The owners of the two restaurants located at Sandia Peak Tramway are Doug Smith and Russ Zeigler. Doug and Russ have been in the restaurant business for 38 years. They began their successful careers, in 1971, working for a start up steak chain, Montana Mining Company in El Paso Texas. After six years of supervision and management they ventured off onto their own. With another partner, Don Goodenough, they opened the very popular Liquid Assets in Albuquerque, NM. This success led to the opening of High Finance Restaurant & Tavern on top of Sandia Peak in 1979.
1985 saw the opening of their third restaurant, Options Restaurant & Tavern on the west side of Albuquerque. In 1991, Liquid Assets was re-branded and became the first Brew Pub and wood fired pizza restaurant in Albuquerque. At this same location, Southwest Brewing Company opened in 1993. The brewing company bottled and distributed hand crafted beers throughout New Mexico.

At the base of the Sandia Peak Tramway the old Fire House Restaurant had closed, so Doug and Russ remodeled the building, and in 2001 Sandiago’s Mexican Grill At The Tram was established.

Today, High Finance and Sandiago’s Mexican Grill are still owned by Doug and Russ. The unique settings for both restaurants are a destination for any visitor and a great escape for the locals. Doug and Russ are hands on managers who offer you a great dining experience at both restaurants, with friendly service and a wide variety of excellent cuisine. Please stop by and say hello to Doug and Russ; enjoy your visit.

Sincerely,
Russ Zeigler & Doug Smith