Following this mission, Laguna Development Corporation has had a remarkable history of successful business ventures since its inception in 1998, when LDC embarked on a journey towards securing a solid future for the Pueblo of Laguna. Starting out in the retail market, LDC quickly moved to gaming, food and beverage, entertainment and hospitality; mastering each over the course of the next ten years. LDC recruited a team of highly skilled executives from across the country to secure a foundation for the next stages of development. With a solid management team in place, proven financial strength, a stable business environment, entrepreneurial growth strategy and the trust of its shareholder’s, LDC is committed to seeking opportunities to elevate the levels of success already achieved. Laguna Development Corporation is a Pueblo of Laguna owned business pursuing opportunities that improve and strengthen the Laguna community and its economy. Through our high performance culture we provide unparalleled entertainment, extraordinary customer service and quality products. We honor our core values and with an enterprising spirit we foster growth opportunities for the LDC family.
Laguna Development Corporation began managing the Pueblo’s gaming operations with the completion of Dancing Eagle Casino in 2000, shortly after opening the Dancing Eagle Supermarket. Subsequently LDC opened Casino Xpress, a small slot operation located twenty minutes west of downtown Albuquerque. Casino Xpress is part of the Route 66 development, and became the anchor for the current travel center, convenience store, and restaurants that were opened adjacent to the Xpress facility. LDC expanded its gaming operations in 2003 with completion of the Route 66 Casino and has since expanded its existing businesses to accommodate continued growth. Over the years LDC has expanded the retail business adding fuel and conveniences centers along Interstate 40 and on the Pueblo of Laguna.
Today, LDC currently manages and operates:
Route 66 Casino, the 154-room Route 66 Casino Hotel, Thunder Road Steakhouse & Cantina, Buffet 66, a Johnny Rockets franchise, Main Street Restaurant, Route 66 Casino Snack Bar, 360 Lounge, Poker Pub, the 2,800 seat Legends Theater, Kids Quest, Cyber Quest, the Route 66 Gift Shop, Casino Xpress, Route 66 Travel Centers (Including Dairy Queen Grill & Chill) – two locations: Interstate 40, Exit 108 and 140, 66 Pit Stop Gas Station & Convenience Store at Exit 114, Route 66 RV Resort, three Laguna Burger locations: Interstate 140, Exit 114 and 140 and on 12th Street in Albuquerque, Dancing Eagle Casino, Dancing Eagle Travel Center (Including Dairy Queen Grill & Chill and Villa Prima Pizza), Dancing Eagle RV Park, The Great American Diner Restaurant, The Marketplace @ Dancing Eagle grocery store and Ace Hardware, Paguate Mart and a Transmix Plant.
Revenue allows the Pueblo to provide essential governmental services to its members, including:
Community wellness services
Natural and environmental resource protection
Public works
Public safety
Judicial services
Utility services
Education
Elderly care
General governance services
Revenue sharing payments are also made to the six Laguna villages: Paguate, Encinal, Mesita, Seama, Paraje, and Laguna.
In addition, LDC provides other valuable resources to the community:
Charitable contributions
Educational scholarships
Senior discounts
In-kind services
Unlike privately owned businesses, LDC’s income doesn’t go to an individual owner, but rather its income is dedicated to the well-being of the Pueblo of Laguna.