Large turnout celebrates Laguna Burger's opening

On a packed Tuesday morning, Laguna Burger officially opened for business in Rio Rancho.

The native-owned location opened at 11 a.m. April 16 with the restaurants indoor and outdoor spaces were full of people during its celebration.

"The purpose of our event, obviously, is to introduce you to our newest world-famous Laguna Burger location," Fuego Enterprises Board Member Skip Sayre said.

Fuego is the subsidiary company of Laguna Development Corporation (LDC), which heads Laguna Burger development.

The new 3,000-square-foot restaurant next to Latitudes on NM 528 will feature seating for 55 patrons inside and patio seating for 50. It's the fifth Laguna Burger location since the concept was originally introduced in the Pueblo of Laguna in 2007. Laguna lies about an hour away from Rio Rancho on the Interstate 40.

LDC's Board of Directors Vice Chairman Ron Solimon went into the history of the start of Laguna Burger. He says the influence came from the celebration of feast days for different saints among the public over the past 350 years.

"Every one of the 19 pueblos has a patron saint, and that's because of the Roman Catholic feel that we have in our communities," he said.

At those feast days, he added, burgers became popular in Laguna.

"To go out there and you have this night and you can smell the aroma miles away before you get there. When you get there, you enjoy a hamburger like no other," Solimon said.

Bringing the restaurant to more urban areas like Rio Rancho is a way for Laguna to bring its culture and promote economic growth, he says.

"You get all that in one bite," he said.

CEO and Esquire of LDC Maxine (Max) Velasquez says the money generated from the corporation goes toward community needs in Laguna.

"It's protection of natural resources, education, elder care, police. It spreads out," she explained.

In addition to those benefits, Velasquez says the restaurant also provides 35 jobs.

For Mayor Gregg Hull, the best part is being able to sit at the counter while Laguna Burger makes him a burger.

“That's the best, and you see them put the green chile on there. It's amazing,” he said.

He added he knows the restaurant will be successful and has already heard a lot of excitement from Rio Ranchoans.

Sandoval County Commissioners Dave Heil, Jay Block and Josh Jones mirrored that sentiment.

"I hope it is successful, but it looks like it already is," Heil said as he gestured to the crowd of people on the Laguna Burger patio.

Block pointed out that Sandoval County has the most tribal pueblo partners in the nation. He also hopes to see a good partnership with Latitudes being next door to the restaurant.

“Get a car wash, get some gas and get a great burger. I mean, that's a good day,” Block added.

Jones was especially proud as the Laguna Pueblo falls in his district of Sandoval County.

"I'm so happy to see that you're expanding into Sandoval County and Rio Rancho. Whatever we can do to help with expansion, please let us know. I wish you well on all your future success," he said.

Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Schalow wished the restaurant well shortly after the ribbon cutting took place.

"If you look around, look at this crowd, we are excited about business here. We want businesses to grow; we celebrate business here," Schalow said.

The open date for customers is April 18.

For information about Laguna Burger, visit the website.