The Gallup (N.M.) Independent reports that business has boomed at Badlands Burgers of Grants, N.M., since the Route 66 restaurant won the Governor’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at the New Mexico State Fair in September.
On a recent Monday the parking lot was packed, and the line to order a now-famous burger was pushing the door as late as 2 p.m.
“It’s overwhelming. I wasn’t expecting to win,” Chavez said. “My whole crew was in shock the first few days.” […]
Folks are coming from places like Los Lunas, Gallup, Socorro, Albuquerque and other towns […]
Badlands Burgers owner Daniel Chavez said his brother encouraged him to enter the competition, telling him that his green chili cheeseburger was better than much of the competition’s.
The burger gets its inspiration from Chavez’s mom, Millie, who ran Chili Kicks on Route 66 for years until a death in the family induced her to close the restaurant. Chavez’s prize-winning dish of green chile, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, cheese, sliced onions on top of the burger, with a large side of fries, is called The Millie Burger.
Grants sure has quite a few good places to eat. I always look forward to my stops there in town. I’m not much of a green chili burger guy, but had one of Badlands awhile back and it was pretty good. It’s good to see a small business like this one be recognized for making such good food. The whole menu of burgers is really unique, and I’d recommend the place to anyone looking for a good place to eat in western New Mexico. I first about the place when I heard the Badlands ad on KDSK radios Donn Webb show in town and stopped based on that (and hunger). It was worth the time. Much better than the bogus green chili and New Mexican style food we get here in DC. Say hi to Donn Webb while your in town. He’s the Route 66 and KDSK icon who’s radio show, Cruzin 66, will be leaving daily broadcasts this month after 35 years. Webb will continue to do the show with a 5 hour block on Saturdays starting in December. It’s great about Badlands, but sad about Webb leaving the air. I’ve listened to his show on the Internet for years. A real Route 66 fixture.
Donn Webb is an ICON! Love him!