What Blake's Lotaburger is and where to find it
Blake's Lotaburger is a regional fast-food chain based in New Mexico that has operated since 1952. The chain specializes in flame-grilled burgers, New Mexico-style red and green chile, and breakfast items. Blake's operates company-owned and franchised locations across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, with the highest concentration of restaurants in New Mexico.
The chain is known for its use of local chile peppers — a signature element of New Mexico cuisine — which you can order on most menu items. Unlike national chains, Blake's menu reflects regional food preferences, particularly the prominence of chile in everyday meals. The restaurants are typically smaller than major national chains and often have drive-through windows.
If you are looking for a Blake's location, the chain maintains a store locator on its website where you can search by city or zip code. Hours vary by location, though most locations open early for breakfast and close in the evening.
Key Takeaways
- Blake's Lotaburger is a New Mexico-based regional chain founded in 1952 that serves flame-grilled burgers with New Mexico red and green chile as signature toppings.
- The chain operates in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, with the majority of locations in New Mexico where the brand originated.
- Most Blake's locations offer drive-through service and serve breakfast items alongside their burger and chile-focused menu.
- You can customize most menu items with red chile, green chile, or both, which is called "Christmas" style in New Mexico food culture.
Menu items and how to order with chile
Blake's core menu centers on burgers made with flame-grilled beef patties. The standard burger options range from single to double patties, and you can order them plain or with toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. The distinguishing feature is the ability to add New Mexico chile to nearly any item.
When you order, you will see options for red chile, green chile, or both. Red chile is made from dried red peppers and has a deeper, slightly sweet flavor. Green chile is made from fresh or roasted green peppers and tends to be brighter and sometimes spicier depending on the variety. Ordering both red and green chile together is called "Christmas" style because of the red and green colors.
Beyond burgers, Blake's serves breakfast items including breakfast burritos, which often come with chile options as well. The chain also offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and sides like fries and onion rings. Beverages include soft drinks, coffee, and in some locations, New Mexico-style red or green chile coffee drinks.
Pricing varies by location and item, but Blake's is generally positioned as a mid-range fast-food option — more expensive than national chains like McDonald's but less costly than sit-down restaurants. Many locations offer combo meals that bundle a sandwich, fries, and drink.
History and regional significance
Blake's Lotaburger was founded in 1952 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, by Blake Chanslor. The name "Lotaburger" comes from the idea of serving "a lot a burger" — a larger, flame-grilled burger than was common at the time. The chain grew steadily within New Mexico and has since expanded into neighboring states while maintaining its regional identity.
The chain's use of New Mexico chile reflects the state's food culture, where chile is a staple ingredient in everyday meals, not a specialty item. This regional focus has kept Blake's distinct from national chains and has made it a recognizable brand in the Southwest. The chain has remained largely independent, though it has franchised locations in addition to company-owned restaurants.
Blake's has become a cultural touchstone in New Mexico, particularly in Las Cruces and Albuquerque, where the brand has deep roots. The chain is often cited as an example of a successful regional fast-food business that has maintained its identity while expanding beyond its home state.
Franchise opportunities and ownership
Blake's Lotaburger operates both company-owned locations and franchised restaurants. If you are interested in owning a Blake's franchise, the chain does offer franchise opportunities to may have access to individuals. Franchise requirements, initial investment costs, and ongoing royalty fees vary and change over time.
Prospective franchisees should contact Blake's corporate office directly through the company website to request franchise information. The chain will provide details about territory availability, training, support, and financial requirements. Franchise agreements typically include specifications for restaurant design, menu standards, and operational procedures to maintain consistency across locations.
The franchise model has allowed Blake's to expand beyond New Mexico while maintaining quality control through corporate oversight and franchisee agreements. Existing franchisees operate in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma in addition to New Mexico.
Differences between Blake's and national burger chains
Blake's differs from national chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's in several ways. The most obvious difference is the menu focus on New Mexico chile, which is not available at national chains. Blake's burgers are flame-grilled rather than cooked on a flat griddle, which affects the taste and texture. The restaurants are typically smaller and have a more local feel than the standardized design of national chains.
Pricing is another distinction. Blake's is generally more expensive per item than McDonald's or Burger King but comparable to or slightly less than Wendy's or Five Guys. The trade-off is that you are paying for regional ingredients and customization options that national chains do not offer.
Blake's also operates primarily in the Southwest, so availability is limited by geography. If you live outside New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, or Oklahoma, you will not find a Blake's location. This regional limitation is both a constraint and part of the brand's identity — it keeps the chain tied to its roots and prevents the homogenization that comes with nationwide expansion.
Nutritional information and dietary options
Blake's provides nutritional information for menu items on its website and in restaurants. Burgers, fries, and combo meals contain varying amounts of calories, sodium, and fat depending on size and toppings. If you are tracking specific nutrients, you can review the nutritional data before ordering.
The chain offers some options for different dietary needs. Vegetarian customers can order items without meat, though the menu is meat-focused. Customers avoiding certain ingredients can request modifications — for example, ordering a burger without cheese or with no sauce. However, Blake's is not known for specialized diets like keto, vegan, or gluten-free, and you should verify with your local restaurant whether specific accommodations are possible.
Chile itself is low in calories and high in vitamin C, so adding red or green chile to a burger adds flavor without significantly increasing calorie content. This is one reason chile is so prominent in New Mexico cuisine — it adds taste and nutrition without heavy calories.
How to find current locations and hours
Blake's maintains a location finder on its official website where you can search by city, state, or zip code. The locator displays the address, phone number, and hours for each restaurant. Hours vary by location — some open as early as 6 a.m. for breakfast, while others open at 10 or 11 a.m. Closing times typically range from 9 p.m. to midnight.
You can also call a specific location directly to confirm hours, ask about menu items, or place a phone order if the restaurant accepts them. Many Blake's locations have drive-through windows, which is useful if you want to order without leaving your car.
The chain's social media accounts and website sometimes announce new locations or temporary closures, so checking those sources can help if you are planning a visit to an unfamiliar area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Christmas" style mean on a Blake's menu?
Christmas style means ordering both red and green chile on your burger or other item. The term comes from the red and green colors together, which resemble Christmas colors. This is a standard option at Blake's and most New Mexico restaurants.
Is Blake's Lotaburger only in New Mexico?
No. While Blake's originated in New Mexico and has the most locations there, the chain also operates in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. However, availability is limited to the Southwest — you will not find Blake's in most other parts of the United States.
Can I order Blake's online or through a delivery app?
Some Blake's locations participate in third-party delivery services, but not all do. Your best option is to check the Blake's website for your nearest location and see if online ordering or delivery is available there. Alternatively, you can call the restaurant directly to ask about ordering options.
What is the difference between red and green chile at Blake's?
Red chile is made from dried red peppers and has a deeper, slightly sweet flavor. Green chile is made from fresh or roasted green peppers and is typically brighter and sometimes spicier. Both are available year-round at Blake's, though green chile is more associated with late summer and early fall when it is freshly roasted.
Does Blake's have vegetarian options?
Blake's menu is meat-focused, but you can order items without meat — for example, a cheese burger without the patty, or fries with chile. The chain does not have a dedicated vegetarian menu, so you will need to customize items or ask staff what options are possible at your location.