"We Shall Remain"-Native American Business Secrets
Monday, April 13, 2009SUSIE GHARIB: Well, from the trail of tears to Wounded Knee, native history is an essential part of America. Tonight, the PBS prime-time program "American Experience" begins "We Shall Remain," a series looking at pivotal moments in U.S. history, from the Native American perspective. As part of the project tonight, and for the next two Mondays, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT is profiling Native American entrepreneurs, people and companies making a difference in the business world. We begin tonight with Dave Anderson. Fifteen years ago, he started selling barbecue ribs at a roadhouse in Wisconsin. Today "Famous Dave's" restaurants sell ribs, chicken and brisket in 37 states and is listed on the NASDAQ. The son of Choctaw and Chippewa Indians, Anderson faced racism and hardship. But as Diane Eastabrook reports, this Native American entrepreneur turned obstacles into opportunities.
DIANE EASTABROOK, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT CORRESPONDENT: Dave Anderson, the Dave in Famous Dave's is part pitch man, part comedian.
DAVE ANDERSON, FOUNDER, FAMOUS DAVE'S: We're going to slather these ribs with sauce. And I'll tell you what, these ribs will be so tasty you're going to think that Elvis was dancing on your tongue.
EASTABROOK: But the founder of Famous Dave's restaurants is serious about one thing: barbecue.
ANDERSON: There are a lot of frustrated people out in the world today doing something they don't love to do. For me, barbecue is my passion. I love barbecue. In fact I think if you were to cut one of these arms barbecue sauce would come flowing out. That's how much I love barbecue.
EASTABROOK: Anderson's love of barbecue turned Famous Dave's into a publicly traded 174-restaurant chain with revenues topping $140 million annually. His success also propelled the restaurateur into public service as assistant Interior secretary for Indian affairs under President George W. Bush. Not bad for a poor Native American kid who once thought he wouldn't amount to much. Anderson's story starts here on Chicago's west side. As a kid, his father would stop at rib joints like this one and bring barbecue home to the family. His craving for barbecue intersected with his culture. Growing up, Anderson helped his mother sell Indian fry bread at Native American powwows. That sparked an early interest in owning a restaurant. But the road to success was littered with obstacles. Anderson had attention deficit disorder, failed at his first business and developed a substance abuse problem. He credits a motivational speaker with giving him direction and inspiring him to open his first restaurant 15 years ago. Anderson says his recipe for success is positive, forward thinking.
ANDERSON: My life today is really about constant change. It's about being innovative. It's about learning. It's about being alert to what's happening.
EASTABROOK: That philosophy helped launch Anderson's latest venture: Key Lime Cove. The resort just north of Chicago features a 65,000 square foot indoor water park, restaurants and kid-friendly activities. Anderson says Key Lime Cove caters to a growing trend in America: shorter vacations.
ANDERSON: A lot more people are getting away for three, four, quick getaways and Key Lime Cove really addresses what is happening in America, the way things are changing -- from going to these long vacations to these quick escapes where the whole family can get away.
EASTABROOK: Key Lime Cove has been open a little more than a year, so Anderson isn't ready to speculate about expanding the concept. He is still amazed at his success and he credits his Native American culture for giving him resilience, purpose and an appreciation for being American.
ANDERSON: If you have a dream, go ahead and follow it because that is what living in America is all about. That's what this great country is all about. It's about being able to follow your dream.
EASTABROOK: Diane Eastabrook, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT, Palatine, Illinois.
GHARIB: For more information about Native American entrepreneurs, check out our web site at pbs.org. "We Shall Remain" begins tonight on "American Experience" here on PBS. Check your local listings.
