GRANTS, N.M. – El Cafecito, nestled on Route 66 in the City of Grants, New Mexico, has proudly served the Cibola County community for 40 years. El Cafecito has become renowned statewide for its New Mexican cuisine, breakfast burritos, green chile and unwavering commitment to quality.
Owner Angela Baca said that one of husband Larry Baca’s dreams was to own a restaurant. On May 26, 1986, she opened El Cafecito while Larry continued working at the coal mine. The early years at their first location, a little further down Route 66 then the current address, was 'very busy [and] very passionate,” with a strong focus on customer care to establish the business.
After a fire in 1991 destroyed the first location of Route 66, the couple faced numerous challenges as insurance didn’t cover the building loss. After laboring to make their dreams come true, the Baca’s acquired a piece of property located at 820 E Santa Fe Avenue, and hired a contractor from Albuquerque.
The new restaurant was built within three months.
From Past to Present
El Cafecito’s original location had just 40 tables, while the current one can accommodate 118 guests, with an additional 50 for private dining.
The first menu featured meals priced at a maximum of $4, whereas today, the highest-priced meal is $14.
Josh Baca, the owners’ son and restaurant manager, explained their strategy: “Volume. Get people to come back three or four times a week, instead of just once. To me, it makes more sense. Lower prices; more people than less people; higher prices.”
Angela explained that she did not expect El Cafecito to be open for 40 years, and that the time went by fast.
“[I want] to continue it as it’s been for the first 40 [years],” Angela said. “For as long as we can.”
Commitment to Quality
The Bacas explained that El Cafecito avoids pre-made or frozen food products, ensuring quality and affordability through traditional preparation methods. Josh said, “You can tell the difference… by hand, no machines. It is labor intensive.”
He went on to explain that giant blocks of cheese are shredded, and actual cases of avocados are used to make fresh guacamole. Cooked beans and rice, and the meat are all prepared daily. “They boil four pots of potatoes every day,” Josh said. “Three guys are back there, peeling for two hours, and then we slice them and cook them.”
Homemade tortillas are made in the morning and afternoon, while the masa for sopapillas is “made constantly fresh.”
Community Engagement and Customer Feedback
The restaurant’s success can be attributed to its deep-rooted connections with the local community.
Angela explained that they appreciate the tourists, but when asked what role the Grants community played in the restaurant’s success, she said “the entire role is [the] Grants Community, [they] have been our success. We don't rely on tourists… We rely on the locals; [the] repeat customers.”
The Bacas explained that feedback from the locals is important. Larry said, “The customers call us when our employees aren't doing a good job. We'll get a call immediately.” The most popular breakfast item is the breakfast burritos and Larry’s special. Angela said, “Everything sells here. The most popular, though, is of course the breakfast burritos for breakfast because they're fast.” The Bacas said their most popular lunch meals are the stuffed sopapillas or enchilada plates.
El Cafecito actively engages with its patrons to ensure their dining experiences are constantly positive. For instance, if a diner expresses a dissatisfaction with a meal being “too hot” - a common occurrence when introducing travelling visitors to authentic Mexican flavors – El Cafecito can offer samples to educate them about the spicy, vibrant flavors that characterize New Mexican cuisine.
A Family-Friendly Philosophy
In an era where many restaurants prioritize profit through alcohol sales, El Cafecito stands out with its decision not to serve alcoholic beverages. The Bacas firmly believe that quality food should speak for itself. “We don’t want to mask terrible food with beer and wine like other restaurants do,” Josh said. Angela continued, “I wanted [a] family friendly atmosphere. And we've made it without the alcohol.”
By maintaining a focus on providing a welcoming environment for families, El Cafecito has fostered a loyal customer base that continues to return for its homestyle dishes.
Some staff members have been working at El Cafecito for over two decades, showcasing loyalty that has become increasingly rare in today’s workforce. “We appreciate their logentivity,” they said.
According to Larry, “Back in the ‘80s, people wanted to work. They needed a job [and] they wanted to please their employer. Now, they just go from job [to job].”
Despite changes in the labor market, El Cafecito remained committed to treating its employees like family. “They’re family,” the Baca’s explained. “We try [to] treat all of our employees as family. But we also want to be respected… We want to be their family, not their friends… We’ll treat them like family, but we have to lay down our rules and stuff like that you got to follow.”
As El Cafecito’s commitment to community extends beyond its menu.
The restaurant proudly supports local initiatives, including being the largest scholarship donor to Grants High School.
Josh further explained, “Over any other business in town. As a restaurant that tells a lot. I think if you have so many other larger companies in town who don't give back on the level that we do for scholarship night for the high school. So being one of the largest donors is something to [be] proud of ourselves.”
Larry said, “We want to keep taking care of the community as [it’s] been taking care of us.”
Anniversary Events
In acknowledgement of their 40-year journey, El Cafecito is having a raffle until the end of the month that will offer a grand cash prize of $500, along with side prizes. Social commemorative items, such as t-shirts and coins, will honor the Route 66 Centennial and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
For a week leading up to the end of the month, customers can have tres leches cake at El Cafecito. Raffle tickets are being distributed to customers, with a drawing scheduled for the end of the month.
El Cafecito is located at 820 E Santa Fe Ave/Route 66, Grants, N.M.
This family-owned restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tues, Wed. Thurs., then 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., Sat., closed Sunday.