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Official Publication of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers 2023 How ultra pools and spas serve discerning guests Celebrity chef or proprietary brand? CASINOStyle Casino buffets are now fine dining establishments The Buffet Grows Up BUILDING EXCITEMENT|SMOKE-FREE CASINOS|PRODUCT DURABILITY IN CASINOSFEATURES: 22Hail to the Chef Should you go for a branded chef like Guy, Giada or Gordon—or an all-new F&B identity? Each approach has benefits. By Jess Marquez 28Splash Zone The Rx for relaxation: pampering your guests with designer pools and spas. By Dave Bontempo 32Going to the Wall More and more, casinos are using video walls to bring the razzle-dazzle. By Bill Sokolic 36The Case for Smoke-Free Casinos How to eliminate indoor smoking without alienating patrons who smoke. By Cynthia Hallett, Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights 2023 CASINO STYLE 3 16 Cover Story The Durable Feast Many buffets closed due to Covid-19. Some are back, to even greater acclaim (and profitability). What’s their secret? By Marjorie Preston CONTENTS COLUMNS: 38Purchasing Made to Last Carl Long DEPARTMENTS: 4Editor’s Letter 6Building Excitement A roundup of the year’s most innovative and unique casino design projects. Style Spotlight 40 Cuningham 42 Gary Platt Manufacturing 44 HBG Design 44 Omron 46 R2Architects 48 PMI International 48 SOSH Architects 50 TBE Architects 2023 GGB publication a CASINOStyle Cover photo credit: Wynn Las VegasRoger Gros, Publisher | rgros@ggbmagazine.com twitter: @GlobalGamingBiz Marjorie Preston, Editor |mpreston@ggbmagazine.com Jess Marquez, Managing Editor jmarquez@ggbmagazine.com Monica Cooley, Art Director mcooley@ggbmagazine.com Terri Brady, Sales & Marketing Director tbrady@ggbmagazine.com Becky Kingman-Gros, Chief Operating Officer bkingros@ggbmagazine.com Lisa Johnson, Communications Advisor lisa@lisajohnsoncommunications.com twitter: @LisaJohnsonPR Columnists Carl Long Contributing Editors Dave Bontempo twitter: @bontempomedia Cynthia Hallett |Bill Sokolic twitter: @downbeachfilm _______________ • • • • • • • • • • • • • Official Publication GGB 4 CASINO STYLE2023 A GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PUBLICATION 2023 S top me if you’ve heard this one. In 2018, a group of Las Vegas casino operators supposedly banned NBA star Charles Barkley from their all-you-can-eat buffets because—well, because of all he could eat. One executive was quoted as saying, “David Copperfield isn’t this good at making stuff disappear.” Another said, “I don’t care how much the man loses, it doesn’t make up for all the shrimp and lobster he eats.” Barkley himself—the famous Round Mound of Rebound—reportedly took it in stride, saying, “I didn’t mean to bite that nice lady from Omaha’s hand. But everyone knows to be careful when reaching for shrimp.” This story, apocryphal or otherwise, sums up the casino buffet of old, which basically dared diners to see how many chicken wings, crab legs and plates of pasta they could consume in one sitting. Covid-19 changed all that. In its wake, dozens of buffets closed, in Vegas and elsewhere, due to health concerns, then because cost-conscious operators realized the model had become too inefficient and wasteful. The buffet changed because times changed, and our industry has to change with them. Even so, a number of high-end buffets are not only back, but doing better than ever. Our cover story on page 16 explains why. It also lists ways the onetime loss-leader can be a moneymaker, not only through hiking the price but trimming the waste. (Among the suggestions: use smaller plates, utensils and serving vessels; pre-plate food or prepare it on the spot; and go trayless, to keep guests from loading up on goodies they can’t possibly consume—unless they’re Charles Barkley). The feature also explains how food halls have succeeded buffets as the F&B outlet of choice at some resorts. Finally, it shares tips on creating an optimal atmosphere for guests, based on your restaurant type. Speaking of restaurants, what do your hungry customers really want: a celebrity-chef restaurant, where the name, service, menu and vibe are already pre-sold? Or a whole new F&B adventure, specific to your resort or brand, that you can grow from the ground up? Both have their risks and rewards. Read about them in our story on page 22. After guests have enjoyed your casino floor, concert venue, nightclub and other attractions, they may need a change of pace. How better to serve them than with an ultra-spa or pool? Such retreats— from sumptuous to sporty to spectacular—are a perfect way to kick back, unwind and indulge. For more, see page 28. Video walls have also become part of the contemporary resort experience. These dynamic features come in all shapes and sizes, and can be as large or small as your space and budget permit. Far more than an Instagrammable backdrop, video walls are a great way to promote special events, offer loyalty perks, and sell dining, retail and hotel options. For more on these colorful displays, see page 32. Finally, Cynthia Hallett of Americans for Non-Smokers’ Rights explains how casinos can eliminate indoor smoking sections without fear of losing revenue or alienating guests who smoke. This pivotal change is good for customers and employees, and may actually boost your profitability. It’s been said that change is the only constant in life, and those who adapt are quicker to reap the rewards of success. This issue of Casino Styleis all about change. We hope