By Joe Morey
News Editor
Renowned restaurateur and entrepreneur "Famous" Dave Anderson, a Lac Courte Oreilles tribal member, has presented a bold and ambitious proposal to the LCO Tribal Governing Board: the restoration of the historic Al Capone’s Hideout into a high-end restaurant and speakeasy, complete with a high-stakes gaming casino.
Anderson, the founder of the Famous Dave’s BBQ restaurant chain, is no stranger to success. With a legacy of serving high-quality food and developing thriving businesses, he is now looking to bring his expertise back to the Hayward area. His proposal envisions a fully immersive experience that transports patrons to the Prohibition era, with servers dressed in flapper attire and an authentic speakeasy ambiance.
A High-End Experience with Gaming and Luxury Amenities
Under Anderson’s plan, the restaurant would offer an upscale dining experience featuring many of his own award-winning recipes, with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. Additionally, he aims to establish an on-site winery to complement the restaurant’s offerings. Anderson also proposed the creation of a Capone-themed beer to enhance the speakeasy atmosphere.
In addition to the restaurant, the proposal includes a high-stakes gaming casino. According to Anderson, under the current gaming compact rules, the Tribe is permitted to open another casino. However, this would require the closure of the existing Grindstone Creek Casino, which he described as catering primarily to younger patrons and low-stakes gamblers. Instead, he suggests converting the Grindstone Creek facility into a much-needed fitness center, utilizing the existing infrastructure from the gaming machines to support the new development.
“This new casino would be aimed at attracting high rollers,” Anderson explained, pointing to the Chippewa Flowage and Round Lake area, where numerous affluent homeowners reside in million-dollar properties. His vision includes drawing in these wealthier visitors and transforming the region into a luxury gaming and dining destination.
Tapping into the Region’s Rich History and Natural Beauty
Anderson emphasized the unique opportunity to capitalize on the legendary status of Al Capone’s Hideout, a property surrounded by history and intrigue. “Everyone can remember a story about Al Capone and his hideout in that era,” Anderson said, noting that such a theme would serve as a powerful marketing draw.
The location also boasts a 400-acre private lake, which Anderson sees as an asset that could support further development. One of his additional proposals is a high-end RV park to attract affluent travelers, further boosting tourism and revenue for the Tribe.
Anderson drew comparisons to the former Blue Heron restaurant on the Chippewa Flowage, a once-iconic establishment known for its high-quality dining experience. “I want to bring back that level of excellence,” he said. “I will build the Tribe a restaurant of Famous Dave quality where everything is served fresh. We would have fresh vegetables from local farmers, an award-winning winery, and a high-quality wine room.”
His track record speaks for itself—at the height of its success, Anderson’s original Famous Dave’s restaurant on Round Lake was serving over 1,000 customers daily. Beyond his restaurant expertise, Anderson also highlighted his experience in casino development, having successfully built eight gaming establishments in the past as an executive and original founder of Grand Casinos.
Anderson’s proposal underscores his belief in the region’s potential as a premier tourist destination. “We have a lot going on in our area like no other tourist town,” he stated. By combining history, fine dining, luxury gaming, and high-end amenities, Anderson envisions an attraction that could redefine the local economy and tourism industry.
The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board has yet to announce a decision regarding the proposal, but Anderson’s vision has certainly sparked conversation about the future of Al Capone’s Hideout and its role in the area’s ongoing development.
For now, the prospect of an elegant, historically themed restaurant and high-stakes casino remains on the table, promising a potential transformation of the region into a must-visit luxury destination.
