Grand Casino celebrates 25 years with renovation
ONAMIA — It's been 25 years since the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe first launched its flagship Grand Casino brand, and to mark the occasion, Grand Casino announced last week it is making significant investments in property enhancements at both Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley to improve the guest experience.
"Twenty-five years ago, the Mille Lacs Band had a vision of what Grand Casino Mille Lacs could contribute to the Mille Lacs area, but few people could have imagined how significant that impact would become," said Joe Nayquonabe, Jr., CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, which owns and operates both Grand Casino properties, in a news release. "When a business approaches a large milestone anniversary like this, you often think of what else could be. And I'm thrilled to announce today that we have big plans in store for Grand Casino."
Dining changes
A significant part of Grand Casino property enhancements will focus on food and beverage venues, the company reported.
At Grand Casino Mille Lacs, the former Woodlands Steakhouse space will be replaced by a new concept called Brand Burger Bar. This 4,600-square-foot "sports-centric restaurant will be an ode to sports fans where guests can place their favorite burger order and settle in for a fun, community-based viewing of their favorite sports events." Plans call for more than 35 big screen TVs and a bar-style seating area will feature popular slot machines.
The Grand Northern Grill will be replaced by a new concept called the 1991 Kitchen. This 7,075-square-foot casual 24-hour restaurant will be sit-down service and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner comfort foods with a twist, the company reported.
Additional chances will revamp eating option at Grand Casino Hinckley with a Stories Diner constructed near the entrance of the Events and Convention Center. Plans call for a Rival House Sporting Parlour, which is part of MLCV's DoubleTree hotel in St. Paul. The 13,130-square-foot Grand Casino version will include bowling lanes, pool tables and other popular games along with Rival House staples like craft beer and shareable plates.
Renovations will also take place at the Grand Grill Americana. In its place will be a 10,301-square-foot Lola's Taphouse, a restaurant serving Minnesota's favorite craft brews and popular ales accompanied by a delicious menu serving simple, well-prepared gastro-pub fare that will include an extended selection of shareables, sandwiches, burgers and entrees.
The Grand Buffets will also be refreshed and rebranded as Grand Provisions at both Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley.
"This food hall concept is a multifaceted culinary marketplace that will feature multiple distinct kitchens at each property offering a variety of American, Mexican, Italian and Asian inspired meals, along with homemade pastries and dessert selections," MLCV reported. "Diners can roam from station to station and select the food they wish then pay for it in one transaction. What separates this concept from other food halls is the restaurant's ability to flip to a unique all-you-care-to-eat buffet on Fridays, Saturdays and special occasions that allows Grand Casino guests to enjoy their beloved favorites like the popular Seafood buffet."
"Grand Casino is known for our food offerings. We have people that travel from miles away to share a meal with us," said Tracy Sam, general manager of Grand Casino Mille Lacs, in a news release. "We knew we could make that experience even better and the improvements we announced today will really raise the bar for dining in the region."
Another main focus of this project will be the gaming floors at each casino. Mel Towle, General Manager of Grand Casino Hinckley said that a complete floor to ceiling renovation will take place at each property. "Everything from the ceiling and light fixtures to the wall treatments, carpet and property signage will be upgraded."
Other Upgrades
Additional enhancements include:
• A new associate dining area and break space at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs property. The casinos directly employ more than 3,000 people and cover more than 4,000 people with their insurance plan.
• A new pool area at Grand Casino Hinckley.
"These improvements underscore our commitment to providing the best experience for our loyal Guests and Associates," said Nayquonabe. "This is quite an undertaking that we are excited to begin, and we look forward to celebrating our continued success as we unveil each new upgrade."
Reported by: BraineredDispatch.com
Eau Claire hits visitor spending record
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) -- As Monday kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week, industry experts say tourism is making a big impact on our area.
It has exploded in recent years, with visitor spending in Eau Claire County hitting $355 million in 2015. $216 million of that is direct spending.
"That's the biggest spending year that Eau Claire has ever realized," Linda John, with Visit Eau Claire said. "When you have a visitor coming into your community, they're bringing in new money that wasn't there before."
When they spend that cash at businesses and attractions, in hotels, restaurants and gas stations, the local economy sees a boost. It reduces the tax burden for all of us, John says.
Visitor spending also adds jobs.
"Well over 4,000 right here in Eau Claire County are directly related to tourism," John said.
Statewide, 1 in 12.5 jobs are sustained by tourism activity. It makes up 8 percent of total employment in the Badger State, according to Travel Wisconsin.
Lodging is also growing robustly. John says Eau Claire County will see 365 new rooms coming online this year and they are greatly needed.
"There are times during the summer season that we really could use twice as many hotel rooms," she explained.
Visit Eau Claire is not solely focused on the summer season though. Its staff is working to build up what it calls the shoulder season, times and events that surround peak travel, like Eau Claire's jazz festival and marathon.
