Valencia County Names Local Favorites, Boosts Small Business Profiles

The community vote for the Best of Valencia County, revealed December 17, 2025, put a spotlight on a wide cross section of local commerce and culture, from eateries to professional services. Topping the food category, Southwest Grill in Bosque Farms was named Best Breakfast Burrito. The restaurant is located at 275 Bosque Farms Boulevard, Bosque Farms, New Mexico 87068, and can be reached at 505 869 2400. Its posted hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Owners trace the current menu back to 1997, when the business began as Southwest Foods selling beef jerky, later expanding into burritos and a full New Mexico style menu.

Co owner Caroline Lovato framed the recognition as a milestone for a longtime local business. "We are honored that the community of Valencia County has chosen Southwest Grill for the Best Breakfast Burrito 2025," she said. She also reflected on the restaurant's growth. "Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far we have come from when we first opened our business in 1997." Lovato emphasized the role of local support. "We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from our customers in Valencia County, Isleta, Albuquerque and beyond, and for all the friendships we made along the way."

Other winners illustrate the county economy's diversity, and where consumer spending is concentrated. Benny’s in Bosque Farms earned both Best Green Chile and Best Green Chile Cheeseburger. Pete’s Cafe in Belen won Best Salsa. Dion’s in Los Lunas was named Best Pizza. Additional winners include Big Mike’s Burgers and More in Belen for Best French Fries, La Dos Gringas in Belen for Best Red Chile, Manny’s Fine Pastries as Best Bakery, and Tillery Buick GMC as Best New Used Car Dealership. Cultural and civic recognitions went to Monica Kemsley as Best Artist, Rico Gonzales as Best Attorney, Young Guns Construction as Best Contractor, Tomé Art Gallery as Best Art Gallery, Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area as Best Outdoor Recreation Area or Park, the Los Lunas Christmas Parade as Best Community Event, and the Village of Los Lunas as Best Community to Live In.

From an economic perspective, these awards function as low cost marketing for small and medium sized firms, often translating into short term spikes in customer inquiries and longer term brand recognition. For local policymakers and economic development officials, the list underscores key sectors to support through training, permitting streamlining, and promotion: food and hospitality, construction, professional services, and recreation. Over the long run, community driven awards can play a modest but measurable role in retaining consumer spending locally, strengthening small business resilience, and reinforcing Valencia County as a destination for regional diners and visitors.