May 2019 Indian Gaming 47

Cowlitz Crossing, a new convenience store and gas stationin Ridgefield, WA, recently opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Cowlitz reservation. Located off Interstate 5at Exit 16, Cowlitz Crossing is the latest development at Ilani,the region’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment and meeting destination. Its launch comes on the second anniversaryof Ilani’s opening and represents advancement for the CowlitzIndian Tribe as it will provide additional opportunity for thecommunity’s economic growth and prosperity.

“We are so pleased to expand our business model and partnerships with our community with the unveiling of CowlitzCrossing, as well as extend additional benefits to our Momentum card holders and team members at Ilani,” said KaraFox-LaRose, President and General Manager of Ilani, who co-hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Phil Harju, ViceChair of the Tribal Council. “The development is indicativeof the tribe’s commitment to the area, and the regional brandrepresentation in the store is a tribute to our community.”

Cowlitz Crossing, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,extends benefits to Ilani’s Momentum card holders includingdiscounts and, most importantly, the property’s unique loyaltypoint system – offering a transparent and easy-to-use dollar perpoint system redeemable for dining, shopping, and now gas andother items at Cowlitz Crossing. The new facility is anchoredby a 5,500 sq. ft. convenience store featuring a gourmet deli,snacks and beverages. Cowlitz Crossing offers fresh ground coffee from a Ridgefield-based company and locally madedonuts from Longview, WA.

The gourmet deli offers fresh made sandwiches, usingBoar’s Head all natural Simplicity line of meats and cheeses andbreads from Franz Bakery of Portland, OR. Customers will findhigh quality seafood from She Nah Nam Seafood and wildcaught smoked salmon from Salmon River Smokehouse. Freshlocal foods and snacks are also supplied by Core-Mark ofPortland. Authentic Southern fried chicken also will be available, courtesy of Alabama-based BirdShack. For thirst

quenchers, guests can turn to Pepsi Spire machines for softdrinks or a F’real machine for smoothies and milkshakes.

For travelers seeking a memento of their journey to theNorthwest and Cowlitz tribal lands, gift merchandise is available. Additionally, the space features a tobacco drive-thruwindow.

Chevron is the fueling partner for Cowlitz Crossing distrib-uted by GP Energy, and Safeway cardholders will be able touse their cards for gas rewards. The gas station features 24 fuel-ing positions for passenger vehicles that offer regular, diesel andclear gasoline options and two dual diesel truck lanes at a separate fast-fueling station. DEF pump dispensing units,which reduce harmful engine emissions, have been installed atthe fast-fueling islands for modern diesel engines. Unlikeother stations in the area, the property offers ethanol-free or“clear” gasoline options for boaters and campers passing through.

“It is truly exciting to see three dynamic companies working so well together to bring this flagship location to life,” said Amy Brookshier, GP Energy’s Vice President ofwholesale and business development. “GP Energy and Andretti Petroleum look forward to furthering its relationship with theCowlitz Indian Tribe and the Ilani community.”

Cowlitz Crossing Convenience Store Opens on the Cowlitz Reservation

OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

Twenty-four years after opening a casino whichwould set the standard for gaming in WashingtonState, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe will once againredefine expectations with the addition of a luxuryresort at Muckleshoot Casino.

Anticipated to open in the second quarter of 2021,the 18-story, 400-room hotel tower will offer sweep-ing views showcasing the natural beauty of the PacificNorthwest. Sixty percent of the accommodations willallow for stunning panoramas of Tahoma, the nativename for Mount Rainier, while other rooms will showcase the majesty of the Olympic mountain range.

Beyond the comfort of their plush retreats, guestswill be able to enjoy an indoor, climate-controlled

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to Develop Luxury Hotel at Casino

48 Indian Gaming May 2019

OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

pool, pamper themselves with signature spa treatments, andmore. A supervised play area and arcade will provide peace ofmind for parents seeking respite of a different kind. Addition-ally, dining will reach new heights with a rooftop, fine-diningrestaurant.

“The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has a history of innovationand leadership in Indian gaming,” said Muckleshoot CasinoGeneral Manager Conrad Granito. “This logical evolution oftheir well-respected casino brand acknowledges consumerdesires for a one-stop entertainment destination where fun,relaxation and dining beyond anything the market currentlyoffers is just steps away.”

The hotel resort at Muckleshoot Casino will be the pinnacleof an exciting expansion already underway which completely

re-envisions the gaming destination. The first phase of the project will add a 20,000 sq. ft., technologically advanced eventscenter, a trio of fast-casual dining destinations, a high-energy center bar, and more. Smoke-free gaming at MuckleshootCasino, already the most offered in the state, also will increase.Additionally, a carefully curated cultural gallery will celebrate thehistory and journey of the Muckleshoot Tribe. The completionof the expansion’s first phase is expected in spring 2020.

