑relief programs, and supporting families who rely on food assistance has made a measurable difference in New Mexico and beyond. The award underscores his long‑standing commitment to addressing food insecurity and elevating the needs of communities that depend on these programs every day.

"I was deeply honored to receive the Impact Award from the James Beard Foundation, and I am grateful for the work they do for our communities," Sen. Lujan said. "My work to protect and improve federal nutrition programs is driven by the advocates back home in New Mexico who fight hunger in our commu...

06/17/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!! Join us @ 3 PM...Hiring remains one of the toughest challenges for restaurants, and many teams are stuck using approaches that no longer connect with today’s applicants. This session breaks down why recruiting systems fall short, how unclear messaging limits your applicant pool, and what successful operators are doing differently right now. You’ll get practical, immediately usable steps to attract better‑fit candidates, strengthen your hiring process, and reduce the constant churn that drains time and energy.

Hiring is the make‑or‑break issue for restaurants right now, and too many teams are stuck fighting the same battles with the same thin applicant pools. If you’re tired of crossing your fingers every time you post a job, this session is built to flip that script. RestaurantOwner.com is providin...

06/16/2026

Spotlights on New Mexico dining keep rolling in, celebrating the restaurants that bring bold flavors, local pride, and unforgettable experiences to our communities. We’re thrilled to see familiar names in the mix, featuring NMRA members JAMBO CAFE, Rancho De Chimayo, Duran Central Pharmacy, Frontier Restaurant & Perea's New Mexican Restaurant.

From historic haciendas to humble roadside cafés, New Mexico offers a diverse array of distinctive dining experiences. These eateries range from century-old family-run establishments serving traditional chile rellenos to modern fusion spots blending African and Caribbean flavors. Each location is c...

06/16/2026

Skip the hassle of having to schedule time for individual employees to attend ServSafe trainings and bring the classroom experience straight to your team! Private ServSafe Classes from NMRA offer comprehensive training for managers, food handlers, and alcohol servers, all when it fits your schedule. What are you waiting for? Schedule a private class for your kitchen or bar today!

Attendees who successfully complete the food safety certification class and pass the exam will receive a certification from NRA Solutions valid for 5 years.

06/15/2026

If you’re passionate about strengthening New Mexico’s hospitality industry and leading the work that supports restaurants statewide, NMRA is seeking its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to guide advocacy, education, and growth for one of the state’s most influential business associations—apply today and help shape the future of hospitality in New Mexico.

NMRA CEO Job Description Join Our Team We’re Hiring a Chief Executive Officer The New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA) is searching for an exceptional leader to serve as our next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead New Mexico’s premier restaurant and food...