Click on the video above to learn more.
Reported by: weau.com
"Twenty-five years ago, the Mille Lacs Band had a vision of what Grand Casino Mille Lacs could contribute to the Mille Lacs area, but few people could have imagined how significant that impact would become," said Joe Nayquonabe, Jr., CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, which owns and operates both Grand Casino properties, in a news release. "When a business approaches a large milestone anniversary like this, you often think of what else could be. And I'm thrilled to announce today that we have big plans in store for Grand Casino."
Dining changes
A significant part of Grand Casino property enhancements will focus on food and beverage venues, the company reported.
At Grand Casino Mille Lacs, the former Woodlands Steakhouse space will be replaced by a new concept called Brand Burger Bar. This 4,600-square-foot "sports-centric restaurant will be an ode to sports fans where guests can place their favorite burger order and settle in for a fun, community-based viewing of their favorite sports events." Plans call for more than 35 big screen TVs and a bar-style seating area will feature popular slot machines.
The Grand Northern Grill will be replaced by a new concept called the 1991 Kitchen. This 7,075-square-foot casual 24-hour restaurant will be sit-down service and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner comfort foods with a twist, the company reported.
Additional chances will revamp eating option at Grand Casino Hinckley with a Stories Diner constructed near the entrance of the Events and Convention Center. Plans call for a Rival House Sporting Parlour, which is part of MLCV's DoubleTree hotel in St. Paul. The 13,130-square-foot Grand Casino version will include bowling lanes, pool tables and other popular games along with Rival House staples like craft beer and shareable plates.
Renovations will also take place at the Grand Grill Americana. In its place will be a 10,301-square-foot Lola's Taphouse, a restaurant serving Minnesota's favorite craft brews and popular ales accompanied by a delicious menu serving simple, well-prepared gastro-pub fare that will include an extended selection of shareables, sandwiches, burgers and entrees.
The Grand Buffets will also be refreshed and rebranded as Grand Provisions at both Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley.
"This food hall concept is a multifaceted culinary marketplace that will feature multiple distinct kitchens at each property offering a variety of American, Mexican, Italian and Asian inspired meals, along with homemade pastries and dessert selections," MLCV reported. "Diners can roam from station to station and select the food they wish then pay for it in one transaction. What separates this concept from other food halls is the restaurant's ability to flip to a unique all-you-care-to-eat buffet on Fridays, Saturdays and special occasions that allows Grand Casino guests to enjoy their beloved favorites like the popular Seafood buffet."
"Grand Casino is known for our food offerings. We have people that travel from miles away to share a meal with us," said Tracy Sam, general manager of Grand Casino Mille Lacs, in a news release. "We knew we could make that experience even better and the improvements we announced today will really raise the bar for dining in the region."
Another main focus of this project will be the gaming floors at each casino. Mel Towle, General Manager of Grand Casino Hinckley said that a complete floor to ceiling renovation will take place at each property. "Everything from the ceiling and light fixtures to the wall treatments, carpet and property signage will be upgraded."
Other Upgrades
Additional enhancements include:
• A new associate dining area and break space at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs property. The casinos directly employ more than 3,000 people and cover more than 4,000 people with their insurance plan.
• A new pool area at Grand Casino Hinckley.
"These improvements underscore our commitment to providing the best experience for our loyal Guests and Associates," said Nayquonabe. "This is quite an undertaking that we are excited to begin, and we look forward to celebrating our continued success as we unveil each new upgrade."
Reported by: BraineredDispatch.com
Eau Claire hits visitor spending record
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) -- As Monday kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week, industry experts say tourism is making a big impact on our area.
It has exploded in recent years, with visitor spending in Eau Claire County hitting $355 million in 2015. $216 million of that is direct spending.
"That's the biggest spending year that Eau Claire has ever realized," Linda John, with Visit Eau Claire said. "When you have a visitor coming into your community, they're bringing in new money that wasn't there before."
When they spend that cash at businesses and attractions, in hotels, restaurants and gas stations, the local economy sees a boost. It reduces the tax burden for all of us, John says.
Visitor spending also adds jobs.
"Well over 4,000 right here in Eau Claire County are directly related to tourism," John said.
Statewide, 1 in 12.5 jobs are sustained by tourism activity. It makes up 8 percent of total employment in the Badger State, according to Travel Wisconsin.
Lodging is also growing robustly. John says Eau Claire County will see 365 new rooms coming online this year and they are greatly needed.
"There are times during the summer season that we really could use twice as many hotel rooms," she explained.
Visit Eau Claire is not solely focused on the summer season though. Its staff is working to build up what it calls the shoulder season, times and events that surround peak travel, like Eau Claire's jazz festival and marathon.
Click on the video above to learn more.
Reported by: weau.com
