Former Ruby K’s Bagel Café Co-owners Ruby and Mike Alexander sold the popular eatery Nov. 25, 2024 to French Alicea. Post file photo

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

After nearly two decades in operation, Ruby K’s Bagel Café Owner, Ruby Alexander, has officially sold her beloved Los Alamos eatery. The new owner is French Alicea who purchased Ruby K’s on Nov. 25, 2024. He also owns Alicea’s Bagels in Rio Rancho.

“Right after the first of the year I made the announcement that I was going to sell the business and retire,” Ruby said during an interview Wednesday at the Los Alamos Daily Post. “I was comforted at how well the business ran while I was away with friends in Greece in March. It continued to run well in my absence when I spent my mother’s last days with her in May. I turned the restaurant over to staff to operate and they were rock stars.”

Ruby explained that when one loses a dear family member it makes them realize how important it is to spend time with family and friends.

“I now appreciate the opportunity to savor those things, which wasn’t possible when I was a business owner,” she said.

Ruby said that the nearly 20 year success of Ruby K’s demonstrates that a committed small business can flourish in this community.

“In searching for a new owner, we were looking for someone with the same vision in maintaining the same Ruby K’s that Los Alamos has become accustomed to with the same name, vibe, recipes, etc. French Alicea has committed to keeping things the same while adding some complimentary additions,” Ruby said. “Our employees are the heart and soul of the business, and I’ve felt all along that we’ve been a family. Some staff have been there more than 15 years. Even though I’m no longer there, I hope a new family bond will develop between the new owner and crew.”

The Alexanders opened the beloved Los Alamos eatery on Feb. 19, 2005, with friend Kelly Parker who they bought out five years later. Together with their children, Colin, Dillon and Mackenzie, the Alexanders and the Parker families got to work making the space they leased at 1789 Central Ave., Suite 2 in downtown Los Alamos into the café they dreamed of.

Ruby is a New Mexico native and grew up in Raton. She and her husband, who retired three years ago from Los Alamos National Laboratory, have lived in Los Alamos for 39 years.

“We have developed so many wonderful relationships over these last 20 years,” Ruby said. “We love this community, and this is where we will stay.”

Ruby encourages the community to stop by and welcome the new owners on their new venture in Los Alamos.