Jalapeños Grill Brings Flavor and Opportunity to Hot Springs, SD
When Jalapeños Grill opened in November 2023 in Hot Springs, South Dakota, it introduced not only delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine to the community, but also exciting new possibilities as a vibrant, unique gathering for locals and visitors. Learn more about the impact that this new restaurant has had on the city’s economy, as well as how it has gained a loyal regional following within a year of opening its doors.
A Taste of Mexico in Hot Springs Fajitas at Jalapenos Grill in Hot Springs, SD The menu at Jalapeños Grill’s offers a little something for everyone and is packed with traditional Mexican favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos. There are a plethora of seafood, chicken, pork, and beef options, as well as vegetarian dishes and an extensive kids’ menu. According to manager Briayan Lopez, an emphasis on quality ingredients and service are the focus of the restaurant’s staff. “We use local suppliers as much as possible,” he explained. “We love providing good, fresh food and a comfortable atmosphere for our guests.”
Boosting the Local Economy
This attention to detail and dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed by patrons of the restaurant. “People will drive two to three hours to come back here because they enjoyed it so much,” Lopez remarked.
The great reviews, both online and word-of-mouth, have resulted in visitors to nearby destinations like Rapid City and the northern Black Hills traveling to Hot Springs specifically to visit Jalapeños Grill. This increased foot traffic has not only benefited the restaurant, but neighboring businesses as well. “People drive here to see the restaurant and see the town,” Lopez explained. “We’re proud to bring communities together.”
Jalapeños Grill has also brought jobs to the area, with the restaurant currently employing over 15. However, they are looking to grow their crew. “We are always looking for responsible people who are looking for a long-term job,” Lopez said.
A New Gathering Place for Locals
Creating a Memorable Dining Experience
In addition to tasty fare and superior service, Jalapeños Grill also offers a setting unlike any other in the area. The restaurant is adorned with bold, colorful Mexican artwork, creating an atmosphere that is warm, inviting, and unforgettable. “We want to give our customers something to remember about Hot Springs,” Lopez said.
Jalapeños Grill has also enhanced life for residents of Hot Springs. It has quickly become a local favorite for gathering and enjoying a delicious meal, celebrating a special occasion, or simply unwinding after a long day. The restaurant’s family-friendly environment, coupled with its diverse menu and excellent service, makes it a welcoming space for everyone in the community.
The opening of Jalapeños Grill is a welcome addition to Hot Springs, SD, bringing with it a taste of Mexican culture, economic opportunities, and an exciting place to gather for residents and visitors alike.
Strategic Merger Creates a Brighter Economic Future for South Dakota
[Rapid City, South Dakota] – Black Hills Community Economic Development (BHCED) and First District Development Company (FDDC) are excited to announce their merger, resulting in the formation of a new organization, Ally Dakota Development. The joining of the two companies will result in Ally Dakota Development being the only certified development company in South Dakota with a presence on both sides of the state.
The merger marks a significant milestone for the state, as it leverages the resources, networks, and knowledge of economic powerhouses in both East River and West River to create a more resilient and prosperous South Dakota.
Fran White, the current executive director of BHCED, will resume her leadership position with Ally Dakota Development. “The merger allows us to build on our strong foundation and amplify our impact across South Dakota,” she said. “Together, we can reach more businesses and communities in our state and provide enhanced economic opportunities for all.”
Currently, BHCED and FDDC are in the transition phase of the merger and the teams at both companies are working together to integrate their operations, processes, and values. This strategic approach ensures a smooth transition for employees, clients and partners of the organizations as they look forward to building a brighter future together.
Ally Dakota Development will continue to provide the services offered by BHCED and FDDC, which include originating SBA 504 loans and other funding options for small businesses. By offering these services, the organization aims to foster sustainable growth and create opportunities for all South Dakotans.
About Ally Dakota Development
Formed by the merger of Black Hills Community Economic Development and First District Development Company, Ally Dakota Development offers financing and development support to small businesses in South Dakota. The organization is committed to supporting economic growth by meeting the diverse needs of businesses and communities across the state.
This month
arks one year since the City-owned/SEDC-managed Atlas building has been fully occupied! Tenants of the 40,000 s/f facility include Rae Marie Homes, Crow Peak Cabinetry, Interstate Engineering, the South Dakota Gaming Commission, the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources, and the South Dakota Departments of Social Services, Health, Labor & Regulation, Public Safety and Human Services. What an asset this facility has been for our community.
More than $71.8 million in building permits issued so far this year
By
Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer Aug 10, 2024
SPEARFISH — 2023 was a staggering year for growth and development in Spearfish. More than $103 million worth of building permits were issued by December — an all time record.
So far this year, we’re on track to see a similar degree of development, driven in large part by the Monument Health Spearfish hospital expansion.
