Twisters

Twisters offers families good New Mexican food at a fraction of the price of traditional sit-down restaurants – the perfect solution in today's economy.

"We wanted a $12 plate of enchiladas to be able to be bought for $6.49," said Gary Hines, co-owner of the Twister's restaurants. "They are served on plates for the restaurant feel, but you don't have to leave a tip."

In 1998, Hines partnered with Ray Ubieta to open the first Twisters restaurant. Prior to opening Twisters, Hines had owned Hurricane's Restaurant and Albuquerque Grill . He decided to combine everything and market only one name – Twisters. Now, there are 17 locations in Central New Mexico and more on the way – plus some in Colorado. The restaurants serve typical New Mexican food, such as enchiladas and breakfast burritos, as well as American hamburgers.

"It has been a good run for us and we are feeling pretty thankful overall," Hines said.

The signature dish at the restaurant is the Twister burrito. This house specialty is served with a choice of beef, chicken, carne adovada or vegetarian filling. Then, the burrito is smothered in French fries, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. The final touch is to drown this delectable dish dish in Twisters mouth-watering red or green chili.  A whole order of the Twisters burrito is $7.99. Smaller sizes are available ranging from $4.99 to 6.99.

"At the time we opened, it was unique," Hines said. "Any Mexican restaurant will get enchiladas and burritos, but we brought the Twister burrito out and everyone loved it. It took off."

Hines said he originally only offered the whole size, but he kept going to parties and hearing from wives that the plate was too large and needed to be smaller. Now, the restaurant offers a choice.

Hines said he has learned a lot over the years about how to keep prices low. He started out with a group of friends living together to share expenses and they all put everything into the restaurant to keep it going.  Over the years, they have been able to move out of sharing a room, and the team of owners has expanded into the 17 locations without borrowing money. They watch for other restaurant locations to offer their buildings in bankruptcy and convert those locations to save money.

"We watch every single penny to keep costs low," Hines said. "I think to survive nowadays you have to. We have always said we don't want to go into the $.79 cent game and give food that you can't eat. We give a good value and a lot of food for the money."

HelloMetro Tip: One whole Twister's burrito can easily feed two people. Grab the family and go split some burritos to stretch your money even further.

- by Julie Medina, Albuquerque Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Julie Medina

Julie Medina has experience as a reporter at the Albuquerque Journal and has written freelance articles for the Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque the Magazine, New Mexico Magazine and New Mexico Kids Magazine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in print journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2008. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1984 and believes it is best to remember to play like a tourist in your own hometown so you don't forget the vast culture around you.