The founder of the Subway sandwich shop empire grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and now wants to see the city grow into a casino-resort destination.

Frederick A. DeLuca is the financial backer of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, whose bid for federal recognition resulted in success after 25 years. While hurdles remain due to opposition from the state, DeLuca says he hopes to see a casino in Bridgeport within two years.

The mayor of Bridgeport supports a casino. But another tribe seeking recognition, the Golden Hill Paugussetts, has already staked a claim in the city.

The Schaghticoke Tribe is based on a reservation in western Connecticut near the New York border. DeLuca said he doesn't the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act doesn't limit the tribe to its ancestral land.

Get the Story:
DeLuca envisions casino, convention center (The Connecticut Post 3/4)
The Schaghticoke tribe's fight for a new casino (WFSB 3/5)