The Las Cruces Sun‑News announced a new monthly feature called “Movers & Shakers,” aimed at celebrating the entrepreneurs and family‑run enterprises that form the backbone of the city’s economy. Beginning in September 2026, each installment will profile a local business that has demonstrated innovation, dedication, and a commitment to creating jobs and opportunity for residents.
First spotlight: Chilitos Restaurant and the Perez family
The inaugural edition will focus on Chilitos Restaurant, a beloved eatery owned by the Perez family. The paper’s staff selected Chilitos for its long‑standing presence in downtown Las Cruces, its reputation for serving authentic New Mexican cuisine, and its role as a gathering place for families and friends. The feature will explore how the Perez family has expanded the restaurant while preserving the flavors and hospitality that made it a community staple.
“Our goal is to show how small businesses can become pillars of the community,” said Leighanne Muñoz, the Sun‑News business and development reporter who is spearheading the series. Muñoz, a fellow with the New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships Program, added that the series will illustrate the lasting legacy of local owners who invest in the city’s future.
Why the series matters for Las Cruces
While the City of Las Cruces continues to attract corporate and large‑scale development, city leaders and local journalists alike recognize that small businesses remain a critical economic driver. By highlighting stories of perseverance and growth, the “Movers & Shakers” series seeks to inspire other entrepreneurs, attract new customers, and reinforce the idea that family‑owned enterprises are essential to the city’s identity.
The series will also serve as a resource for residents who want to support local commerce. Each article will include background on the featured business, its contributions to job creation, and any community initiatives it sponsors. Readers are encouraged to share nominations for other legacy businesses that have made a lasting impact on Las Cruces.
How to get involved
Business owners interested in being featured or those who wish to nominate a peer can contact Leighanne Muñoz at [email protected]. Muñoz can also be reached at [email protected] for additional information about the series and the New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships Program.
By shining a light on the people behind Las Cruces’ most cherished establishments, the Sun‑News hopes to foster a stronger sense of community pride and encourage continued investment in the city’s vibrant small‑business sector.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
