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- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Real Estate
The Lac du Flambeau Business Development Corporation opened the nation's first tribally owned Popeyes franchise Nov. 18 in Minocqua, Wisc., marking the tribe's first off-reservation business venture.
The restaurant, located along Highway 51, represents an expansion of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians' non-gaming economic portfolio and will create jobs for both tribal members and local residents in northern Wisconsin's tourist corridor. The BDC reportedly purchased the property, which formerly housed a Burger King, for $1.4 million in December 2023.
“Today marks more than a restaurant opening. It represents growth, opportunity and another step forward in strengthening the Tribe's economic future,” LDF BDC CEO Larry Turner said in a statement. “This is our first off-reservation venture, and we are proud to bring new jobs, new business, and a new dining option to the Minocqua community.”
The grand opening ceremony included an opening prayer from Tribal President John Johnson and songs from Tomahawk Circle, a local drum group. Krystal Westfahl, president of the Minocqua Visitors Bureau, also attended the event.
The Popeyes opening caps a busy year of economic development for the BDC under Turner, who joined as CEO in September 2024. The corporation broke ground in September on a new manufacturing facility for Simpson Electric, an 85-year-old precision instrumentation company that employs 54 workers.
In July, the BDC opened Little Pines LLC, a CBD dispensary that sells Wisconsin-made products and operates under the tribe's USDA-approved hemp program. The BDC also reacquired The Flame Restaurant & Bar in August, bringing the establishment back under tribal ownership.
Turner brings experience growing companies in private equity and privately held firms, previously serving as president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA, where he grew sales sevenfold between 2011 and 2019.
