As the Roadrunner Express, across from the Soboba Casino Resort, prepares for its two-year anniversary, there will be many promotions available during its Customer Appreciation Week from Feb. 24 through March 2.
For those that regularly shop there for gas, food and other convenience store items, the biggest change will be seen with the unveiling of 24 slot machines, activated and ready for play on Feb. 24.
“This will be an expansion of the same great slot mix experience at the Soboba Casino Resort,” said Steven Nino, Soboba Economic Development Corporation Treasurer. “All the slot machines have been strategically placed on the wall space of the store, allowing for ease of access of our C-Store merchandise and services.”
While there will be four major giveaway drawings on Feb. 27, 28 and Mar. 1, the biggest thank you for continued support will be the discounted fuel prices from 9 a.m. on Feb. 24 through 9 a.m. on March 9. All customers can take advantage of fuel savings to fill up their gas tanks with rollback fuel savings that link to Soboba Casino Rewards.
Roadrunner Express averages more than 3,000 customers per day and nearly half of the staff are Soboba Tribal members.
“Our biggest staples of our property include the lowest fuel costs in the valley, Seneca brand cigarette sales, and our Native food menu,” Nino said. “Native Menu occurs every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It includes Frybread, Indian Tacos, Popovers, and Frybread Pizza.”
He said customer feedback is always welcome and the main comment they receive from guests relates to expanding the Native Menu to more days.
Roadrunner Express opened its doors on Feb. 27, 2023, and quickly became a one-stop shop that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing it to service the area and cater to Soboba Casino Resort patrons while they are arriving at and leaving the resort.
Nino said the biggest change he has seen in the past two years has been the maturity of the store in matching what customers want and what they are able to offer inside through strategic vendor selection that promotes Tribal partnerships.
The Soboba Economic Development Corporation, which oversees many of Soboba’s public entities, is excited to announce the addition of Ronald Rhea as Director of Operations. The Menifee resident brings a wealth of experience and a deep dedication to fostering success and growth in every organization he serves.
“My duties are currently to oversee our current endeavors while simultaneously working with the Board of Directors to research and leverage opportunities that will support economic growth on behalf of the Tribe for generations to come,” Rhea said.
Having already earned a master’s degree in Health Care Administration, the United States Navy veteran will be completing his second master’s in Business and Organizational Leadership in the fall. He was inspired to apply for the position by the people of Soboba, and the economic growth opportunities that will allow him to be a part of a culture that cultivates change and creates opportunities for the people.
Rhea plans to bring leadership, passion, commitment, and a strong work ethic to his new role. “I have an unwavering dedication to winning by creating relationships and strategic partnerships that I can foster on behalf of the people of Soboba. I bring a ‘never say can’t’ attitude, seeking out uncomfortable situations with honor and humility,” he said. “Economic development is something that I have always done and it is something I literally learned growing up and have been involved in some capacity my whole life. The ability to create economic opportunities on behalf of the greater good has always been a passion of mine, which will echo in my efforts.”
As for his role in the customer appreciation week at Roadrunner Express, Rhea said, “I will have the same involvement in this celebration as I will in all; I will be in the back cheering on the workers who are the real reasons we are able to have a sustainable business that empowers the city. I will highlight our store manager, Michael Paunovic, who has done a magnificent job and make sure our process for success is in place for the duration of the week.”
Additionally, he said he wants everyone to know that “Ronald Rhea is not just my name; it’s my badge of honor that reminds me of my unwavering dedication to serve. I am a retired Navy veteran who has had the privilege of playing professional basketball and earning a master’s degree because I understand the need to serve. I carry that same effort to serve every day for the people of Soboba.”
Currently, Roadrunner Express is the exclusive site to purchase RIVR drinks in California, being the only C-Store with the product line. Owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, RIVR is a functional mushroom infused tea born from over 1,000 years of ancestral wisdom. Crafted with a blend of herbal teas, functional mushrooms, and other adaptogens, RIVR inspires a profound appreciation for the natural world through products delivering true-to-land experiences. To find out more, please visit www.drinkrivr.com.
Another convenience for customers is the Legacy Bank ATM located inside the store and available to the local community 24/7. Legacy Bank is also owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, and is headquartered in Murrieta. A second brick-and-mortar branch will soon be opening in San Jacinto. To learn more, please visit www.legacybankca.com.
A social media campaign detailing the anniversary activities can be found through all Soboba Casino Resort social media feeds, which include Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and TikTok. The Roadrunner Express is at 2214 Lake Park Dr. in San Jacinto. For more information, please visit https://sobobaroadrunnerexpress.com or call 951-487-7745.
Photos courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
