Do you know the mutton man?
Lamb-centric eatery opens in Bloomfield
BLOOMFIELD — You can think Alex Chambers is nuts all you want. But don’t try to talk him out of chasing his dream.
Chambers, a Kirtland native and member of the Navajo Nation who spent years in the Phoenix area consulting for various kinds of businesses, was so intent on becoming an entrepreneur that he moved back to the Farmington area and will open his own restaurant this week in Bloomfield.
Chambers is aware that most people are likely to question his sanity over making such an investment while the spread of COVID-19 remains a major concern. But he figures his new eatery will have so many unique things going for it that he isn’t worried about the less-than-ideal timing.
“I would say 95% of the people I’ve told I’m opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic think I’m crazy,” he said, laughing. “But that’s the last thing you could ever tell an entrepreneur. It’s an obsession.”
Chambers Steakhouse, located at 913 W. Broadway Ave. in Bloomfield in the building that formerly housed La Morenita restaurant, will serve traditional Mexican dishes such as chile rellenos, tortas, wet burritos, enchiladas and tacos. But it will specialize in U.S.D.A-certified mutton steaks, ribs and other mutton dishes, such as stew, along with traditional beefsteaks.
Chambers plans to make his food available to diners near and far, so he will offer delivery to anyone living within a 30-mile radius. That includes Shiprock, Kirtland, Ojo Amarillo, Navajo Agricultural Products Industry headquarters, La Plata, Farmington, Flora Vista and the outskirts of Bloomfield.
The eatery also will have a full-service catering operation available for tribal, corporate and family events.
Chambers acknowledged that most diners think of beef when they hear the word steakhouse. But he thinks he can tap into a sizable underserved market with his decision to offer high-quality mutton and lamb steaks.
“It’s got a little different flavor, but I don’t think there’s anything like it,” he said.
Chambers said he knows a few other restaurants in the area serve mutton, but he doesn’t believe any other local eateries will focus on it the way his will. He believes it’s a delicious alternative to beef when seasoned and prepared the way his staff will serve it, and he thinks there are plenty of local diners eager to try something new.
“This area has very diverse taste buds,” he said. “There are people who will enjoy it.”
Chambers said he grew up eating mutton, and he proudly claims he could butcher a sheep in less than 10 minutes.
“Once you get a taste of it, you’ll never want to try anything else,” he said.
The restaurant will feature a mix of table and booth seating and will be staffed by four employees. Starting Thursday, April 13,Chambers Steakhouse be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be closed on Sundays.