Model Shoe Shine Parlor Keeps a Downtown Tradition Alive

Success Stories

Model Shoe Shine Parlor Keeps a Downtown Tradition Alive

For nearly a century, one small shop on Gold Avenue has quietly served generations of Albuquerque residents, proving that great businesses are built on relationships as much as the services they provide.

Model Shoe Shine Parlor, a downtown institution that traces its roots back to 1931, continues to welcome everyone from judges and attorneys to elected officials, musicians, business owners, and longtime residents through its doors. Today, owner Adam Campos carries forward a legacy that has been passed from one generation to the next, preserving not only a business, but a piece of Albuquerque’s history.

The story of Model Shoe Shine Parlor is one of resilience, community, and stewardship. The business was originally founded by William H. Cheers and his wife after they moved to New Mexico from Arkansas. Following decades of service, the shop eventually became part of the Campos family after Cheers entrusted the business to Adam’s uncle, Rick Campos, who had become like family. Adam assumed ownership in 1999 and has spent more than two decades honoring that legacy while building one of downtown’s most recognizable small businesses.

On any given day, customers fill the shop for more than a shoe shine.
“We’ve built relationships with customers that span generations,” said Campos. “Seeing familiar faces come back year after year is what makes this work so rewarding.”

That sense of connection is one reason the business has remained successful while so many similar establishments across the country have disappeared.
Model Shoe Shine Parlor also demonstrates the important role small businesses play in creating vibrant downtowns. Independent businesses like Campos’ provide experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere, drawing people into the heart of the city while helping create an active, welcoming environment for workers, visitors, and residents alike.

As Downtown Albuquerque continues to evolve, Model Shoe Shine Parlor remains a testament to the enduring value of hard work, personal relationships, and local ownership. Nearly 100 years after opening its doors, the shop continues to help customers walk out with polished shoes, renewed confidence, and one more reason to keep coming back downtown.