Casper's Cherokee of Eagan

The Cherokee Tavern started back as a speakeasy in 1933. After numerous owners, in 1970, at the age of 50, unemployed with five children, Bob Casper, asked two marine sergeants to sell their restaurant to him. They did, and the rest is history! Soon Bob’s restaurant became the most popular place on the west side, due in large part to Dorothy, Bob’s wife. Their faith, friendliness, and famous prayer’ touched every customer who walked through the door, which can be found on the cover of our menu. As part of this caring for the community, Dorothy started the annual Thanksgiving Tradition. Dorothy and Bob wanted to provide a wonderful, sit-down dinner to any that asked for it. The first year saw one hundred people served: today, twenty-five years later, the number has grown to over three thousand. The whole Casper clan, as well as a host of volunteers make this day exceptionally thankful to the people who enjoy their generosity. In 1975, the oldest son, Tom, joined his dad full-time. He brought a lot of ideas, enthusiasm, and innovations. In no time, business doubled, and they expanded their space by purchasing Gleweves’s Liquor, next door. In 1983, Rick, third-born son, returned home from the Peace Corps, and joined the team. Finally, when Bob decided to retire in 1991, the baby of the family, Jim, came on board. That’s when the brothers decided to expand to a second location in Eagan, and they purchased the successful Family Restaurant. From there, many family members joined the team: daughter Nancy, grandson Danny, and granddaughter Tracey. All have been a major part of the restaurant’s success. Over the next few years, both locations enjoyed much success and prospered. Later, Tom went on his own, and became owner of the Ciatti’s Restaurant in Woodbury. In 2005, Dan started a new restaurant concept with the help of Rick in Blaine called Hankerin’s. After a major road construction project, a decision was made to sell that restaurant. ...