Blake's Lotaburger facts for kids
 |
|
.jpg)
Lotaburger location in Gallup, New Mexico, featuring a "Blake's Man" sign
|
|
| Private | |
| Industry | Fast food restaurant |
| Founded | 1952 Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Founder | Blake Chanslor |
| Headquarters |
Albuquerque, New Mexico
,
United States
|
|
Number of locations
|
75 |
|
Area served
|
New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona |
|
Key people
|
Ronald C. Rule (CEO) |
| Products | Green chile burgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries, red and/or green New Mexico chile, Blake's sauce, breakfast burritos, chili, hot dogs, milkshakes, and soft drinks |
| Revenue |  US$281 million (2021) |
| Owner | Ronald C. Rule |
|
Number of employees
|
1,600 as of December 20, 2021[update] |
Blake's Lotaburger is a super popular fast food restaurant. People often call it just Blake's or Lotaburger. It started in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today, there are 75 Blake's restaurants. Most are in New Mexico, but you can also find them in Tucson, Arizona and El Paso, Texas.
Blake's is famous for its tasty hamburgers. These burgers are topped with special green chile. They also serve yummy french fries and other New Mexican foods. A favorite is their breakfast burritos.
Every Blake's Lotaburger restaurant is owned by the company itself. Blake's even owns the land where most of its stores are built. They have their own teams to build new restaurants. They also have shops for things like metalwork, refrigeration, and vehicle repairs.
You can spot a Blake's by its cool sign outside. It's called the "Blake's Man." This tall man, about 10 to 15 feet high, has blue legs, a blue hat, and a blue bowtie. He wears a jacket with white and red stripes. He holds a sign that says "Blake's."
Contents
The Story of Blake's Lotaburger
How It All Started
Blake's Lotaburger was founded by a man named Blake Chanslor. He was a Navy veteran from World War II. After the war, he moved from Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Blake opened his very first "Lota Burger" stand on July 9, 1952. He invested $5,300 to start his business. His first stand was small, about 230 square feet. It was located in southeast Albuquerque. By 1953, he had opened two more stores.
Growing Across New Mexico
Blake Chanslor helped Lotaburger grow a lot. He opened restaurants in 23 cities across New Mexico. There were 7 stores in the Four Corners Area. He also opened 35 stores in Albuquerque.
Blake Chanslor owned the company for a long time. In 2003, he sold it to Ronald C. and Brian Rule, a father-son team. As of 2018, the company runs 75 stores.
Famous Ads and Awards
In the 1990s, Blake's Lotaburger had a famous person in their TV ads. It was Ernest P. Worrell, played by Jim Varney.
Blake's Lotaburger helped make green chile popular. In New Mexico, green chile is a common topping for many foods, including burgers. In 2006, National Geographic magazine gave Blake's a big award. They called its green chile cheeseburger the "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger in the World." In 2009, the New Mexico Tourism Department added Blake's to its Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail. This trail lists the best places to try this famous burger.
Expanding to Other States
In June 2013, Blake's announced exciting news. They would open their first Texas location in El Paso, Texas. A second El Paso store opened in June 2014. As of 2018, El Paso has 3 Blake's locations.
In early 2015, the company shared plans to expand to Tucson, Arizona. Two locations opened there in 2017. A third Tucson store opened in January 2018.
In 2017, Blake's Lotaburger became the first "New Mexico True Certified Business." This means it's recognized for being a true New Mexico original.
What's on the Menu?
Signature Burgers and More
Blake's most famous items are the LOTA Burger and the ITSA Burger. These are served with french fries. You can add cheese and Hatch green chile to your burger and fries.
The ITSA Burger is just like the LOTA Burger, but it's a bit smaller. In 2006, National Geographic said the LOTA Burger was the best burger in the world!
Blake's also serves other tasty New Mexican cuisine foods. These include breakfast burritos. They even have special milkshakes. One unique flavor is biscochito, a traditional New Mexico cookie.
Other Delicious Options
You can find other foods at Blake's too. They serve Nathan's Famous hot dogs. They also have chili con carne and chicken sandwiches.
Blake's often has special items for a limited time. For example, during the Lenten season (late winter to early spring), they offer a Fish Basket and Fish Sandwich. They are also known for their unique milkshakes and malts. Some past flavors include Pumpkin Pie, Birthday Cake, Cherry White Chocolate, and even Green Chile Lime!
Helping the Community
Blake's Lotaburger cares about its community. They have supported the Special Olympics in New Mexico for over 22 years. This organization helps athletes with intellectual disabilities.
They also work with KOAT Channel 7 on their "KOATS for Kids" program. This program has given over 300,000 coats to kids and families who need them. In the fall, customers can donate new or used coats at Blake's stores.
Awards and Recognition
Blake's Lotaburger has won many awards for its food!
- In 2006, National Geographic called Blake's green chile cheeseburger the "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger in the World." In 2012, they also ranked Blake's fourth on their list of the "10 Best Hamburgers."
- The Weekly Alibi newspaper has given Blake's many "Best of Burque" awards.
- In 2009, they won "Best Burger" and "Best French Fries."
- In 2017, they won "Best Burger," "Best French Fries," and "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger."
- In 2016, USA Today readers voted Blake's as having the "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger in New Mexico."
- The Albuquerque Journal has also given Blake's many awards in its Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
- In 2016, they won "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger," "Best French Fries," and "Best Breakfast Burrito."
- In 2017, they won "Best Burger" and "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger."
- Albuquerque Magazine has also recognized Blake's in its "Best of City" contest.
- In 2016, they won "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger" and "Best French Fries."
- In 2017, they won "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger" and "Best Breakfast Burrito."
- The University of New Mexico's Daily Lobo newspaper has also voted Blake's as the best.
- In 2016, they won "Best Burger" and "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger."
- In 2017, they won "Best Burger" and "Best Green Chile Cheeseburger."
- In 2017, The Gallup Journey voted Blake's as having the "Best Breakfast Burrito" in Gallup.
- In 2017, The Santa Fe Reporter listed Blake's as having one of Santa Fe's "Best Breakfast Burritos" and "Best Burgers."
- In 2017, The Valencia County News Bulletin voted Blake's as having the "Best Breakfast Burrito" in Valencia County.
