‘I was blessed’: The Burrito Lady eyes retirement, closure looms

For Consuelo Flores, owner of The Burrito Lady, chile is a central part of life.

“All my life, I don’t think I’ve ever gone a day without eating chile,” she said.

Flores’ love of chile, fueled by her mother’s cooking skills and father’s farming expertise, has played a key role in keeping the business running since 1998. Flores always thought she would follow in the footsteps of her father — who worked until he was 79 — but 27 years over a hot stove has taken its toll.

After years of contemplating it, Flores is finally ready to retire and will step away from the business in December, she said.

“I just started getting so tired, and I have osteoarthritis,” 70-year-old Flores said of the decision. “I love doing it.”

The future of the Northeast Heights restaurant — known for its breakfast burritos — is up in the air, as Flores said she will close the restaurant at the end of the year unless an opportunity to sell presents itself.

Flores said she is open to selling the restaurant and perhaps having her son, Mayo Aragon, help the new owner. Aragon and one other employee have been helping Flores for years — her “best crew” since opening, she said.

Flores said Aragon planned to take over the business but, after seeing how much went into it, ultimately decided not to.

“I really don’t know what’s gonna happen. All of a sudden, I just had the realization that I couldn’t do it anymore,” Flores said. “I’m open to anything. And if nothing comes up, I’m open to just saying, ‘Thank you, God, for the time.’”

Flores, originally from Santa Rosa, launched the operation on the corner of Eubank and Lomas NE after waiting tables for several years. One of 13 children, Flores grew up cooking alongside her mom, who she was “blessed to learn” from, she said.

She continued cooking after moving to Albuquerque in 1978. Her business venture was eventually spurred by years of people telling her they loved her food, which continues today.

“It tastes home-cooked. It’s a unique flavor that you can’t eat anywhere else,” said Jeffrey Kongphouthakhoun, 35, while he was waiting for his food at The Burrito Lady in May. Kongphouthakhoun said he’s patronized the spot for nearly 20 years.

Desiree Sanchez, a 34-year-old New Mexico native who now resides in California, has been eating at The Burrito Lady all her life and said it is a must-stop every time she visits home.

“I love the red chile, and the tortillas, and the potatoes — it’s hard to pick a favorite,” she said.

Upon learning of the retirement plans, Sanchez added, “I’m gonna cry right now. I don’t want it to end.”

Flores’ food reflects years of cultivation and family cooking passed down, she said, and it’s centered around the chile.

“I just love chile so much,” Flores said. “There’s nothing better.”

There are no recipes to pass on to a prospective owner — the food is made by memory and from the heart — but Flores said she would be willing to train someone interested in keeping The Burrito Lady’s current style alive.

“I would, I would do it,” Sanchez said. “I would give up anything to keep this chile recipe.”

Flores said the community’s support of her and her restaurant means “a lot.”

She tearfully added, “I just have to thank my mom and my dad. I was blessed. And I really love the customers that come.”

While saying goodbye will be bittersweet, Flores said she looks forward to some much-needed rest and making just enough food for herself and loved ones to enjoy.

“Every day,” Flores said.