Jeramey Jannene

Potawatomi Plans $100 Million Casino Overhaul

Adding 1,800 slot machines, high-limit gambling room and rock'n'roll restaurant.

By - May 9th, 2022 05:17 pm
Revamped Potawatomi Casino Floor Plan. Image from Potawatomi/I-5.

Revamped Potawatomi Casino Floor Plan. Image from Potawatomi/I-5.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is set to overhaul its casino floor as part of a $100 million project.

The changes include adding 1,800 more slot machines, a high-limit gambling room, Starbucks cafe, Rock & Brews restaurant from KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and three new “quick service” food options.

“Since opening more than 30 years ago, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has made it a priority to evolve and meet the needs of our guests,” said CEO and general manager Dominic Ortiz in a statement Monday. “Not only will this elevate the brand, it will further our long-standing status as the premier entertainment destination in the region as the market becomes significantly more competitive. This is just the beginning. Additional exciting changes and new amenities are in store. The best is truly yet to come.”

The new slot machines include 28 bar-top “slot seats,” which the casino said is a first for the Menomonee Valley establishment, 1721 W. Canal St.

Both the full-service Starbucks cafe and Rock & Brews restaurant will be located at the connection point of the parking structure skywalk on the casino’s third floor.

The new restaurant will offer a “rock ‘n’ roll twist,” said the casino in a press release. It will include American fare with a mix of local and craft beers as well as a stage for live music. Stanley and Simmons are scheduled to attend a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday. Rock & Brews is a national franchise with 19 locations, 11 of which are in California, according to its website. Alas, photos of the locations do not show any employees in black-and-white face paint, a’ la members of KISS onstage.

The new high-limit room will include a private bar and kitchen in addition to “upscale decor.”

The casino is already scheduled to start offering sports betting, under a revised gaming compact, by the end of 2022. Potawatomi added a second hotel tower in 2019.

“Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin has been home to the Potawatomi for hundreds of years, and this project is another example of how we are continuing to invest in and better the communities that we call home,” said Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Ned Daniels Jr. “We are excited to bring these new experiences to our guests and to continue our role as the top entertainment destination in Wisconsin.”

Potawatomi’s contracting firm, Greenfire Management Services, is leading the general contracting in partnership with Gilbane Building Co. I-5, a casino architecture firm, is serving as the project architect.

A new gift shop and Fire Keeper’s Club booth are also planned.

The improvements come as new casinos are opening in Illinois and a new casino is proposed for Beloit.

Casino Overhaul Fly Through

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