Business feature: Sandwich shop family effort

Adolph Cordova and his family have owned The Bird’s Nest for 19 months, and things have been busy for the sandwich shop.

Cordova said he likes being around people, and that’s why he loves the restaurant business.

Cordova worked in construction before he had knee surgery. He got into the restaurant business after asking the previous owner of the Bird’s Nest if she wanted to sell it.

“She said ‘sure,’ and I asked what was the price,” Cordova said. “(The) price was right, and I jumped on it.”

What they offer: The Bird’s Nest has sandwiches, and the sides are soups, salads, chips and pasta.

Cordova said he has the best desserts in town. Customers can choose pecan pie, turtle cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake or cherry cheesecake.

LaFonda Davis, the sole employee, said customers love Cordova’s chicken tortilla and taco soups.

“We’re always getting requests for those two things,” Davis said.

The management: Cordova said his wife, Veronica, does the bookkeeping and paperwork for the restaurant, while he manages the place.

During the summer, Cordova’s children help out taking orders and money.

Victoria, 11, and Mario, 10, said they both like the restaurant.

“When we get older and (my dad) doesn’t want to own it, we can probably do it, too,” Victoria said.

Cordova said he is going to pass the restaurant down to his children, so they can run it for him.

“That way they don’t have to work that hard,” Cordova said with a laugh. “Victoria could be the manager and get people to work for her.”

A normal day: Cordova starts his day at 9 a.m., when he comes in to cut vegetables, make soups, toss salads and make pasta for the busy day ahead. Customers start coming in about 11 a.m., and things settle down around 1 p.m.

Things have been busy at the restaurant since school is out.

Cordova said if people have the chance to go into business for themselves, they should do it.

“Go for it, if you have the opportunity to do it,” Adolph said. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business and work for myself. I love it. I would tell anybody to go for it.”

What: The Bird’s Nest

Location: 1603 W. Second Street/U.S. 70, south of Eastern New Mexico University.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Phone: 356-9044