Located in the heart of Santa Fe on the Westside of the historic, downtown Plaza, the Thunderbird is the perfect place to begin or end any adventure.  Guests can enjoy a host of sightseeing options directly outside its door including: the Palace of the Governors, Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Institute of American Indian Arts, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi and more.  There are plenty of exclusive shops and boutiques within walking distance to satisfy just about any shopping enthusiast.  The restaurant is owned and operated by Armand Ortega, who also operates Ortega's on the Plaza, an upscale native arts jewelry store.  Ortega's roots in the area business go back to 1871, when his family began buying and selling Native American jewelry.  Armand's family is well known as successful entrepreneurs throughout New Mexico and the Southwest. Armand got his start following in the path of his father who began his career setting up trading posts throughout Arizona and New Mexico. His early exposure to colorful and creative retail stores started Armand on his successful path in the hospitality and retail industries.

Armand's trail started in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the early 1970's. He purchased one of the key corners of the famous Santa Fe square and rehabilitated the building into a historic recreation of what stood on the site in 1878. Using photos, historic plans, and an architect specializing in historic reconstruction the new building was completed in 1976. Ortega Family Enterprises still operates Ortegas on the Plaza, a world renowned Indian jewelry store, their new restaurant, Thunderbird Bar and Grill, and Mimosa, a high-end clothing boutique which is also housed in the building.

In the 1990's Armand had the opportunity to take on a National Park concession at Bandelier National Monument outside of Santa Fe. Ortega Family Enterprises has since gone on to win and operate concession contracts also at White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Monument, Muir Woods National Monument and Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park.

Armand also has hotel and restaurant partnership ventures in Gallup, New Mexico. In 2011, Armand Ortega was invited to attend the White House Conference on Sustainable Foods for his contribution of promoting sustainable foods in his National Park concessions.