Mohegans break ground for first chain restaurant

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) – The Mohegan Tribe is breaking ground for the first of 15 planned “Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar” chain restaurants in New England.

It’s part of an effort by the tribe, which owns and operates Mohegan Sun Casino, to diversify its businesses.

The tribe and Arooga’s Franchising LLC announced a franchise agreement in May.

The Uncasville restaurant is targeted to open March 2015. The 9,000-square-foot facility is expected to include more than 100 television screens, a collection of sports memorabilia, a three-season dining patio and a tap room with up to 40 domestic and craft beers. The Pennsylvania-based chain is known for its chicken wings.

Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown said the Mohegan Tribe needs to be “seamlessly integrated into the overall economy” to be “truly economically prosperous and independent.”