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| Volume XXV, Number 8 | June 11, 2004 |
By Jaime Restrepo
BIG CYPRESS — The Seminole Tribe’s newest enterprise opened on May 17 in Big Cypress. The gas station/convenience store, called the Big Cypress Trading Post, opened with great expectations and Seminole pride.
Among the tribal officials and employees on hand for the grand opening were: Chairman Mitchell Cypress, President Moses Osceola, Big Cypress Board Representative Paul Bowers, Board Executive Administrator Jim Talik, Project Managers Cheryl Bolton, who coordinated the inside operations, including hiring staff, and Danny Tommie, who planned and managed the construction.
The Big Cypress Trading Post provides much needed access to automotive fuel, including diesel, food, like milk, a wide assortment of soft drinks, bread and cold cuts, as well as non-food products, shelf items like paper towels, napkins, and automotive accessories. But most of all, the store provides convenience to the tribal community, as well as motorists passing through or just visiting the motocross track, museum or campground. For anyone who needs ice for the cooler, the Trading Post is the place to find it.
Easily accessible from anywhere in Big Cypress, the store is located next to the Herman Osceola Gym, on BIA Road 1281, the Josie Billie Highway.
“ This is long overdue for the community,” said Moses Osceola. “With the introduction of the motocross track, this benefits all the tribal members, who are all shareholders in the operation. Any money spent here is money invested in the community. I think it’s great.”
The enterprise has been in planning since last June, when a resolution was passed to proceed with the store. The board, realizing that this was a good economic opportunity for the tribe, negotiated with the lease holder, Raleigh Osceola, contractors and vendors to get the building, tanks and pumps in prime running order.
Moses Osceola, having prior experience with convenience store operations, said “You can do well with them. It’s a good cash flow opportunity for the tribe.”
He also stated, “We are bringing more products in as we go along. We will try to provide everything that a household might need.”
Cheryl Bolton, operations coordinator for the internal operations of the store, said that in the next two to three weeks, the store will also feature a restaurant with a daily menu. For now, they will start with breakfast. Lunch and early dinners will follow soon after.
“ We will feature scrambled eggs, biscuits, bacon for breakfast; burgers, chicken and sandwiches for lunch; including daily specials, based upon the needs of the community,” said Bolton.
She also said that outside tables will be added for dining convenience.
Store hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with later closings depending on community functions and events. Major credit cards are accepted, including tribal fleet cards..
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