LAKE TAHOE, California, August 4, 2005 -- With the highly anticipated opening of a Fatburger hamburger stand in the new food court inside Harrah's Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort now a reality, it's a safe bet the combination of gaming casinos and Fatburger restaurants will continue to pay off.
Known as "The Last Great Hamburger Stand," the new restaurant will play an important role in a pilot program undertaken by the casino's management to give patrons easy access to refreshments by locating the food court in the gaming area. Open around the clock, the 4,500-square-foot food court accommodates approximately 75 guests at tables and booths. Two additional vendors featuring Italian and Chinese food are also planned for the food court.
"The new food court has been designed as a prototype for Harrah's and Harvey's casinos," said Fatburger Franchisee Robert Schuster, who, along with business partner Peter Feinstein, also developed the project. "We want gaming enthusiasts to be able to enjoy a Fatburger or other entrée without having to leave the action." The food court is located adjacent to the resort's showroom with only a half-wall separating it from the gaming area.
As the first Fatburger restaurant to be located in a destination casino and resort property frequented by vacationers from around the globe, the burger stand showcases a modified version of its signature retro '50s-style décor, complete with neon lighting and an open kitchen, and will employ approximately 40 crew members.
Currently, the popular restaurant chain has a presence in the Las Vegas, Nevada area's Green Valley Ranch Station Casino, Sunset Station Casino, Santa Fe Station Casino, and Texas Station Casino. Fatburger is also serving up meals to burger lovers in two other California casinos the new Casino Morongo in Cabazon near Palm Springs in Southern California, and in the Thunder Valley Casino near Sacramento in Northern California.
Guests unfamiliar with the chain will soon learn that the best bet is the huge homemade-style 1/3 lb. Fatburger, made with fresh lean USDA domestic beef, and grilled or charbroiled immediately after being ordered. Other options include the chain's popular Turkeyburgers and Chicken Sandwiches. A wide selection of toppings, including cheese, bacon, egg, and chili, is available for those wanting to garnish their burger or other sandwich.
The menu also features chili dogs, homemade onion rings, and "fat" or "skinny" fries. Milkshakes made with real hand-scooped ice cream top the list of beverages that includes an assortment of soft drinks.
"We know the casino's patrons will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a tasty Fatburger without having to leave the gaming area," said Elaine Patel, director of marketing for Fatburger Corporation. "Fatburgers and gaming are natural partners."
About Fatburger Restaurants
Founded by Lovie Yancey in Los Angeles, California in 1952, the Fatburger Restaurant chain has more than 70 restaurants serving big, fresh, lean beef burgers cooked to order on open grills in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Canada. Based in Santa Monica, California, the company is actively seeking new franchisees for available territories across the nation. For more information, or to find a Fatburger restaurant near you, go to www.fatburger.com.