you enjoy it. Marjorie Preston, Editor Time to Change EDITOR’S LETTERBUILDING6 CASINO STYLE2023 The Sky’s the Limit Aria Sky Villas T he redesign of Aria’s Sky Villas masterfully fuses exquisite design with a comprehensive range of exceptional guest services, solidifying Aria as a pinnacle of luxury on the Las Vegas Strip. As architect and interior designer of record, Cuningham closely collab- orated with KES Studio to spearhead the development and execution of the seven exclusive Sky Villas. Elevated high above the bustling Las Vegas Strip, Sky Villas’ floor-to- ceiling windows offer an awe-inspiring panorama of the city. Guests find themselves immersed in a world of vibrant and tastefully curated furnishings, thoughtfully crafted seating spaces that invite intimate conversations, art deco-inspired bathrooms adorned with waterfall steam showers, and fully equipped kitchens that afford guests the opportunity to engage the services of a celebrity chef for an extraordinary culinary experience within the con- fines of their own villa. Spanning an impressive range of 2,000 to 7,000 square feet, the Sky Villas provide an exclusive retreat for the most discerning guests who seek an unparalleled and transformative experience. Offering a variety of two- and three-bedroom configurations, as well as single- and two-story layouts, each Sky Villa transcends the traditional confines of a suite, embodying the essence of a private estate meticulously designed to surpass and redefine guests’ expectations. Aria’s status as a recipient of both the prestigious AAA Five Diamond and ForbesFive Star Awards further solidifies its position as one of the most sought-after destinations globally, joining the esteemed ranks of only 46 resorts worldwide to attain both exceptional service ratings. Nestled within Aria’s LEED Gold-certified glass tower, Sky Villas are a captivating contrast to the overwhelming glitz commonly associated with Las Vegas. Embracing a clean and modern design ethos, each Sky Villa has its own distinctive character, boasting a meticulously crafted color palette and layout that resonates with Aria’s signature brand of refined luxury. The clever design seamlessly blends natural stone accents, organic textures, and captivating shapes, offering a welcome respite from the atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip below. High-quality materials in jewel tones harmoniously coexist with neutral hues, creating a sophisticated balance that exudes timeless elegance. The inte- gration of modern art and unique furniture pieces serves as the crowning touch, unifying the spaces and imbuing the villas with an air of opulence that leaves a lasting impression. Blackstone Group Cuningham 2023 CASINO STYLE 7 line contemporary design aesthetics and equipped with serving bars, dining room nooks and a Quartzite-wrapped fireplace. Lavish living rooms and bed- rooms are accented by furnishings upholstered in velvet and genuine leather, 100 percent wool inset carpeting, coffered and coved ceilings, classic wood paneling and natural stone and wood detailing. The expansion represents Four Winds’ second phase of growth in South Bend. The design team worked closely with the tribe to help ensure the de- sign flowed cohesively with the Phase 1 casino. A beautiful blend of contem- porary architecture and cultural heritage, upscale design and broad mix of entertainment options will offer guests and visitors an exceptional event expe- rience, raising the bar in the region’s conference and meetings industry. Pokagon Tribe HBG Design Windsof Change Ribbon Town Conference and Events Center Four Winds South Bend Casino Resort T here’s a new landmark on the South Bend, Indiana skyline, and it’s awe-inspiring—a towering 23-story glass hotel that glows at sunset with a beautiful copper hue. But this impressive structure is more than a mar- vel of contemporary architecture; it’s a testament to the Pokagon Tribe’s rich heritage and commitment to pro- viding guests with an unforgettable destination experi- ence. Four Winds South Bend Casino Resort recently cut the ribbon on an incredible 317-key, 82-suite high- end hotel, spa, F&B, rooftop pool and conference/ events amenity expansion adjoining its popular casino. Conference and meetings industry professionals will be especially thrilled by the new 24,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities designed to drive the confer- ence market and soar above the competition. Ribbon Town is the original Pokagon name for South Bend. This heritage is celebrated in the casino’s new Ribbon Town Conference and Events Center. Guests ascend from the main hotel promenade to the second-floor multi-purpose conference and events space via a dramatic vertical collection of escalators and stairs. Here, guests are treated to a stunning entry experience, complete with a vaulted ceiling and cove lighting wrapped in large copper ring ceiling accents. The the- atrical chandelier of suspended metallic shapes is a nod to the region’s Kankakee River and the lily pads that float on its surface. Designers skillfully blended culturally significant motifs and design elements, such as copper, red cedar wood, birchwood and natural stacked stone to bring guests and visitors closer to the Pokagon Tribe’s heritage and native lands. The event center aesthetic mimics a sunset’s reflection on rippling water, with warm amber, gold, and deep violet hues in lighting fixtures, furnishings, and in the ab- stracted river pattern of the custom carpet. Stylish wood detailing, neutral ac- cents, and