ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been an anchor of east downtown Albuquerque. Getting attention from celebrity chefs like Guy Fierri and a lot of love from the neighborhood. But now after nearly two decades, “The Range Cafe’s” owners say it’s time to sell their marquee building.
Story continues below
Remembering: ‘The Ultimate Leader,’ a tribute to Bill Anderson
Community: How can you get to the New Mexico State Fair?
Food: Restaurant health inspections on temporary pause in Albuquerque
Podcast: Local Impacts of SCOTUS Decision On Homeless Encampments
It’s the end of an era downtown for Vince DiGreggory who now says he’s ready to say goodbye to the building housing the iconic “Range Cafe.” The former gas station at Central near Broadway opened in 2006 as the Standard Diner. It later took on the “The Range” name in 2020.
DiGreggory said his family’s other restaurants aren’t going anywhere. However, he said it’s time for a new owner to take on the downtown building. “We have full intention of keeping the operation open until a developer or a buyer comes in and wants to do something different,” said DiGreggory. “But it is a good opportunity for the younger generation to come in and say I can do something better down here.”
Some neighbors say it is a sad moment for the community. The EDO neighborhood vice president said the restaurant has been fundamental in transforming the east downtown area. But with other nearby properties for sale. DiGreggory thinks putting the building into new ownership could mean bigger or better ideas for some prime real estate near downtown. “The properties are kind of magically aligned and they are all for sale at the same time,” said DiGreggory.
The property is listed for $2.8 million. The DiGreggory’s say they are willing to entertain the idea of continuing to run the downtown cafe under a lease if any future building owner is interested in keeping them around.
