Journey’s Place: Escondida’s hidden gem

At just 18 years old, Journey Fullinim is running the restaurant she grew up in that her momma Shirley opened about 20 years ago. When Journey was 11, they rebranded the cozy spot as Journey’s Place and Journey has been the face of the business ever since.

The menu at Journey’s Place is rooted in New Mexico comfort food — burgers, tacos, ice cream cones and Indian tacos are crowd favorites., and their green and red chile is sourced from neighboring farms.

“We try to support as many local growers as we can,” Fullinim said. “We even do our own salsa canning when the tomatoes come in.”

Before it was called Journey’s Place, the restaurant went under the name Escondida Grill. When it came time to rebrand, Shirley named the new version after her granddaughter — a gesture that carried both love and legacy.

“I think her hope was that I’d follow in her footsteps,” Fullinim said.

There’s no online ordering or phone-in service — something the duo said keeps the experience personal.

“People get mean if you don’t answer the phone,” Fullinim said, adding that food should be shared face-to-face.

For locals, the restaurant is more than a place to eat; it’s a community hub. Fullinim knows most of her customers by name and asks after their families — or their dogs.

“Be kind to everyone,” she said. “You never know what someone else is going through. Even if they’re having a bad day, being kind can turn it around.”

That philosophy carries into one of the restaurant’s quietest traditions — giving free ice cream to families that are short on funds. The practice started when the Fullinims noticed a mother digging through her car for change to buy a single root beer for her three kids. They took her change, but gave her enough for everyone.

“We sat down and that’s when we decided — we can do this for others, too,” Fullinim said.

Since then, Journey’s Place has made it a point to feed anyone who walks through the door, even if they’re short on money.

Between classes at CNM, where she’s studying auto technology, and weekends spent running the restaurant, Fullinim continues to carry forward the family’s spirit of hard work and compassion.

“It’s been an adventure,” she said. “This place has taught me to work hard and to always be kind. That’s what keeps people coming back.”

Located on the west side of the road just 1.5 miles from the Escondida exit towards Escondida Lake, it is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday at 3 p.m.