The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission recently unanimously approved a .5 million expansion at the Hard Rock Casino in Sioux City.
General Manager Todd Moyer said the project will add 7,800 square feet to the two-year old facility, including 60 new slot machines, two new table games, a private lounge and a wine bar.
The Sioux City Planning and Zoning Commission and city council previously approved the plan. Moyer added construction will begin within a month and be completed within six months.
“The property has done very well. It has been very well accepted by Siouxland and the surrounding communities. But what we’re seeing is people are coming from farther distances to really see what all the talk is about, so to speak. They are coming for the hotel, they are coming for the restaurant product . Entertainment is a big driver for us. In fact, just since we’ve opened, we’ve sold tickets to 150,000 people, hailing from all 50 states,” Moyer said.
The wine bar will be designed as a destination, Moyer noted. “We will be looking for a Wine Spectator award for the wine list that we are putting together as we speak, 125 different labels, 600 bottle capacity, 32 great bottles of wine available by the glass. It’s going to be a really neat experience,” he said.
In the fiscal year ending in June, the Hard Rock posted gross revenue of $83 million.
