Joe’s Pasta House to open Albuquerque location

ALBUQUERQUE — Joe’s Pasta House is just a few inspections closer to opening an Albuquerque location.

Joe’s Pasta House first opened in Rio Rancho in 1999 and was acquired by the Shariff family in 2022. The restaurant’s growth since that time prompted the new owners to pursue a second location at 6650 Holly NE in Albuquerque’s Holly Plaza, and maybe more in the future.

The family originally anticipated the restaurant would open in mid-May but inspections have taken longer than expected. Now, the Shariffs are targeting a mid-June opening.

“It feels like it should be any week now. ... Once we have those final inspections, it’s going to be quick action to get open,” owner Nadeem Shariff said.

The restaurant will offer the same authentic Italian food and newly expanded hours and a full bar. Additionally, it’ll employ more than 60 people.

The family said the cost of launching the new restaurant is at least $300,000, which covers extensive renovations to add a bar that wasn’t in the space before. The 4,5000-square-foot space will also feature a dining room, banquet room and other surprise features, the family said.

“It’s nerve-wracking and it’s exciting, but luckily we have a really good team,” Shariff said. “We’re excited to be almost there.”