Eagle’s Nest Chip Stand & Gas Bar: a scene of fun and a growing business

By Kelly Anne Smith

NIPISSING FIRST NATION—Douglas Chevrier and Natalie Payette-Chevrier hosted a summer party in honour of their customers for their support at the Eagle’s Nest Chip Stand & Gas Bar.

The 2nd annual Appreciation Weekend held in late June, had live entertainment by Roger Daybutch and the Mason Dixon Line.

Payette-Chevrier says that the first Eagle’s Nest Appreciation Weekend held in 2015 to celebrate a year in a new building went so well that they decided to do it again. She noted the free face painting is the most popular draw for the children.

Their business on Migizii Miikan Road on Nipissing First Nation is always busy selling gas on TransCanada Highway 17. It is also a chip stand for hungry customers on the road and also has a crafts store for those wanting to take home or gift a piece of Anishinabek art.

Payette-Chevrier, originally from Garden River First Nation, and is proud of the crafts carried in the store. The store features Nipissing First Nation’s Tracey Couchie’s work as well as some work coming in from Sarnia to Thunder Bay.

Eagle’s Nest is touted in the Anishinabek News Pow-Wow ’16 guide as the place to drop in for all of your travel needs on the Pow-wow trail.

Payette-Chevrier is appreciative of Eagle’s Nest Chip Stand & Gas Bar.

“We are grateful to our staff. They bring the people back because of their kindness. And we are thankful to the people who come here and support us,” noted Payette-Chevrier.

The story behind the Eagle’s Nest began as a chip stand on the same spot 22 years ago. Now, Eagle’s Nest has 10 employees and only seems to be growing. There has been land cleared around the building and a small building is being constructed beside the Eagle’s Nest.

The Chevriers do have plans for expanding services for their customers, but we will just have to wait and see because the plans are still top-secret.