A new coffee, pastries and snack food shop has opened in the Royal River Casino, a joint effort between the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and two couples.
Dakota Joe, located between the casino floor and the hotel in the Royal River Casino and Hotel, was born out of a conversation between friends Jennifer and Mark Pederson, and Casey and Carleen Wilson. It’s taken over a year to come to fruition and looks much different than the couples had originally intended, but they are excited for the journey and the opportunities ahead.
The name comes from our state of South Dakota and of course, another name for coffee, Joe.
“It fits pretty well phonetically,” said Manager Jen Pederson. “It’s ordinary, separately; but unique together.”

Pederson knows a thing or two about coffee as she recently managed a coffee shop in Madison. Along with coffee and espresso, the small business also offers fruit smoothies, teas, flavored lemonades, hot chocolate, apple cider, freshly made pastries and snack items on the menu. Mobile ordering should be in place this week and the team prides itself on being friendly and fast.
Being small business owners themselves and knowing how important it is to have other local support, the couples felt it imperative to use as many local products and suppliers as possible. Their roaster, Rainy Day Coffee Company is from the Beresford area. The owner worked with the couples to produce a great tasting product that they are proud of serving. Their milk products come from a dairy south of Sioux Falls, and they hope to carry a few other products from other area vendors in the future.
As far as the location inside the casino, the women are pleased and say working with the casino and the tribe has been wonderful and collaborative.
“Everyone at Royal River and with FSST has been so accommodating, we feel blessed to have the tribal leaders’ faith in us and this idea and allow it to grow and develop.”
“We have felt very welcomed,” Pederson added.
 Dakota Joe’s hours are Sundays through Wednesday, 7am-7pm and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7am-10pm. Find them on Facebook for more on their shop at facebook.com/dakotajoecoffee