| By the time Frank Schmidt graduated from high school, the seed had been planted for him to work in the family business, a wholesale meat distributor in southern Colorado. "I was delivering product to various restaurants along the Enchanted Circle of the Moreno Valley when I topped the hill of Bobcat Pass in Red River, New Mexico, and suddenly realized, that one day I would make it my home,” said Frank, as he smiled. His dream became a reality in the winter of 1982 when he moved to Eagle Nest, NM. Inspired by summer tourism and the need for good barbecue in the valley, Frank started a roadside carry-out barbecue stand in town. As business grew, he established a satellite operation at the Angel Fire Ski Resort; but since 1986, Frank finally settled on his present location at the corner of US Highways 64 & 38 in Eagle Nest. “My earlier carry-out days grew into my dream of a sit-down restaurant, which was started in 2000. I named it after my early days' nickname of Cowboy, and since the property was located on the corner of two highways, hence the name Cowboy's Corner Cafe,” Frank recalls. “The doors opened July 1, 2002, and as customers walk through the beveled glass door, they are often overcome by the simplistic, cozy style of the dining room and the good home style cookin' aroma.” The walls are decorated with complimentary western artwork from Frank’s girlfriend, Billie Odum’s art gallery.
Frank Schmidt and Billie Odum
Over the years Frank’s recipes for tender slow-cooked brisket and Kansas City style pork have become a favorite for locals and seasonal visitors from Texas and Oklahoma where barbecue is an art form. "I take pride in bringing a great meal to life! I was inspired by a great cook and chef to start serving breakfast. It was an added enjoyment to my venture in cooking and life, believing if you enjoy what you're doing and are persevering in your business or personal life, that you will succeed."
Cowboy's Corner is open Wednesday through Monday for breakfast and lunch serving a good ranch breakfast and barbecue, char broil hamburger, smoked turkey sandwiches, burritos and much more! If you find yourself in the Moreno Valley of northern New Mexico, stop by for “some good eats, ‘cuz the Cowboy is always cookin' something special.”
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Cowboy's Corner Restaurant
50 North Highway 38
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
505/ 377-9525 |
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