Putt’s happening? Fresh details surface about the return of Albuquerque’s Putts N Pints

The comeback of one of Albuquerque’s beloved miniature golf spots is moving along, with fresh details about the venture rolled out on Putts N Pints’ new website.

The website, which launched last week, shows that Putts N Pints — the name of the business set to revive Albuquerque’s former Putt-Putt Golf & Games at 5100 San Mateo NE — is slated to open this summer.

“Mini-golf is back!” the website declares in bold lettering beneath a logo sporting a beer glass, golf ball, putting green and putters.

Scott Salvas, owner of Brew Lab 101 Beer & Cider Co., further confirmed the summer opening, official business name and the Brew Lab team’s involvement with the miniature-golf venture in a news release Friday morning.

The official announcement and website launch comes several weeks after a banner signaling that the business was going to reopen popped up at the site earlier this year, igniting excitement and nostalgic frenzy across social media.

“We didn’t expect the ‘reopening soon’ banner to drive the enormous buzz it has generated on social channels, online and on-air,” said Salvas, CEO of Putts N Pints, in a statement. “It’s been a powerful reminder of how many people have memories tied to this place, and how much the community wants it to return.”

The property’s former miniature-golf operation, Putt-Putt Golf & Games, opened in 1972 and served as a popular family and field-trip destination before suddenly closing in 2017.

Friday’s news release said the property was well-maintained by its owners — G3 Investors LLC, a real estate holding company of the Garcia family, which owns Garcia Automotive Group — preserving the site and its zebra and giraffe statues “as a recognizable fixture in the community.”

The property’s three outdoor putting courses will be up and running again alongside expanded food and beverage offerings, a retro arcade, pool tables, virtual golf experiences and an upgraded party room. The new business intends to “preserve the charm and nostalgia of the existing miniature golf course while introducing enhancements that today’s guests will appreciate,” the website says.

While “adult beverages” will be on the new menu — including a selection of beer, wine and spirits — Putts N Pints will also maintain “a welcoming environment for guests of all ages” the website says. Party packages for kids and adults are also outlined, with the business prepared to host gatherings ranging from traditional kids’ pizza parties to retirement parties and corporate team-building events.

With the business’ summer debut on its way, Putts N Pints is also opening up opportunities for sponsorship partnerships and employment. Positions the business will be seeking include bartenders, servers, cooks, game attendants and managers. Altogether, the business will create roughly 25 jobs, Salvas said.

“Putts N Pints is bringing back a beloved entertainment hub for generations in Albuquerque,” the news release said. “ ... (G)iving families, friends and long-time fans a place to make new memories while celebrating a cherished local tradition.”

Kylie Garcia covers retail and real estate for the Journal. You can reach her at kgarcia@abqjournal.com.