At the Crossroads of History and Hospitality since 1890: Andria Mae and Andy Romero take the reins at Bode's

​By Tamra Testerman

​Image Courtesy of Andri Mae Romero

Bode’s Mercantile and General Store, the Abiquiu landmark known for providing “service to travelers, hunters, pilgrims, stray artists and bandits since 1893” has (relatively) new owners at the helm. Established in 1890 as Grants Mercantile, Bode’s has always been more than a roadside store. It operated as a post office, stagecoach stop, and even a jail on the eastern end of the Old Spanish Trail, a historic trading route connecting New Mexico to Utah and Los Angeles. In the early 1900s, the Grant brothers sold the store to local ranchers, and by 1919, it was purchased by Martin Bode. This signaled the dawn of a new era for the store, and it has since transformed into a pivotal community hub and tourist attraction.

Adding to the bodega charm and an eclectic inventory, the proximity to Abiquiu Lake makes Bode’s a destination for anglers and campers. And there is a small ‘grab-n-go’ kitchen famous for its breakfast burritos and green chile cheeseburgers. Hot coffee is always available as is a warm and friendly welcome. Throughout its long history, Bode’s General Store has not only been a place of commerce but also a cultural and social gathering place, embodying the spirit and evolution of the Abiquiu community—It is the oldest General Store In New Mexico.

Andria Mae, a long time Bode’s worker, and husband Andy Romero, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee, are the current stewards of this beloved highway interlude—Andria Mae revealed she and Andy don’t plan to make any changes, just a continuation of the legacy of customer and community service Bode’s is known for.

Here are the highlights of a recent interview.

Tell us about your journey before taking over Bode’s and what experiences shaped your career path?
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I was employed with Bode’s for 6 years before my husband Andy and I purchased it. Hired as the assistant general manager, then being the general manager the three years before the purchase. I have always been in management and worked in retail. My husband worked and still works at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

What inspired you to take the reins and how did you prepare for this role?
Dennis and Constance Liddy were ready to retire. They offered Bode’s to Andy and me, and we accepted. I had already been running day-to-day operations, so the only thing was to get Andy up to speed when we took over. I worked with the crew for 6 years; we offered them their same positions, and they all stayed!

How do you see Bode’s role in the Abiquiu community, and how do you plan to enhance that?
I was born and raised in Abiquiu, so this is my home. My family and I have been part of the community for many generations. My husband grew up in Chimayo, which is about 30 minutes away. Supporting the Abiquiu community is important to us, so we employ many locals and choose local options for dining and gift certificates. Both churches receive donations from us for their events. We donate for as many events as possible for Abiquiu Elementary, even if it’s just school supplies, and we have donated to the Monastery and Ghost Ranch. Even Santa appeared at Bodes, in a free event we host for the community. We will continue supporting our community and do more if needed, which brings happiness to our hearts!

Can you share a challenge you’ve faced since taking over and how you addressed it?
Being short staffed – And the only way we can address it is by both my husband and I working long hours to cover shifts. We have some outstanding employees that help in covering shifts as well.

In what ways do your personal values and approach influence the store’s atmosphere and customer experience?
Great customer service is important to me. And safety for our staff. To me, this goes hand in hand.—Having great customer service, happy employees and great music all contribute to a great store atmosphere!

What are some unique aspects of managing a general store in a place like Abiquiu that might differ from other locations?
Living so far away from a town I have learned there may be a need for items when other big chain stores are closed, or in an emergency.—So we 1stock a good mix of items. From plumbing, to feed for animals, to grocery produce (organic as well.) And just having a great variety of munchies for when our school buses stop for a visit.

How do you balance respecting the store’s history and traditions while implementing new ideas or changes?
We have great respect for Bode’s. I love seeing the older pictures from the way I remember it as a little girl. Updates happen, so of course we will adjust what needs to be modernized—but we have no plans to change anything.

What are your long-term goals?
Just keep doing what we are doing!
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What is the most rewarding part of running Bode’s General Store?
Getting to see everyone that visits us. From our daily customers to new faces just making a pit stop—And being able to donate the way we have.
You can find Bode's General Store at 21196 US 84 in Abiquiú.