By this time last year, the total valuation for issued building permits hovering around $52.6 million. This year, $71.8 million in permits have been paid for by contractors and developers.
In June, Scull Construction, the contractor working on the Monument Health hospital expansion pulled a building permit for $33 million.
Monument Health started site work in preparation for the hospital expansion last year, completing the parking lot and preparing to build vertically. Now, as the building begins construction in earnest, those larger permits are needed.
“The Monument Health expansion is very significant, being a regional healthcare hub is so important, Kory Menken, the executive director of Spearfish Economic Development Corporation said.
A state-of-the-art healthcare facility generates quality jobs, provides a boost in quality of life for citizens, and potentially attracts more patients and care providers from around the region to dine, shop, and stay in Spearfish. Menken said, having a quality hospital is crucial for economic growth.
Outside of the Monument project, growth has slowed down a bit compared to previous years, but Menken said that is completely normal.
For one thing, businesses tend to pump the breaks on expansion projects during election years Menken said. He added, a lot of leaders in business are watching federal interest rates to see if the Federal Reserve will follow through on their promise to bring down rates.
About 80 percent of growth in most communities, Menken said, begins with existing businesses expanding their reach. He said, as a result Spearfish Economic Development Corporation tries to work with the business community to promote “growth in every corner” of the community.
So far that strategy, and plans to attract new companies to the region have been successful. Despite a slow down compared to the last few years, Menken said building permit valuations and
growth overall is still above prepandemic levels.
Off of Exit 14, in the Spearfish Business Park, Pacific Stainless Products in looking to build a second 20,000-square-foot building, and at least three other light industrial companies are looking at setting up shop near the Atlas Building.
Menken said, a number of national and regional brands have been “kicking the tires” to see if they might want to ride in to Spearfish.
Menken’s metaphor works literally for Les Schwab Tire – the company is building a location on 1st Avenue off of Exit 14.
Adjacent to that building, in front of Wal-Mart, a new professional plaza is under construction. One space has been spoken for by The Collective, a boutique home store.
In terms of national brands putting down roots in town, Menken said Spearfish can expect to see a Jersey Mikes location in the near future.
A new Sundance State Bank location should be going up soon near the Grainery and Creekside Development, where Menken said space is available for more mixeduse development.
East Side Acres, a 40-acre, mixed
use development on Colorado Boulevard about 0.6 miles west of Highway 85, to the west of Sky Ridge and Aurora Avenue is also on the minds of city and community planners.
“I am very bullish when it comes to Exit 14 and Exit 17, both areas if I were to look into my crystal ball, are going to be seeing a lot of activity in the future — all along Colorado Boulevard, on both the north and the south side of the interstate,” Menken said.
He said the economic development corporation is working with the city to eventually develop the old McLaughlin Sawmill, on Colorado Boulevard just west of Maitland Road.
The city has also ben working on improvements to Colorado Boulevard, which Menken said primes the area for growth.
He pointed out, between Exit 8 and Exit 17. Spearfish is about 9 miles long, and the perfect place for diverse businesses to thrive.
“The big project this year really is (the) Monument Health (expansion), but growth is staying stead, we have steady prospects, and we continue to strive for sustainable growth, growth that feels natural, growth that is a good fit for Spearfish,” Menken said.
Congratulations to Neighborworks DHR! Rushmore Region Alliance awarded them with their Partner of the Year award September 12th at the Small Business Round Up.
Congratulations to Elton Finck of Pioneer Bank & Trust! Elton is Black Hills Community Economic Development’s 2024 Lender of the Year. He brought in the highest number of approved SBA 504 loans over the past year.
Congratulations to Hinterwood Inn & Cabins. Hinterwood is Black Hills Community Economic Development’s Small Business of the Year. They were honored at the Small Business Round Up on September 12th.
What can Custer Area Economic Corporation do for you?
Here is a short story about how Custer Area Economic Corporation has helped a business continue to operate in Custer!
The Custer County Candy Company was purchased in 2022 by the Lappe Family. This store has been part of the Custer Community since 2001 and is fondly referred to as “the sweetest spot in the Black Hills.” They offer a range of delicious treats and gifts and are open yearround! Many Custer students work at the Candy Company during the summer season, where they learn important job and life skills.
Custer County Candy Company
My husband and I purchased Custer County Candy Company on June 1, 2022, with the agreement that we should transfer a SBA loan that the prior owner had. We tried for nearly a year to get this done, but
to no avail; the SBA was completely unresponsive to everything we sent them. Ultimately, we determined we needed to find another long-term financing option. Talking to a friend, she suggested I reach out to the West River Revolving Loan Fund, which I did. We found out that the Custer area actually had the perfect amount of financing we needed, for the perfect term and a great interest rate. The entire process was so much easier than everything we had gone through trying to transfer the old SBA loan. It was a huge relief to finally have the long-term financing secured and we are extremely grateful to CAEDC for making this possible for us so that we can focus our time and energy on the business the way we want to.
