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Brekki Brekki packed at celebration of opening

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Brekki Brekki, located on Southern Boulevard, was packed with people at its ribbon cutting March 26.
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Families and friends sat down for brunch March 26 as Brekki Brekki celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting.
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Robert Punya, Rio Ranchoan and owner of Brekki Brekki
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Michaela Helean
Michaela Helean Staff Writer
Published Modified

RIO RANCHO — A brunch spot was hopping on March 26 as it celebrated its ribbon cutting.

Brekki Brekki, a seven-day-a-week breakfast and lunch joint, was that spot. Owner Robert Punya was gleaming at the sight of a full restaurant.

“I feel a little on top of the world. It was kind of surreal experience,” he said.

He added that Brekki Brekki was heavily supported as it opened. Punya had more reason to be proud of the opening, though.

“When I moved here from California, I was living in Rio Rancho, so this was the first city in New Mexico I planted my roots in,” he said.

His family lives in Rio Rancho as well so he wanted to bring Brekki Brekki to the city. The Rio Rancho location is the second in New Mexico. The first is located in Albuquerque on Comanche Road.

“We offer a cozy blend of breakfast joint and lively bar, ideal for any occasion. Enjoy a light brunch, a hearty meal, or a refreshing drink, including locally brewed beer and cider from Cantina Craftworks,” the Brekki Brekki website says.

It also states that Brekki Brekki cares about the community it serves.

“In addition to serving customers amazing food, we’re also creating jobs and career pathways, helping people learn new skills, investing in important local causes, and playing a role in sustainability efforts,” it reads.

Punya wasn’t quite ready for how large that community would be in Rio Rancho.

“We had no idea it’d be this many people. It’s really cool. I don’t know how to explain it other than it’s just nice to see a full restaurant and people enjoying cocktails and food. It’s just somewhere for people to come and smile and be happy,” he said. “It’s nice to see smiles out here.”

His goal for the brunch restaurant, going forward, is to offer a big event space for the community to use.

“And going forward, the plan is to keep expanding,” he said.

That includes more in Rio Rancho and possibly Bernalillo, he said.

Brekki Brekki has replaced Poke Serrano on Southern Boulevard. Poki Poki is located just to the west.

For more information, on Brekki Brekki, visit brekkibrekki.com.

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