frontier’s
New Mexico Daily Lobo
40th anniversary
Monday, February 7, 2011 / Page 7
Frontier Restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary! Follow Frontier through the years... Frontier Restaurant opens its doors
1971
February 10, 1971
In the winter of 1970, Dorothy and Larry Rainosek moved to Albuquerque from Austin, Texas with their five-year-old son Mark, and their nineteen-month old daughter Shannon. They leased the old Country Barn restaurant, which had recently closed, because they liked the proximity to the university. Larry had managed a restaurant near the University of Texas, Austin campus, and was confident that this location could be equally successful. The first day, with 6 employees including Larry and Dorothy, their fifteen item menu brought in a grand total of $57—not quite the $300 per day average needed to cover expenses! This didn’t happen until June. At this time, the Frontier could seat 99 customers. Today Frontier is a landmark in the community. With 100 employees, Frontier serves students, families, and the UNM community.
1971 Pete Villegas joins Frontier
The Rainosek family in 1972.
In June, Pete was hired as the Night Manager and later became General Manager. Pete was selected the 2000 Manager of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association.
Golden Pride opens
Joe Gallardo joins the Frontier staff
1973
1972
In November, Joe came on board. He is currently a Day Manager. He was named the 2002 Manager of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association.
In June, Golden Fried Chicken, now called Golden Pride, opens. There are four locations in Albuquerque. 5231 Central Ave NW 3720 Juan Tabo Blvd NE 10101 Central Ave NE 1830 Lomas Blvd NE
1974
55 seats are added in the dining room
Some of this original dining room would later become part of the current kitchen.
Frontier’s green chile salsa is made available
1975
1975
Originally available as a side-order, this menu item proved to be extremely popular. Customers wanted it on everything, from burritos to sweet rolls. With so much demand, the salsa was placed out in the dining room in heated pots, much like today.
Frontier building purchased
1976
The Rainoseks purchase the Butterfield property Dorothy and Larry start looking for businesses that will attract students. This property is currently home to Saggio’s, Marc’s Guitar, Hair We Are, In & Out Computers, Voodoo Scooters, and The Phone Zone.
The current main building of Frontier, as well as the building south (formerly Cromwell’s Pool Hall), are purchased. Spoofer Shop, the Living Batch, and the Silver Dollar Pawn Shop were businesses east along Central. This purchase would allow for Frontier expansions.