-Mary Lappe,
Owner
Four Things To Know About Ellsworth AFB’s Impact on Rapid City’s Economy
Ellsworth Air Force Base, the largest single employer in the Rapid City region, recently released its economic impact statement for 2023. The report outlines the base’s contributions to payroll, personnel, indirect jobs, development, and more.
Here are four key takeaways that you should know:
1. Ellsworth boosts our local population: Between active duty members, contractors and family members, the base adds more than 9,000 people to the Black Hills region. Additional population brings new spending to our economy and diverse perspectives to our community.
2. Ellsworth creates jobs:
Ellsworth AFB directly employs 4,100 people, including 3,100 activeduty Airmen and 1,000 civilian personnel. Additionally, household and procurement spending creates another 4,100 indirect jobs in the Rapid City region. In total, Ellsworth supports 8,200 jobs in the local economy, helping to reduce unemployment and offer employment opportunities.
3. More jobs equal more payroll:
These 4,100 people directly employed by Ellsworth Air Force Base generate $247.5 million in annual payroll. This substantial payroll supports the local economy by contributing to housing, goods, services, and taxes, and even tuition assistance at nearby schools, thereby strengthening the community’s financial health.
4. The new B-21 mission is already generating significant local
New Restaurant Coming Soon
The community can also look forward to an up-and-coming restaurant concept called Toastique that will open at Block 5.
The restaurant, franchised by Adam and Hayley Kaemingk of Rapid City, specializes in gourmet toasts, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, craft coffee and more.
The Kaemingks are native South Dakotans and a family of six who have called Rapid City home for the past 19 years.
“We first came across Toastique online when we were researching new businesses we could bring to our active and health-minded community,” Hayley Kaemingk said.
“We felt that there was a need for fastcasual, simple and honest food options in our area. We met with the corporate team, tasted the food, visited several locations and were hooked! We fell in love with the beautiful branding, the welcoming and open space, and the concept of a micro cafe that offered no additive sugars or preservatives in their ingredients with a bonus of vegan and gluten free options. Not to mention – it all tastes amazing!”
Adam and Hayley Kaemingk are the owners of soon-to-come Toastique at Block 5 in Downtown Rapid City.
Hayley, who has nearly two decades of
investment:
With many construction projects underway or planned for the new bomber, $233.4 million is being spent on local and federal contractors to meet development needs. Plus, this construction work generates new jobs indirectly associated with Ellsworth – over 2,000 of them! Overall, with annual economic impact of $886.8 million, Ellsworth Air Force Base is more than a military installation; it’s a vital part of the Rapid City economy. It provides jobs, boosts payroll, invests in local construction, and creates thousands of indirect jobs. This involvement helps build a strong and growing local economy, making the base essential to Rapid City’s prosperity.
What is an indirect job?
An indirect job is a job that exists to support the activities of a company, but the person isn’t directly employed by that company. Let’s use an example: When the Dining Facility (DFAC) on base purchases bulk food to serve Airmen, the food needs to be delivered. The delivery driver who brings the food to the base is not directly employed by Ellsworth AFB but plays a crucial role in supporting its operations. Therefore, this job is indirectly created to support the DFAC’s operation. Another example includes the construction workers who are working on the Base’s new developments. They are not directly employed by EAFB, but their employment is linked to their operations.
team leadership experience, will run the daily operation, while Adam will support business functions more behind the scenes.
“We look forward to building a team that fits our culture, hiring people that want to be a part of a happy, upbeat atmosphere and who are excited about upholding the quality of our food and service,” Hayley said.
“Toastique believes in the power of responsibly sourced, healthy, and delicious food to fuel your best life and nourish every moment, and our menu reflects that philosophy.”
Toastique’s flagship location is in Washington, D.C., and it’s rapidly growing, with
nearly 70 cafes nationwide.
The Rapid City store will be located on the first floor of the Block 5 development, a 10-story project that includes a new Hyatt Place hotel and loft apartments.
“We loved the idea of putting our store location in the heart of our community, where locals and Block 5 residents can stop in during the day and tourists can walk in while strolling through our downtown,” Hayley said.
“Block 5 was a perfect fit with its modern design and location. We’re honored to be joining this dynamic community and can’t wait to welcome you to our new home and bring a fresh and vibrant dining experience to Block 5.”
Toastique is “going to be a perfect complement for Block 5, and a really nice option for guests staying at the hotel, residents at the apartments and anyone visiting the area,” said Raquel Blount, vice president of commercial real estate for Lloyd Companies.
There’s about 6,000 square feet of retail space left to lease, she said.
“We’ve had interest from boutiques, salonspas, giftware business, so a nice range of retail and we anticipate more announcements,” Blount said. “It’s a new and cool space for downtown Rapid City with a great vibe located in a very visible location.”