Caesars Danville Casino in Virginia only has been open a few weeks but regional business owners already are benefiting. City Councilman Lee Vogler said the temporary Caesars Danville has been a driving force in the city’s recent growth.
“I have had gas station owners tell me how much business is up for them. I mean across the board it’s been a lot of activity, and while folks are here, they’re finding out why Danville’s the comeback city all the way around,” Vogler told local outlet WFMY.
Bee Hotel General Manager Madison Eades said, “A lot of people don’t know we are here, but that is changing. We see guests from all over the world, traveling in for corporate, different industries in the area, but then we see a lot of these are guests, too.”
John Shutts, owner of Schoolfield Restaurant, located directly across from the casino, said he has expanded the establishment’s hours due to increased business since Caesars Danville opened. “Eventually, I have a feeling by the end of the year, I am probably going to be open lunch and dinner every day except for one day that I need for myself,” he told WFMY.
Although Caesars will offer its own restaurants and hotel when the permanent facility opens in late 2024, nearby business owners said they will continue to partner with the casino resort. “I think our hotels cater to different individuals and we will both benefit from the casino coming. I think every player in the city will benefit from it,” said Eades.
Vogler summarized, “I grew up here and I’ve lived here my entire life, and I’ve never seen such excitement like we have right now” in the former textile-manufacturing hub that’s gone from failing to flourishing.
