Support local! We hear it all the time, but sometimes it’s tough to do, and we don’t always know whether the establishments we frequent are locally owned businesses or not.  Did you know that we have 3 locally owned and operated escape game companies in Albuquerque? NM Escape Room has been around since early 2015, along with Esquape It since late 2015 and Abq Xcape Room since late 2016. All of these games are very different, but very well done. We appreciate the creativity and efforts of our local owners, and are glad to share the industry and this town with them. Most of us work other jobs and run the escape room companies on the side, so it is definitely a labor of love and a desire to bring something fun and unique to our communities.

We often get asked the question, “Is this a franchise?” Not that franchises are bad. I frequent quite a few on a regular basis. But there’s something to be said for the creative genius of home grown folks. It supports a sense of local entrepreneurial pride if you will. Plus, I feel you get a more personal experience when you share a common goal. That goal being, make our city a great and vibrant place full of positive experiences.

So, in the spirit of community, show some love to your locally owned businesses. Do some research to find out more about them. You’d be surprised to learn which fabulous businesses are home grown. Your support goes a long way to help our city thrive and grow.