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1000 E. Santa Fe Ave. at McArthur St.
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1956
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for The Lariat Lodge. Grants, New Mexico
1958
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1958 This is Grants Ad for The Lariat Lodge. Grants, New Mexico.
1958 ad from "This Is Grants" brochure
Courtesy Patricia McClure
Post Card Back, Post mark 1958 Grants, N. Mex 8 PM
Post Card Front, The Lariat Lodge 1958
1960
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Post Card Front, The Lariat Lodge 1960
Post Card Back, Post mark None
1962
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1976 Mountain Bell Tel Co. yellow page "Hotel" listing for The Lariat Lodge. Grants,
New Mexico
1978
1976
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1976 Mountain Bell Tel Co. yellow page "Hotel" listing for The Lariat Lodge. Grants,
New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
_edited.png)
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2004
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
THE SOUTWEST MOTEL
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2016
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
THE SOUTHWEST MOTEL
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
The Southwest Motel sign at night
Photo by Tom
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2017
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Photo by Jonathan Betz, May 2017
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2018
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
THE SOUTHWEST MOTEL
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Front desk and lobby Southwest Motel
Photo by E. Diaz (Eddo), September 2018
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2019
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
THE SOUTHWEST MOTEL
Brown & Starns
287-2068
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Photo by Tim Butler, August 2019
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1009 E. Santa Fe Ave.
1953
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
GRANTS
MOTEL
Brown & Starns
Phone 010-R-3
1953 Postcard of Grants Motel. Grants, New Mexico
Post card Front, Grants Motel 1953
Post card Back, Post mark May 2, 1953, Winslow AZ
1956
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
THE LARIAT LODGE
Brown & Starns
AT 7-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Photo by Tim Butler, August 2019
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. yellow page Motel Listing for Grants Motel.
Grants, New Mexico
Photo by Tim Butler, August 2019
1960
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
Phone AT 7-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1960
1968
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
Phone AT 7-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1960
1978
1970
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
287-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
287-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
1978
1973
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
1978
1973
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
287-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Gateway to the Lavaland
1982
1882
1978
1990
East U.S. Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue)
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
287-4477
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co. white page listing for Gilbert's Texaco Service. Grants, New Mexico
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Gateway to the Lavaland
1982
1882
1978
1995
East U.S. Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue)
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
287-4477
Street view of the Grants MOTEL sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic U.S. Route 66) 1996. If you look carefully, you can see the sign is on. The neon and incandescent
bulbs are glowing. In the background on the fence dividing the Grants MOTEL
and Franciscan Lodge reads;
Single for $14.95 and Double for
$18.95
On the marquee the letters
used are a hook and clip system
reader board, common for
motels, theaters, and restaurants
and many more.
This system works best in high
winds as opposed to the newer
Slide Rail systems used today.
Street view of the Grants Motels sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic Route 66) 1995-1996 Photo by Giles Bassingnac - gettyimages
Dale & Shirley Edmundson
287-4477
Street view of the Grants Motels sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic Route 66) 1995-1996 Photo by Giles Bassingnac - gettyimages
1997 photo of the Grants MOTEL sign blade now sits alone along the refurbished Santa Fe Ave (Historic U.S. Route 66) in Grants, New Mexico, after the demolition
of the motel from 1996-1997. Farewell to another Grants landmark!
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Gateway to the Lavaland
1982
1882
1978
1997
East U.S. Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue)
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2007
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
1997 photo of the Grants MOTEL sign blade now sits alone along the re-furbished Santa Fe Ave (Historic U.S. Route 66) in Grants, New Mexico, after the demolition
of the motel from 1996-1997. Farewell to another Grants landmark!
1020 E. Santa Fe Ave.
at Halsey St.
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1978
1978
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Blake Chanselor
Blake's Lotaburger, commonly
referred to as Blake's or Lotaburger, is a fast food restaurant chain headquartered
in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The chain hs a total of 75 locations in the Southwestern United States, with the majority
of its establishments situated in New
Mexico. Additional locations are also
located in Tucson, Arizona, and El
Paso, Texas. Blake's Lotaburger's
menu items are primarily centered
around New Mexico green chile
topped hamburgers and fries, as well
as traditional New Mexican fare such
as breakfast burritos.
All restaurants operating under the
brand are owned by the corporaton.
Further to this, Blake's Lotaburger
retains ownership of the real estate
on which its stores are built. The
company's construction division
manages the development of all new
stores. Additionally, Blake's
Lotaburger operates its own sheet
metal, refrigeration, cabinet, and
vehivle shops, in addition to a main-
tenance fleet and commissary.
