Lobbying Campaign Launched by Station Casinos: "Spirit of Seventy-Six" Initiative
Scoop: Station Casinos' Neighborhood Sports Pub Expansion
Station Casinos is taking a swipe at the local tavern market with the launch of its upscale sports pub chain, Seventy Six Tavern. With the debut of its first location in North Las Vegas, Station aims to steal a chunk of the lucrative market dominated by Golden Gaming and other operators.
After conquering the local casino scene with properties like Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, and Durango Casino & Resort, Station Casinos is now eyeing a smaller battleground: neighborhood sports bars and gambling taverns. Their goal? To dethrone the region's tavern king, Golden Gaming, with a new crop of hydra-headed venues across the Las Vegas Valley.
Locally, industry insiders see Station's move as a direct challenge to Golden Gaming, which operates 71 mostly PT's-branded taverns, as well as the hundreds of Dotty's and independent operators scattered across town. The decision to enter this market may also spark a family feud, as Golden Gaming CEO Blake Sartini is the brother-in-law of Station's CEO Frank Fertitta III and Vice Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta. One might expect rising tensions between the two competitors, given the profound impact on their business empires.
Station executives have downplayed any intentions of muscle flexing, instead emphasizing their desire to better serve local communities without breaking the bank on conventional resort-casinos. According to Bobbie Rihel, the company's vice president of small properties, "We're simply looking to reach more locals without the extravagant costs associated with building another resort-casino."
While tavern licenses in Nevada restrict these bars to a maximum of 15 gaming devices, the first Seventy Six Tavern in North Vegas showcases an upscale take on the city's typical sports bars. The brand aims to entice local patrons with an elevated menu and sophisticated ambiance to lure video poker and keno enthusiasts to a shiny new playground.
Marking a departure from basic pub grub, Seventy Six combines traditional favorites with more creative offerings. Cooking scholar, Chef Danny Wilkins, worked tirelessly to curate a unique menu, featuring dishes like ahi tuna nachos, fried chicken street tacos, grilled salmon, and specialty burgers and pizzas called "flatbreads." These extravagant options promise a savory experience for even the most refined palates.
To attract customers, the tavern offers eight-hour happy hours and daily food and drink discounts from 3-7 p.m. and 3-7 a.m. Much like a candy store, these discounted items aren't included on the regular menu, tempting patrons with tantalizing treats to nosh on whilst they gamble or watch sports.
With 15 bar-top gaming systems equipped with the latest poker, blackjack, slot, and keno games, Seventy Six Tavern members can earn rewards through the Synkros casino-management system and the venue's exclusive VIP Club. One can expect monthly promotions tied to the player club card when participants are logged in, along with a $20 match play bonus for new members.
With the first Seventy Six Tavern now open, Station Casinos plans to rapidly expand the brand in 2025. A second location is slated to open near Boyd Gaming's Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, with construction on five more ground-up builds set to begin soon. Expect the new venues to debut on the scene by the end of 2025. The taverns will be approximately 6,000 square feet, with venues strategically placed throughout the valley to bring Station's hospitality to more locals.
In summary, Station Casinos' Seventy Six Tavern offers a refreshing take on neighborhood sports bars, aiming to provide a sophisticated dining and gaming experience. With their customer-centric approach, high-quality food, and community-focused strategy, these taverns could become the go-to destination for Las Vegans seeking a comfortable, upscale space to unwind, watch sports, and possibly strike it rich gambling.
- The Seventy Six Tavern, launched by Station Casinos, is challenging the market dominated by Golden Gaming and other operators, with ambitions to outdo the region's tavern king.
- Station Casinos, known for properties like Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch, are now targeting smaller markets, such as neighborhood sports bars and gambling taverns, with a focus on dethroning Golden Gaming.
- In the upcoming year, Station Casinos plans to expand the Seventy Six Tavern brand, with a second location opening near Boyd Gamingβs Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, and five more ground-up builds slated to begin construction in 2025.
- Seventy Six Tavern offers an upscale dining experience, combining traditional favorites with creative offerings, such as ahi tuna nachos, fried chicken street tacos, and specialty pizzas.
- With 15 bar-top gaming systems and the Synkros casino-management system, Seventy Six Tavern members can enjoy poker, blackjack, slot, and keno games, earn rewards, and participate in monthly promotions.
