Chile Traditions, an award-winning chile retailer, has moved west down Montgomery, nestled just east of Sports Systems.
As the slogan states, “We’ve been building a New Mexico Tradition since 1980.” and are not going anywhere else anytime soon.
Since their move in September, three generations of the DeWees family work at the new Montgomery location at 6919 Montgomery Blvd NE.
Owner, Kevin DeWees said it was a quick and abrupt change to move further up Montgomery, but the business is doing better now, and appreciate the move into a larger space.
“The building owners only gave us 30 days and can be easy for most people to pick-up and move, but we didn’t even really know until it was all happening,” he said.
The business started with DeWees mother, Michelle DeWees, as simple chile ristra (dried red chile pods made for decoration) maker at an outdoor stand in mid-town but has evolved into selling every kind of caliente product imaginable, as well as NM souvenirs.
Ever wanted a chile roaster of your own? Chile Traditions have mini-propane-powered roasters. Ever wanted to test your tastebuds? The store also have a ton of different hot sauces with Scoville levels reaching into the millions.
Their staple red and green chile comes in just about every form such as powdered, dried, frozen, jarred, on cookies, jerky, popcorn, or nuts to name only a few out of many versions.
One of their standout products is the Timmy Kracked Corn, and if you ask the workers, if not too busy, will let you try every flavor, from biscochito, to red and green as well as ghost pepper and the original that has a dusting of pecans and almonds.
The store also sells every NM or Albuquerque souvenir, from post cards to shot glasses and key chains, but also feature locally made southwest artworks, such as hand-made crosses made by Carlton. The crosses come in a range of sizes and materials made from wood, metal, or ceramic, and decorated with turquoise, mirrors, and gold plating.
DeWees said he gets tons of different people from the usual locals getting their chile fix to people all over the world wanting to try what is so special about New Mexico.