Once the full transformation is unveiled one year later in2021 with the debut of an anticipated Four Star resort, Muckleshoot Casino will take its reputation as the “Biggest andBest in the Northwest” to an unparalleled level with 157,000sq. ft. of continuous gaming, 29,000 total sq. ft. of eventspace, more than a dozen dining choices, and much, much more.

Sycuan Casino Resort recently announced that the organization’s $260 million hotel and resort expansion is nowopen to the public.

“Just two years ago, we broke ground and committed tobecoming the premier gaming destination in San Diego Countyand today we delivered on that promise,” said Cody J. Martinez,Chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “This project would not have been possible without the support and vision of the Sycuan people, our team members and theincredible construction effort by Swinerton Builders. This is ahistoric and momentous day for Sycuan and we are extremelyproud to see this one-of-a-kind project become a reality.”

The newly expanded resort features a 12-story luxury hoteltower with over 300 guest rooms and 57 suites. The propertyalso boasts state-of-the-art amenities including an expandedgaming area, new restaurants and bars, meeting and eventspace, a full-service spa and fitness center and a pool and gardens area. Sycuan has also made many improvements to theexisting property including new flooring, paint, furniture andseveral other cosmetic upgrades.

“We have undertaken a number of renovations and expansions over the years, but nothing that compares to the sizeand scope of this project,” said John Dinius, General Manager

at Sycuan Casino Resort. “This significant $260 million investment is an investment in Sycuan, but willalso directly benefit East County in San Diego and set a newbar for gaming, entertainment and dining options availablethroughout the region.”

Sycuan has tremendously enhanced its food and beverage offerings with the addition of 10 new restaurantsand bars. The new venues include a new casino-definingsteakhouse, Bull & Bourbon; a high-end cocktail lounge,Elicit Bar & Lounge; a three-meal restaurant, ViewpointNeighborhood Kitchen; an industrial brewhouse, Rank& File; a fast-casual market, The unCommons; and thepopular coffeehouse, Starbucks.

Sycuan’s new fine dining venue, Bull and Bourbonbrings an innovative approach to traditional steakhouse cuisine.Executive Chef, Aldo Negrete sources local coastal Californiaseafood, uses steaks from the restaurant’s in-house butcher program and select cuts from the on-site aging room. Guestscan enjoy steaks prepared on a custom wood burning grill pairedwith bourbon from a hand-selected menu for a multi-sensorydining experience.

Additionally, Sycuan has added a variety of recreationalfacilities including an outdoor pool venue, Retreat Pool andCabanas; a luxury spa and salon, Spa Ritual; and a 24-hour fullyequipped fitness center. Retreat Pool and Cabanas features twopools, a swim-up bar, an immense lazy river and an expansivepool deck furnished with oversized daybeds and cabanas. Thepoolside menu features seasonal bites and a full bar serving freshmojitos, margaritas and champagne-infused cocktails. Spa Ritual is a full-service luxury spa and salon with eight treatmentrooms and a variety of spa services.

Sycuan also boasts 42,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor space, designed to accommodate every special event andboth small-to-large sized groups. Each venue is equipped withthe latest technology to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences andthe chef-driven catering menus will offer multiple food anddrink packages and can be custom-tailored for each event.

Sycuan’s $260 Million Hotel and Resort Expansion Opens to the Public

The Sycuan Tribal Council at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

May 2019 Indian Gaming 49

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief, ViceChief, members of the TribalCouncil, and leadership fromSiemens Government Technologiesrecently gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemo-rate the tribe’s new solar project at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley RiverCasino & Hotel.

Richard Sneed, Principal Chief,opened the ceremony by emphasiz-ing the tribe’s appreciation fortheir partnership with SiemensGovernment Technologies.

“We’ve had a great partnership

Eastern Band of Cherokee Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Solar Project

L-R: Tribal Council members David Wolfe, Adam Wachacha, Tom Wahnetah; Principal Chief Richard Sneed;Tribal Council member Perry Shell; Deputy & Chief Operating Officer for Energy and Infrastructure Programsat Siemens Government Technologies Gregory Bowman; Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley; Tribal Council membersTommye Saunooke, Bo Crowe, Lisa Taylor; and Secretary of Agriculture & Natural Resources Joey Owle.

The mountains and the jackpots were calling as the KalispelTribe opened their doors to the all-new Kalispel Casino onApril 12. Nestled on the West banks of the Pend Oreille River in Cusick, WA the Kalispel Casino brings new diningentertainment and employment options to the region.

