A long history of service to visitors and locals alike.
Michael’s Mini-Mart has been in the
Romero family for over 50 years. It is very
well-known and respected in northern
New Mexico. This c-store serves as town hall and
meeting place for the entire community of
Velarde, and this town has provided
loyal customers for generations.
The "Favorites by Alice" is more than just a catchphrase. It refers to the recipes that were crowd favorites at Mike's Place, their restaurant in the neighboring city of Española. They revived the recipes in response to customer demand. In fact, Michael's Mini-Mart was featured in the Winter 2007 edition of Saveur Magazine for their great food!
Comments and Media about Michael's Mini-Mart
Michael's Mini-Mart Named to New Mexico Chili Cheeseburger Trail
No state is more passionate about its burger than New Mexico. A juicy thick patty grilled over an open flame or sizzled on a griddle, then blanketed in molten Cheddar or other cheese, and topped off with enough New Mexican green chile to tingle the tastebuds—what could be more glorious? Michael's Mini-Mart has been honored by the state of New Mexico to be included on their Chili-Cheeseburger Trail map. Click on the image for a larger version or here to read the story.
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From SAVEUR Magazine
“...Farther north, the high-desert farming town of Velarde
is home to Michael's Mini-Mart, an unprepossessing
pit stop along State Highway 68. There, take a seat
at one of three small tables and, for less than you'd
spend on a couple of gallons of unleaded, order from
the 48-item menu featuring co-owner Alice Romero's
justly famous smothered red chile burritos, pork tacos
with pico de gallo, and chicharrón burritos, packed with
pork rinds, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and chiles…”
From Convenience Store News
“… Operators who deliver customer service well, though,
know that it isn't only about the experience in the store or at
the gas pumps, it's also about being a good neighbor and
supporting the communities in which their consumers live
and work....It is upon these principles of customer- and communitymindedness
that Michael and Alice Romero, owners of Michael's
Mini-Mart in Velarde, N.M., have built their business.
As Alice said, "If people like you and you treat them
well, they'll stick with you."….”
Awards
PNM Rural Entrepreneurs of the Year 2007
"The Romero family exemplifies the possibilities offered by entrepreneurship. Michael and Alice Romero and their daughters have fulfilled the American dream in a very personal way. The current success of Michael's Mini-Mart follows the pattern of success the family established with their first business, a Tastee Freeze franchise they opened in Espanola in 1971....In addition to providing goods and services to travelers in northern New Mexico, the store serves as the unofficial town square of Velarde...."
New Mexico Restaurant Association Rural Operator of the Year 2006
Our Philosophy
We're here to serve all our customers --whether you're from the local community of Velarde or you're from far away, coming to visit our beautiful Land of Enchantment -- with the best possible products and service that we can. We look forward to seeing and meeting all of you!