Re Opening of Manuel's Food Market

The corner store and keystone of Martineztown Neighborhood is set to reopen. Please consider donating to get this store back to the community gathering place it once was.

As one of the longest, continually-run, family-owned grocery stores in New Mexico, Manuel’s Food Market has a proven history of maintaining and honoring this space as a historic neighborhood grocery and center for organizing. Meghan Martinez, great-granddaughter of Manuel Sanchez, with family and Martineztown community support, is taking the lead on reopening the store with a deep respect for the traditions and culture of her neighborhood. MFM has been a landmark in the Martineztown neighborhood for generations and plans to reopen in fall 2027 with the intention of continuing to be a landmark and positive force in the community for many generations still to come. Community members are already anticipating the store’s reopening; from farmers who have committed to selling their produce to the store, neighbors eager to shop, community partners excited to co-host events, kids from the neighboring elementary school itching for after school sustenance, and family members looking forward to seeing fresh life in the beloved space. 

Manuel’s Food Market (MFM) is seeking sponsorship towards our community programming (hosting our annual Dia de los Muertos Festival: En Unidad Hay Poder, contracting with Kids Cook and Sprouting Kitchen to host food demos and promote healthy cooking and eating in our community, project management), and fund the digitization of the incredible historic record that is held in the store. This includes political posters dating back to Teddy Roosevelt, newspaper clippings, letters, signage from the store dating back to its opening in 1924, photographs, and other cultural relics that have been preserved through the many generations of the Manuel Sanchez family legacy. Moises will be using these materials as well as original footage, to create a short film about the rich history of the store and its role in Albuquerque. Moises, of Marabi Productions Inc., has produced two feature length documentaries, many short films, partnered closely with Dual Language Education of New Mexico and other nonprofits, and is a long-time neighbor and supporter of Manuel’s Food Market. 

Now more than ever, it is essential that we invest in the unique spaces and projects within our city that embody our rich New Mexican culture, honor our past, and nourish the minds and bodies of Burqueños for generations to come. The incredible history of Manuel’s Food Market is a story that should be shared and celebrated.