GRANTS, N.M. — Mt. Taylor Coffee Company opened a little over three years ago on January 5, 2019. The 1912 Market on 66 opened almost a year and a half ago in August of 2020. Now, after a few months of preparation, the two local businesses have decided to join forces and operate out of the same location on Santa Fe Avenue, part of Historic Route 66. According to 1912 Market co-owner Bobbie Branum, this business partnership first began when herself and husband, 1912 Market co-owner, Kevin Branum became friends with fellow business owners, Jonathan Archibald and Leslie Archibald.
According to Bobbie, the two pairs had similar visions and aspirations when it came to building business and growth in Grants. “Jonathan and Kevin both have some great ideas about building businesses in Grants. They and Leslie are the masterminds, and I (Bobbie) am great at head-nodding,” shared the business co-owner.
As for the Archibalds, the pair said that they have had plans to move Mt. Taylor Coffee Co. for a while. The coffee shop owners were simply waiting for the right time and business opportunity to arise. They knew partnering with the Branums and 1912 Market was the right move for the business because of the better location and opportunity for expansion that the partnership offered. After lots of prayer and waiting, the Branums were all in for the opportunity as well. The two businesses began putting their plans into motion about three to four months ago. Then, the 1912 Market recently shut down to undergo renovations, all while alluding to the public on social media that big things were coming for the business. Finally, on January 14, the 1912 Market on 66 announced via Facebook that Mt. Taylor Coffee Co. would be joining the market by Tuesday, January 18. The market will now operate under new business hours to accommodate the new business addition, which most people typically enjoy in the mornings. Therefore, the hours for the 1912 Market will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the hours for Mt. Taylor Coffee Co. will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The coffee company owners said they hope to expand their business hours as they train more employees.
Bobbie Branum also spoke to what has changed since the renovation and what community members can expect now inside the market: “We built the counter/coffee bar, and moved the large freezers to the other side of the room, and the old truck out to the patio to hopefully create additional seating around. A shout-out to Jim Ward and his boys, James and William, for their hard work in helping move the really heavy stuff, and do the electrical work. Bruce Lynn also lent us one of his classic cars for decoration/interest grabbing. We have moved Jonathan and Leslie's bakery into the back room, so we are anxiously awaiting many more delicious goodies to be out on the shelves.” The 1912 Market thanked Lynn for the classic 1930’s Ford on social media, adding, “… how’s that for interior decorating?!” The owners welcomed all to come see the classic, while also asking visitors to please not touch the vehicle. The market owners have also provided updates regarding their produce selections, explaining that due to a search for more natural and healthy options, as well as difficulties caused by in-state employee shortages and limitations created by COVID-related shutdowns, the market will expand their “available produce and food products to include out-of-state options…” “Distribution has been a challenge as well, but thankfully we have been able to work with La Montanita and NM Harvest to get most of our fresh products,” shared Bobbie Branum. “Though not all of the products we can get from La Montanita are local, such as some of the flours/grains, the fresh produce that’s out of season for us, and some of the beverages, dressings, and dried fruits and nuts.” Otherwise, despite facing in-state difficulties for some products, supporting local businesses and farming has been a wellknown priority of the market.
Mt. Taylor Coffee Co. owners also shared a bit of what they will be bring to the table, saying, “Mt. Taylor Coffee always strives to offer the local community the best of craft espresso and coffee drinks and also produces on site scratch made baked goods.”
Both business owners of the 1912 Market and Mt. Taylor Coffee Co. have expressed excitement in regard to this business opportunity and partnership, with the Archibalds concluding, “Mt. Taylor Coffee is very excited about opportunity to work together with 1912 Market and the future together.” The two businesses are located across from the Fire and Ice Park, at 705 W Santa Fe Avenue, Suite B.