The first of several renovation projects recently began at the Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center in Mahnomen, Minnesota. Officials of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, owners and operators of the property, said all of the projects will be underway by this summer.
Shooting Star General Manager Bill Marsh said the Traditions Buffet recently closed for renovations that will include an additional 950 square feet and reconfigured floorplan with space for up to 30 more seats, to be completed in mid-June. “The entire restaurant will be completely redesigned, with much more open space and all on one level,” Marsh said.
In addition, Marsh said Executive Chef Mark Cowgill will create an all-new menu, including more specialty and international selections. “There will also be a pizza oven right on the main entree line, so there will be pizzas in three minutes or less. There will always be fresh, hot pizzas on the buffet line,” Marsh said.
During the Traditions Buffet renovation, the casino’s four other restaurants—Smoke Barbeque and Brew, Mino Wiisini Cafe, 2 One 8 and Tim Horton’s Café & Bake Shop—will remain open, as well as pop-up buffets in the Shooting Star Event Center.
The Traditions Buffet renovation was designed by the Cuningham Group of Milwaukee, which also designed the Smoke Barbeque and Brew restaurant, formerly the Whispering Winds.
“Remodeling Traditions Buffet is just the beginning of the renovations we have in store for Shooting Star,” Marsh said. He said the 386 hotel rooms will be remodeled in phases until the property is 100 percent smoke-free. Currently smoking is allowed on three floors. “We’re looking to eliminate that. We’re looking for a healthier overall environment in the hotel. We actually hope to be done by the end of this year. We’re in the process of completing a model room, and the rest of the hotel will be designed around that. As we complete a room, we’ll re-open it as smoking-free,” Marsh said.
In addition, every guestroom will receive new carpeting, beds, furnishings, decor and amenities. Marsh said hallways, corridors and other public places also will be upgraded. “We’re very busy right now, but the end result will be a lot of great improvements for all our guests,” he said.
Marsh added the tribe recently closed on a motel that will be renovated and reopened in June as the Shooting Star Hotel, located minutes from the tribe’s new casino in Bagley.