The gaming floor features 120 of the newest and mostpopular slot machines. Whether it’s pennies, dollars, progres-sives or tournament play, they have a game for everyone.Guests can bring their existing Camas Rewards Card or signup for a complimentary card to earn points redeemable for foodand fuel discounts and comps at either Kalispel Casino or itssister property, Northern Quest Resort & Casino.

The Wetlands, a 72-seat restaurant is the perfect place toenjoy food favorites like homemade Mac & Cheese, Frito Pieand Indian Tacos, made with a traditional Indian fry bread recipe from by Kalispel Tribal members. The Wetlands is family friendly, with its own entrance opposite the main casinodoors and opens at 10am daily. The Slough, a neighborhood-style bar, features favorite local brews on tap, along with a

selection of locally inspired craft cocktails. TheSlough also sports shuffleboard and two pooltables, making it the perfect after work orweekend meet-up spot.

Have a special event or meeting comingup? The banquet room seats 150 and offersa variety of room set-ups and menu options.

“The Kalispel Tribe is very proud andexcited to be able to bring such a multi-faceted venue to the people of Pend OreilleCounty and the surrounding area,” said CurtHolmes, General Manager of Public & Government Relations for the Kalispel Tribe.“It’s been a long-time dream of the tribe to

build businesses that contribute to the overall sustainablegrowth of the area. We’ve spent several years creating andimproving infrastructure at Kalispel Park, and I feel like we’vebuilt something special for locals, but also given tourists a reason to visit beautiful northeast Washington.”

Kalispel Tribe Opens New Kalispel Casino Just in Time for Recreational Travelers

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OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS

Cold Stone Creamery, known for serving the finest and freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes, celebratedthe opening of its newest restaurant at the MorongoIndian Reservation on April 22. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with the Morongo Tribal Council andother dignitaries.

The celebration of the new creamery was followed bya grand opening fundraiser. Franchise owner Jonaid Khandonated 20% of the ice cream shop’s sales from April 27to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass.

“We are happy to welcome Cold Stone Creamery toMorongo, and we applaud Mr. Khan for supporting thelocal community through his grand-opening fundraiser,”said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “ColdStone is an industry leader, and I have no doubt that theirdelicious treats will attract new guests to our area.”

Named a 2018 Consumer Picks “Top 10 Taste Winner” byNation’s Restaurant News, Cold Stone Creamery has been serving up smooth and creamy ice cream, handcrafted fresh dailyin each store, for more than 25 years. Cold Stone uses only the

highest quality ingredients and their signature process of preparing customice cream creations on a frozen granitestone.

“At Cold Stone, we’re really in thebusiness of making people happy, andI’m thrilled to be supporting local kids asour way of saying we are very excited tobe joining The Pass community,” Khansaid.

Cold Stone Creamery is the thirdrestaurant to open in recent months at thenew 7,500 sq. ft. building constructed bythe tribe near the Morongo Casino Resort& Spa. Built around a central outdoordining patio, the building is also home toJersey Mike’s Subs and Chipotle MexicanGrill.

The new building marks the latest step in Morongo’s master-planned development to expand the tribe’s retail, hospitality and service offerings along Interstate 10 in Cabazon.In recent years, Morongo has welcomed numerous national andinternational brands to the reservation, including In-N-OutBurger, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and Panda Express. ®

New Cold Stone Creamery Serves Up Sweetness at Morongo

Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin and Cold Stone franchise owner Jonaid Khan (center withscissors) join Morongo and Cold Stone officials in celebrating the opening of a new ice cream shopat Morongo.

Morongo Bird Singers perform at the ribbon-cutting for the new Cold StoneCreamery at Morongo.

with Siemens and appreciate all they have done,” saidSneed."This project is a landmark victory for the EBCI and isthe result of years of work by many individuals, tribal programs,and community partners. I am very proud of the hard work thathas gone into this project and pleased to be able to celebratethis success with so many. I look forward to many more community partnership projects like this for the future of ourtribe."

Leading the project was Joey Owle, Secretary of Agricul-ture and Natural Resources for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who began collaborating with Siemens

Government Technologies in May of 2018.“Siemens Government Technologies worked closely with

the tribe to make this project happen and it’s exciting to seewhat we have accomplished through teamwork” said Owle.“This will be here for years to come and will set an exampleto get our youth excited about future projects like this.”

The solar project will generate 700 kilowatts of energy,saving roughly $100,000 annually, and is another great example of the Tribe and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley RiverCasino & Hotel’s shared commitment to environmental sustainability.