Ex Novo Brewing Co. bringing brews and bites to downtown ABQ

Rozanna M. Martinez, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

May 15—A popular brewery and culinary concept will soon fill a void in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque.

Ex Novo Brewing Co. announced the grand opening for its new Albuquerque location is set for July 10. The space, at 701 Central NW, aims to redefine the city's culinary and brewing landscape.

Two industry veterans, Executive Chef Marc Quiñones, director of culinary operations, and Sean Lewis, general manager, will combine their expertise at the taproom, according to an Ex Novo news release.

Quiñones is an award-winning chef from The Bronx, New York. He graduated from Albuquerque High School and from Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Scottsdale in 2005.

Quiñones garnered recognition for his approach to Southwest cuisine. He was a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest and appeared on the Fox series, "Hell's Kitchen," and Food Network competitions, including "Beat Bobby Flay."

He has worked at prestigious kitchens from Manhattan to Hawaii and showcases the rich flavors of New Mexico. Quiñones will blend traditional Southwest flavors with innovative techniques to create the menu at Ex Novo.

"This is such a significant honor and a great privilege to be able to join a first-class organization like Ex Novo," Quiñones said in the news release. "The opening of this establishment will be a cornerstone piece of the Downtown revitalization project, and I can't wait to be a part of it."

Lewis will bring two decades of experience in the hospitality realm. He has managed establishments ranging from family pubs to eateries such as Tillamook Creamery. His most recent tenure was overseeing Ex Novo's Beaverton, Oregon, location. Lewis will bring a robust spirits program to the new Downtown location.

"Ex Novo Downtown will bring a unique experience to the ABQ beer scene," Lewis said in a statement. "With a diverse lineup of craft beers, locally roasted coffees and innovative cocktails, the establishment aims to push the boundaries of fermentation while honoring New Mexico's rich history."

Joel Gregory, owner and founder of Ex Novo, said he felt like the brewery "hit the jackpot for leadership" with Quiñones and Lewis at the helm.

"It has been my goal since we decided to bring food in-house to not just have some of the best food at a brewery in the state, but to stand toe to toe with the best restaurants in the state as well," he said.

Gregory emphasized Ex Novo's dedication to offering an unparalleled experience at the new location.

"With the awesome team at Modulus Design and some very creative people at Ex Novo, I believe we've created something truly special for Albuquerque," he said.