The iconic signage displayed outside Blake's Lotaburger restaurants is the
"Blake's Man" - a towering figure that
stands between 10 and 15 feet tall. A
blue hat and bowtie adorn the figure,
who sports a jacket with white and
red stripes. Blue poles are used to
represent the figure's legs, and it
holds a sign bearing the Blake's name.
Blake's Lotaburge was established by Blake Chanslor, an esteemed Navy veteran of World War II. Following the war, Mr. Chanslor relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico,
where he opened his inaugural
"Lota' Burger" stand on July 9,
1952. The original stand was a
total of 230 square feet (21 m2)
and was based on the corner of
San Mateo and Southern in
southeast Albuquerque. In 1953
Mr. Chanslor opened two
additional stores, and by 2003,
he had extended the footprint
of Lotaburger to 23 cities in
New Mexico, with seven
Above: 1st Blake's Lota' Burger 1952
840 San Mateo Blvd, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Photo by: Blake's Lotaburger Inc.
stores in the Four Corners
Area and 35 in Albuquerque.
Chansellor sold his interest
to Ronald C. Rule in 2003,
who maintained the company as a
family-owned operation. As of 2018,
the company owns and operates 75
stores.
In the 1990's, the company
leveraged the television
commercial personality
Ernest P. Worrel, played
by Jim Varney, in many
of its television advertis -
ments. The Albuquerque
Journal stated in 1994
that Lotaburger had popularized the
use of green chile, which is a staple of
New Mexican cuisine, as a condiment
on hamburgers. National Geographic
recognized the company in 2006 for
having the "Best Green Chile
Cheeseburger in the World."
Below: 1st Blake's Lota' Burger now Alcapulco Tacos and Burritos
840 San Mateo Blvd, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Photo by: Google Maps 2020
"Cheeseburger in the World." In 2009,
the New Mexico Tourism Department
listed the restaurants as one of the
state's destinations on the Green
Chile Cheeseburger Trail.
In June 2013, the company
announced that its first Texas
location would open in the fall on El
Paso's west side.
A second El Paso location
opened in June 2014 on the
city's east side. As of 2018,
there are presently three
locations in El Paso.
The company announced in
early 2015 to expand to
Tucson, Arizona. Two
locations opened in April and
June 2017, followed by a third location
in January 2018.
In 2017, Blake's Lotaburger became
the first New Mexico True Certified
Business in the state.
Blake's is a restaurant that serves a
variety of food items, including
Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, chicken
sandwiches, and chili con carne.
However, their signature menu items
are the LOTA and ITSA burgers, which
Blake's Lotaburger #86
Grand Opening of Blake's Lotaburger June 2013 El Paso, Tx
Blake's Lotaburger #86
June 2013 1st Blake's Lotaburger in El Paso, Texas 12371 Edgemere Blvd, El Paso, TX 79938
Blake's Lotaburger #87
Blake's Lotaburger 7017 N Mesa St. El Paso, Tx 79912
Blake's Lotaburger #86
Grand Opening of Blake's Lotaburger June 2013 El Paso, Tx
1/4
come with french fries. You can top
the burgers and fries with cheese
and Hatch green chile. The restaurant
also offers other New Mexican cuisine
food items such as breakfast burritos
and biscochito flavored milkshakes.
The ITSA Burger is smaller in size than
the LOTA Burger is otherwise identical.
In 2006, National Geographic named
it the best burger in the world.
Additionally, Blakes's features
rotating seasonal menu items like
Fish Basket and Fish Sandwich, which
are available during the Lenten
season (Ash Wednesday through
Easter Sunday). The restaurant is also
known for its unique, limited time
shakes and malts, such as Pumpkin
Pie, Birthday Cake, Cherry White
Chocolate, Green Chile Lime and
more.
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Blake's Lotaburger has consistently
supported the Special Olympics in
New Mexico for over two decades,
cementing their reputation as a
reliable and passionate supporter of
the organization.
Additionally, the company has
been an active participant in
KOAT Channel 7's "KOATS for Kids"
program, which has provided
over 300,000 coats to
underserved children and
families.
During the late fall, customers
are encouraged to donate their
new and used coats in stores
across the state.
In 2023 Blake's Lotaburger
launched the LOTA Heart
Program a community
engagement initiative that
aims to connect employees
with local volunteer opportunities.
Through the program's online portal,
employees can esily access various
community partnerships, including
KOAT 7's KOATS for Kids, New Mexico
Ramp Project, HopeWorks,
Roadrunner Food Bank and the UNM
Lobo Cancer Challenge, for which the
company serves as the Presenting
Sponsor.
The LOTA Heart Program has been
instrumental in promoting
community involvement and raising
awareness about important causes
across New Mexico.
