Carson Valley Inn transfer of ownership final

The Carson Valley Inn in Minden has changed ownership and started a major remodeling project. The sale of the casino/hotel from Patrick and Jeane Mulreany to Mike Pegram and his partners was announced in late May, 2009, and the transaction was finalized early today.

The property will undergo extensive remodeling in stages during the first quarter of 2010 as the first phase of a $10 million upgrade and refurbishment project begins.

"We are committed to providing a more modern and lively casino while still maintaining the charm, atmosphere and many of the friendly faces that were the cornerstone of the Carson Valley Inn's success and growth over the last 25 years," said Pegram. "Other than nine people, our entire first-day staff came from the previous Carson Valley Inn employees. Many familiar faces are part of our new management team including General Manager, Steve Chappell; Director of Sales, Bill Henderson; Director of Finance, Phillip Bushnell; Director of Engineering, Dennis Koepnick; Director of Food Operations, Gary Oien and others. We have also placed many former employees into new positions so you'll see some old faces in new areas."

The casino remodeling project will be done in sections to keep casino operations going during construction, which is expected to be finished by late March or early April. Enhancements include the latest technology in slots and videos with 200 new slot games and upgrades to over 120 existing games. A newly designed and refreshed pit table games area will include multiple flat-screen televisions. Also part of the project are new carpeting, more pleasing lighting, new ceiling and wall treatments and tiled entrance ways. A new 3,300 square foot cabaret, sports book and bar area will have more than 20 new flat-screen televisions, an expanded and modernized sports book, an entertainment stage, a lounge and an island bar.

"We are implementing many changes and improvements designed to enhance every guest's experience. Installation of a state-of-the-art AAON air handling system has already started," said Chappell. "With this system, internal casino air is constantly pumped out and replaced by 100 percent outside fresh air that is heated or cooled depending on the season."

Chappell explained that this system will significantly reduce the smell of cigarette smoke in the casino and the hotel hallways.

"New high-comfort chairs will be brought in at all slot and table game positions," he said. "We'll also have a high-quality sound system with upbeat music."

"A number of changes are being made to improve the gaming customer's experience," said Kevin Roach, long-time Carson Valley Inn slot director and now part of the manager-on-duty staff. "PointPay has been implemented so players can automatically redeem earned points for slot play at the gaming devices. We've also instituted PointPay so our Inn Club members can redeem points for comps right at the restaurants."

Other guest service improvements include a combined casino guest services/cashier area (in a temporary location during remodeling) and a new approach to customer service staffing for change and cocktails.

The restaurant portion of Fiona's is also being remodeled, but Fiona's bar area remains open 24 hours during construction with extra big-screen televisions added for viewing the NFL football playoffs. The restaurant area will undergo changes to appearance and menu approach as it transforms into CV Steak Restaurant, scheduled to open by mid-March.

"We'll feature steaks and also offer many traditional favorites," said Pegram. "My objective is for guests to enjoy top-of-the-line taste and value. Entrees will be generous portions with all the trimmings for under $25. I want folks to leave full, and often with a doggie bag."

Pegram also said CV Steak will build on the existing structural positives of Fiona's and that the existing private dining room will be maintained.

Katie's, the Carson Valley Inn's 24-hour restaurant, will maintain its current decor.

"The CVI customers sent a loud message to not make major changes in Katie's, so we are being very sensitive to that mandate," said Pegram.

Gary Oien, director of food operations, said the restaurant is offering a different dinner special every night of the week through January, ranging from $4.99 to $7.99 depending on the special.

Oien said that Katie's is also offering a $5.99 hamsteak and eggs special available 24 hours every day in January.

"Enjoy a giant hamsteak, two eggs any style, hash browns and toast - any time, day or night for just $5.99," Oien said.

Also part of the first phase is the construction of a 2,500 square foot storage and receiving area off the current loading dock behind Katie's Restaurant. This project will also include removal of one of the existing exterior storage buildings and the creation of a small greenbelt area along Highway 395. Additional landscape elements will enhance the appearance of the area.

Phase two of the Carson Valley Inn remodeling project will begin later in 2010 and will address some of the hotel rooms in stages including flat-screen televisions and new carpeting, mattresses, bed and bath linens and more. Later in 2010 or early 2011, phase three will include remodeled guest lobby areas plus upgrades to the convention center meeting and banquet rooms.

The Carson Valley Inn, www.cvinn.com, is located on Highway 395 in Minden near the start of Highway 88. The property includes a casino, hotel, motor lodge, RV park and three dining facilities.