The grand opening of Pro’s Ranch Market in the Atrisco Plaza was grande, to say the least! Hundreds of people stood in line for hours to shop at Albuquerque’s newest grocery store and food market. Once inside, the wait was worthwhile. Cool, clean, festive, and ¡muy delicioso!

The store boasts a festive atmosphere, with freshly prepared drinks and hot food, tables to eat at, music (today‘s was live Mariachi) and, oh yeah, groceries.

La Cocina (the kitchen) stood out as the most impressive side of the store (watch tortillas being made, get fresh aguas frescas (fresh fruit juices) or treat yourself to flower-filled--and edible—gelatin). The fresh cut meats are impressive (although not local), the fish is out of this world (or desert) and the selection of food from México was ¡estupendo!

In addition to providing a much needed grocery service to the West Central area, they have provided 400 jobs to New Mexico residents, many of whom live in the surrounding neighborhood. Owners Mike Provenzano and his sons are committed to enhancing the community through the improvement of the store, as well as the entire Atrisco Plaza. Over the past year, the Provenzano family ate at many local restaurants while studying the area to get familiar with the unique New Mexican local cuisine. Several items offering local flavor have been incorporated into the store’s inventory. This is the tenth store opened by the family since 1982, with nine other stores located in California, Arizona and Texas.

So, are they buying local foods? Well, they have stocked New Mexico chile, honey and a few other products and have said they are willing to talk to local growers of produce and meet other local food processors. The owners, an Arizona family, have agreed to speak at a future Agriculture Collaborative meeting to introduce the store and discuss ways to incorporate more locally grown foods.

Pro's Ranch Market
4201 Central Ave., SW (map)
(505) 833-1765

Contact:  Ann Simon (asimon@mrcog-nm.gov)