In 2009, it won "Best Burger" and
"Best French Fries" in the Weekly
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Alibi's "Best of Burque" Awards.
National Geographic also maned it
the home of the "Best Green Chile
Cheeseburger in the World" in 2006
and ranked it fourth on its "10 Best
Hamburgers" list in June 2012.
In 2016 Blake's was voted "Best Green
Cheeseburger in" and "Best French
Fries" in Albuquerque Magazine's
annual Best of the City contest.
In 2017, Blake's Lotaburger continued
its winning streak by winning "Best
Burger: and "Best Green Chile
Cheeseburger" in the Albuquerque
Journal's Annual Readers' Choice
Awards. It was also voted "Best
Breakfast Burrito" in The Gallup
Journey's Best of Gallup Contest,
"Best Burger" and "Best Green Chile
Cheeseburger: in the University of
New Mexico Daily Lobo Lo Mejor
Survey, and "Best Green Chile
Cheeseburger," "Best Burger," and
"Best French Fries" in The Weekly
Alibie's Best of Burque Restaurants.
Additionally Blake's was recognized
in the SF Reporter's "Best of Santa Fe"
as one of Santa Fe's "Best Breakfast
Burritos" and "Best Burgers" and won
"Best Breakfast Burrito" in the
Valencia County News Bullitin's Best
of Valencia County 2017.
1978 Mountain Bell Tel Co. white page listing for Blake's Lota' Burger #53.
Grants, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2013
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
Street view of the Grants Motels sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic Route 66) 1995-1996 Photo by Giles Bassingnac - gettyimages
Street view of the Grants MOTEL sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic U.S. Route 66) 1996. If you look carefully, you can see the sign is on. The neon and incandescent
bulbs are glowing. In the background on the fence dividing the Grants MOTEL
and Franciscan Lodge reads;
Single for $14.95 and Double for
$18.95
On the marquee the letters
used are a hook and clip system
reader board, common for
motels, theaters, and restaurants
and many more.
This system works best in high
winds as opposed to the newer
Slide Rail systems used today.
Blake's Lotaburger #53
Photo by: Graigin Spring November 7, 2012
Blake's Lotaburger | Grants New Mexico | Cragin Spring | Flickr
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2013
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
Street view of the Grants Motels sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic Route 66) 1995-1996 Photo by Giles Bassingnac - gettyimages
Street view of the Grants MOTEL sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic U.S. Route 66) 1996. If you look carefully, you can see the sign is on. The neon and incandescent
bulbs are glowing. In the background on the fence dividing the Grants MOTEL
and Franciscan Lodge reads;
Single for $14.95 and Double for
$18.95
On the marquee the letters
used are a hook and clip system
reader board, common for
motels, theaters, and restaurants
and many more.
This system works best in high
winds as opposed to the newer
Slide Rail systems used today.
Blake's Lotaburger #53
Photo by: Tom Karmik
Blakes Lotaburger | Grants, New Mexico Route 66 | Thom Karmik | Flickr
Street view of the Grants MOTEL sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic U.S. Route 66) 1996. If you look carefully, you can see the sign is on. The neon and incandescent
bulbs are glowing. In the background on the fence dividing the Grants MOTEL
Blake's Lotaburger #53
Photo by: Tomas Hawk - October 29, 2013
Blake's | Thomas Hawk | Flickr
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2018
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
Street view of the Grants Motels sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic Route 66) 1995-1996 Photo by Giles Bassingnac - gettyimages
Street view of the Grants MOTEL sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic U.S. Route 66) 1996. If you look carefully, you can see the sign is on. The neon and incandescent
bulbs are glowing. In the background on the fence dividing the Grants MOTEL
and Franciscan Lodge reads;
Single for $14.95 and Double for
$18.95
On the marquee the letters
used are a hook and clip system
reader board, common for
motels, theaters, and restaurants
and many more.
This system works best in high
winds as opposed to the newer
Slide Rail systems used today.
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2023
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
Street view of the Grants Motels sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic Route 66) 1995-1996 Photo by Giles Bassingnac - gettyimages
Street view of the Grants MOTEL sign blade on Santa Fe Ave. (Historic U.S. Route 66) 1996. If you look carefully, you can see the sign is on. The neon and incandescent
bulbs are glowing. In the background on the fence dividing the Grants MOTEL
and Franciscan Lodge reads;
Single for $14.95 and Double for
$18.95
On the marquee the letters
used are a hook and clip system
reader board, common for
motels, theaters, and restaurants
and many more.
This system works best in high
winds as opposed to the newer
Slide Rail systems used today.
This Is Grants/Milan New Mexico
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