- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Real Estate
The Pauma Yuima Band of Luiseño Indians has broken ground on a new travel plaza in Pauma Valley, California, expanding its business ventures beyond its Casino Pauma and agricultural operations.
The Pauma Heritage Quik Stop, located at the intersection of Highway 76 and Pauma Reservation Road, will feature a convenience store, 24-pump gas station, drive-through Starbucks Coffee, and electric vehicle charging stations. The facility is expected to open in fall 2025, according to a tribal statement.
Tribal Chairman Temet Majel said the project represents a major economic development opportunity for the tribe and the surrounding community.
"The Pauma tribe is excited and proud to bring a travel center to the Pauma Valley community," Majel said in a statement. "It will create jobs, convenience, and a sense of community for tribal members and community members alike."
The travel plaza adds to the tribe's business portfolio, which includes Casino Pauma and Pauma Tribal Farms, an agricultural operation that produces avocados, oranges, and lemons on approximately 60 acres of tribal land.
Oak & Stone Development, a Native-owned firm based in Pauma Valley, is serving as the owner's representative for the project, while Carlsbad-based Dempsey Construction Inc. has been selected as the general contractor.
The Pauma Band, federally recognized since 1891, manages approximately 5,800 acres of tribal lands across four parcels. The tribe has focused on economic development initiatives to support essential tribal programs in health, housing, education, and fire protection services.
The new travel plaza represents the latest step in the tribe's economic diversification strategy, building on revenue streams from its casino operations and agricultural ventures. The project's location along Highway 76 positions it to serve both the local community and travelers through the Pauma Valley region.
