Furniture store aims to please

PECOS On a near-deserted street in downtown Pecos, one business stands out. Its owner says it brings a bit of old Mexico to Reeves County.

While that may sound common, Rancho Viejo isn't a restaurant. It's a furniture store where customers from all over West Texas can find a mix of primitive, rustic and handcrafted items.

"It's what we call a chile con queso," Blanco Gallego, who owns the business with husband Alan Gallego, said with a chuckle.

Blanca Gallego, a native of Chihuahua, Mexico, said standing behind what the store sells has earned Rancho Viejo a loyal customer base.

"It's good quality," she said. "People prefer to buy stuff that will last."

Among those who've taken a liking to the furniture are Toby Cavness. A partner in the Fort Davis Drug Store, he said he's spent around $45,000 buying tables, chairs, desks and other items for the restaurant from Rancho Viejo.

"It's fabulous," he said. "If somebody enjoys the rustic format, she has a very premium store."

Gallego made several trips to Fort Davis to take care of "every intricate detail" of how the furniture looked, Cavness said. And every minute was enjoyable.

"She's just a ball of fun," he said. "She just goes above and beyond to satisfy the customer."

Like Cavness, many of Gallego's customers enjoy getting products custom made. And through a factory in the Chihuahua mountains, Gallego said her store can take care of that.

"If we don't have it, we can make it," she said. "And if you can dream it, we can make it, too."

Rancho Viejo has been open seven years, six in its present location. And even if the furniture may be "faux" old, Gallego said it goes well with the downtown atmosphere.

"The downtown always had charm," she said. "I love old things."

Want to go?

>> What: Rancho Viejo Primitive, Rustic and Finer Handcrafted Furniture.
>> Where: 236 South Oak Street, Pecos.
>> Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday;
     10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday; closed Sunday and Monday.
>> Call: 432-445-2902.