My name is Ashlea, owner of Trail Rider. Our story began in 2006 in an unassuming food trailer in the parking lot of Molly‘s Bar; a true Route 66 classic. Their patrons came to know that 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. After twelve years the decision was made to move Trail Rider into a brick and mortar restaurant. That move greatly expanded our kitchen, dining room, and our menu! At first the new space felt huge. Over the next 7 years our business continued to grow and after a while that huge space felt smaller and smaller. We started hosting live music, karaoke, and open mic and at times it was standing room only with a line out the door. We began manifesting acquiring the much larger restaurant space next door and when it did eventually become available we jumped! We knew it needed renovations. The kitchen came down to its bones. Old tile with stained grout came out, anti microbial epoxy went in. Top to bottom the kitchen became new again. We completely overhauled the dining room as well. We wanted to make a space reflective of the love we have for the mountains we call home. Lively and colorful but also comfortable and laid back. With much effort the renovation lasted only about three months. In January of 2026 we unveiled Trail Rider 3.0! And just as before that has greatly expanded our kitchen, dining room, menu, and the number of good local jobs we provide! Seeing an opportunity, we retained our smaller space as well. Having a catering kitchen and offering the dining room for private events, specialty dinners, and as a spacious venue for our Karaoke and Open Mic nights opens up so many possibilities going forward.

We are more than just a great meal. We have sponsored many community events and teams including East Mountain Little League, the Upward Youth Basketball program, the Manzano Mountain Apple Festival, 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. After years working in some of the best restaurants in Albuquerque, he opened the TFK smokehouse food truck. 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 an artistic eye paired with expansive experience and a strong dedication to health code, 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. Our story is still being written. Stay tuned and feel the love.