copper accent trim on walls and columns add just the right finishing touches to enhance the venue’s exclusive aesthetic. The 24,000-square-foot multi-purpose events center features a 10,000- square-foot ballroom with seating for 800, a banquet kitchen and 16 flexible meeting rooms. Expansive windows along the event promenade filter abun- dant natural light to pre-function spaces with two bars, a lounge seating group, a business center, and an outdoor terrace. The entire third-floor level is dedicated to elegant VIP and hospitality suites with more intimate venues to host catered parties and VIP receptions. Each suite exudes comfort and approachable luxury, with access to outdoor terraces, some with dedicated whirlpools. The suites are distinguished in either lighter feminine or darker mascu-8 CASINO STYLE2023 Hail Caesars Caesars Atlantic City C aesars Entertainment is completing major renovations to its iconic Boardwalk property, Caesars Atlantic City, in anticipation of a spectacular summer season. The property will introduce new dining concepts, up- graded guestrooms, a reconfigured casino floor and reimag- ined arrival experience, as well as the premiere of “The Hook,” Atlantic City’s first live entertainment and dining residency at the site of the historic Warner Theatre. R2Architects and R2Interiors worked with the Caesars team to realize this amazing transformation, which has reinvigorated the classic Boardwalk property, making it a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Atlantic City. R2Architects Principal David J. Rudzenski has been providing design services to the Atlantic City gaming in- dustry for almost 40 years, and has called Caesars Atlantic City a client for more than two decades. Principal of De- sign John P. Ruiz joined R2A in 2007 and has led the firm’s design efforts on projects in Atlantic City and throughout the U.S. R2Architects and R2Interiors (MBE-certified) have maintained a close and longstanding relationship with Caesars Entertainment and have been privileged to earn commissions at various Caesars properties throughout the Eastern U.S. R2A and R2I are pleased and excited to be retained by Caesars to help the company achieve its vision to significantly transform the property and enhance the guest experience, from arrival to departure. R2A provided architectural services for the renovations to the Centurion Tower, updating its guest rooms in a modern Roman aesthetic, featuring con- temporary amenities and stylish decor. The new rooms are designed to provide guests with a luxurious and comfortable experience, with plush bedding, spa- cious bathrooms and stunning ocean views. A highlight of the renovation is the introduction of Nobu Atlantic City. R2Architects provided architectural services with interior design by the Rock- well Group for the world-renowned restaurant in a spectacular space overlook- ing the beach, with floor-to-ceiling windows and unobstructed ocean views. In addition, R2A, also in collaboration with the Rockwell Group, is the architect for the upcoming Nobu Atlantic City hotel project, which will offer a unique and distinct hospitality experience within Caesars Atlantic City. In addition to the guest rooms, R2A redesigned a new porte cochere and self-park garage entrance to enhance the guest experience. It also reimagined the hotel’s public spaces, including the resort’s hotel lobby, which will feature a custom-designed 40-foot chandelier, casino floor upgrades and new eateries in- cluding a new Starbucks and remodeled Tazza café. The new design features a sleek and modern aesthetic, with clean lines and bold colors that create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. One of the most impressive aspects of the renovation is the attention to de- tail that R2Architects has paid to the hotel’s history and legacy. The design team has incorporated elements of Caesars’ Roman-inspired theme throughout the property, from the hotel lobby’s new marble floors to the casino’s intricate ceiling details. R2A is also the architect for Spiegelworld’s new theater and residency, The Hook. The venue designed in collaboration with the Spiegelworld creative team and interior design by Rickman Architectural Design will feature a live show with an international cast in a new 400-seat theater that will utilize the original historic Warner Theater façade as its primary Boardwalk Entrance. R2A has recreated the iconic Warner Theater marquee and restored the historic theater’s façade that will once again welcome guests this summer. The Spiegelworld project also will include the East Coast debut of the pop- ular Las Vegas restaurant Superfrico, with a myriad of discoverable bars and an elevated cocktail program created by award-winning mixologists. Overall, the renovation of Caesars Atlantic City by R2Architects is a stun- ning example of how thoughtful and innovative design can transform a prop- erty and create a truly exceptional guest experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a tourist visiting the Jersey Shore for the first time, Caesars is now a must-visit destination that is sure to impress. Caesars Entertainment Inc. R2Architects, R2InteriorsCall (314)727-7000, Email Architects@TBEarc.com, & See our work online at www.TBEarchitects.com Prairie Band Casino & Resort | Mayetta, KS We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort | Fort McDowell, AZ Any firm can design. We can help you STAND OUT! San Manuel Casino | Highland, CA We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort | Fort McDowell, AZNext >