My name is Ashlea, owner of Trail Rider, and our story began in 2006 in an unassuming food trailer in the parking lot of Molly‘s Bar; a true Route 66 classic. In those days Molly‘s was always hoppin’. The beer was flowing and live music filled the air. Their patrons knew they could count on Trail Rider for a meal made with love. Overtime that reputation grew and we became a staple of our east mountain community. Many things have changed over the years, but serving quality food with love has always been our north star. After twelve and a half years the decision was made to leave the trailer behind and move Trail Rider into a brick and mortar restaurant. This allowed us to expand not only the menu, but also the number of good jobs we could provide to our community.

We treat our customers and our employees like family. From giving a teenager their first shot at employment to offering hard working adults jobs their families can depend on, I am proud to be an east mountain employer. I believe more goes into being a good community member than slingin’ awesome pizza. We have sponsored East Mountain Little League, the Upward Youth Basketball program, and the annual Sandia Mountain Snowshoe Race. Plus we passionately support Santuario De Karuna, our local animal sanctuary, both through volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

In 2021 chef Chris White joined our family. A perfect fit! After years working in some of the best restaurants in Albuquerque, he decided to open a smokehouse food truck with his family. For more than six years, the TFK Smokehouse sailed around Albuquerque serving up amazing smoked meats. The flexibility of food truck life allowed TFK to cater often and for some very high profile people, including former president Bill Clinton. TFK became a brick and mortar restaurant in 2017. The restaurant won multiple food awards and Chris was even nominated for Restauranteur of the Year.

With a natural talent for flavors and a truly artistic eye paired with expansive experience, a strong dedication to health code, and a pragmatic approach to kitchen management, he is a valued member of our family. This means that when you come into Trail Rider and you are greeted with “Welcome Home”, you can be sure that warm greeting is backed up by a professional kitchen that takes great pride in the food it serves. Having newly expanded into breakfast we have big plans for the future. Our story is still being written. Stay tuned and feel the love.