Vicki and Matt Casas, were living and working in Fort Worth, Texas – Vicky in Real Estate and Matt in commercial construction. In 2010, Vicky, who has roots in Elephant Butte, asked Matt to take a trip with her to see her old stomping grounds. Matt fell in love with the area and, from that time on, Matt and Vicki knew they would one day call Elephant Butte home. Roughly a decade later, Vicki’s uncle suggested that the couple consider buying Pats. And that’s where our story begins.
Pat’s, a Community Cornerstone
Pat’s dates back more than fifty years, first opening as Pat’s Bermuda Triangle in 1969 with Pat and Betty Owen as the original owners. The store changed hands several times over the years and then closed in the 80’s. The building was purchased and reopened in 1995 by David and Gina Carraher, serving both locals and visitors with groceries, beer, fishing supplies, gas and so much more. Fast forward 26 years, a time when David and Gina were ready for retirement and some well-deserved down time but had high hopes that whoever purchased Pat’s would be someone who valued the community. And that takes us to Matt and Vicki, Casas, who met with David and Gina, felt a connection and decided it was time to leave the big city and bring their long-term plan of moving Elephant Butte full circle. They purchased Pat’s in 2021, knowing they had big shoes to fill in serving the community and building wonderful memories for their patrons.
Vicki’s Roots in the Community
Having lost her parents at an early age, Vicki spent holidays, summers and weekends with her grandparents in Elephant Butte. Like most youth in the area, she enjoyed plenty of time at the lake, including working for the state park, and remembers walking from her grandparents’ fishing shack to Pat’s to buy candy. What a fitting turn of events – the young girl who frequented Pat’s, moved to Texas, married, returned, and now is the proud owner of Pat’s in the community so close to heart. She is now helping build memories like those she has so closely held over the years, memories of the fun and freedom she experienced in this small town in rural New Mexico.
And there’s yet another connection to Vicky’s Elephant Butte roots. She spent a year working with the original developers of Turtleback Mountain Resort and Sierra del Rio Golf Course, which allowed her to be close to her grandmother. Today, Vicki and Matt’s full-time residence is at Turtleback Mountain Resort where, like all of Elephant Butte, they can enjoy the many benefits of a small community.
A Dream Turned Reality: Pat’s Convenience Store & Gas Station
Today, Pat’s is a thriving hub for locals, offering not only fuel and basic necessities, but also a friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for everything from fuel, beer, liquor and groceries to lake toys, fishing and beach gear. Their walk-in beer cave is likely the largest in New Mexico, making it a destination unto itself for lake visitors as well as locals. Add in an extensive liquor and grocery selections together with an array of items one needs to enjoy boating and fishing at the lake, including plenty of ice, and you have the perfect stop for anyone heading to Elephant Butte Lake. Vicki and Matt pride themselves on fast, friendly, consistent service and treat everyone who stops as a welcomed guest.Their dedication to offering great products and services for their neighbors and guests is clear, and the community has embraced them wholeheartedly in return.
Expanding Their Reach: The Addition of a Food Truck
In their quest for continued growth, Vicki and Matt recently purchased a food truck, which will soon be in operation. They are working on their menu, sure to be enticing, and will debut the food truck on property at Pat’s this summer. And considering the energy, vision and vibrancy of this extraordinary couple, there will likely be more exciting news to come.
Strong Ties to the Community: The Villa Tuscano Connection
The Casas couple are not only successful business owners, but they are also proud owners of a beautiful home in Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Villa Tuscano neighborhood. While they work incredibly hard, they come home to million-dollar views of the golf course and Turtleback Mountain from their backyard, surely reminding them that New Mexico’s high desert climate, vegetation, wildlife, mountains and mesas are just a few of the many reasons they chose to make Elephant Butte their home.
The Power of PreReal™ Investments
In the world of business, the importance of making smart investments cannot be overstated. PreReal™ Investments is a company that understands this concept all too well. With a focus on helping clients make informed decisions about their investments, PreReal™ Investments has played a vital role in the success of many businesses in the greater Elephant Butte area.
The Future of Pat’s Convenience Store & Gas Station
As Vicki and Matt Casas continue to forge ahead, it is clear that the future holds great promise for Pat’s Convenience Store & Gas Station. With a solid foundation in the community and the unwavering support of their customers, the sky is the limit for this entrepreneurial couple.
Conclusion: A Story Worth Sharing
The journey of Vicki and Matt Casas, from their home in Texas to their thriving business in Elephant Butte,, is a story that is both heartwarming and inspirational. As they continue to grow and develop their business, they serve as a shining example of what is possible when hard work, dedication, and a commitment to community come together.
Pat’s Convenience Store & Gas Station stands as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the strong bonds that tie us all together. As Vicki and Matt continue on their path, we look forward to witnessing the many great things they will accomplish in the years to come.
