CHEROKEE, N.C. — Early this year, Harrah’s Cherokee unveiled a new hotel tower, a Paula Deen eatery and a message: They were ready to play, Las Vegas-style.
Three years into a $633 million property expansion, the bustling casino nestled in the Smoky Mountains — less than a 3-hour drive from Atlanta — continues its quest to match the gaming and amenities found at its counterparts in not only Vegas, but Atlantic City, Tunica and Biloxi, Miss., Mashantucket, Conn., and at least a half-dozen other cities with newly opened gambling and resort hubs.
Within the past three months, Harrah’s Cherokee unveiled the Chef’s Stage Buffet, which will accommodate 200 more diners than its predecessor; a food court featuring UNO Pizza, Winning Streaks Deli, Dunkin’ Donuts Express and Johnny Rockets — the latter two open 24 hours; and the late-night haven Noodle Bar next to the new casino area, featuring Asian gaming such as Pai Gow Poker.
Still under construction is the rotunda area — which will eventually be the focal point of the casino when it opens mid-summer — and in the former buffet spot, an expanded lounge for those with high-end Diamond or 7 Stars player’s club ranking that will rival any current Harrah’s properties.
“I’ve never seen a property prepare for a lounge this size,” said Brooks Robinson, general manager at Harrah’s Cherokee. “It’s truly one of a kind and will clearly be utilized.”
The space will be segregated into six different areas, including a media room, a solarium and a private buffet.
The five-year expansion plan for the casino, which is operated by Harrah’s but owned by the Cherokee Tribal Council, is projected to wrap in December 2012. Robinson said all openings are on target.
While the Chef’s Stage Buffet, a sleek emporium with interactive palette-spanning stations — Mexican, Italian, Asian and comfort food are a few choices — is the casino’s most boast-worthy addition, visitors will have more food choices in April with the arrival of Ruth’s Chris Steak House and by the summer, Brio Tuscan Grille.
The enhanced food options are indeed a significant upgrade to the casino; prior to the opening of Deen’s restaurant, the only dining outlets were a small buffet and quick-stop sandwich/hot dog nook.
But those who visit Harrah’s Cherokee strictly for gaming might be more interested in those improvements.
“We have a lot of [gaming] plans,” Robinson said. “We’re happy to be at a point where we’ve taken out almost all of the old gaming area and removed those games. When the wall around the rotunda construction comes down, we’ll wind up with about a 4,100 game count.”
About 600 games are located in the nonsmoking area, which Robinson said is one of the largest among Harrah’s properties.
And for those with relaxation on the brain, Mandara Spa is slated to open at the end of 2012, although there are no plans to replace the current fitness center.
Meanwhile, the 3,000-capacity Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center that opened in fall 2010 continues to draw crowds — and help sell out hotel rooms — with a lineup of mostly country acts and classic rockers (Charley Pride performs Jan. 14).
Just another tidbit of proof that execs at the casino aren’t exaggerating with their claims to turn Harrah’s Cherokee into a worthy gaming and resort contender.
-----------------
If you go
Harrah’s Cherokee
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, N.C. 828-497-7777, www.harrahscherokee.com.
