Ellis Island Casino Blog

An Ellis Island regular got lucky this weekend on one of our very own Buffalo Grand slot machines. Our local player hit a $747,243.68 jackpot on Saturday night (that’s a lot of steak specials.) Our winner asked to remain anonymous, but you might be able to spot her from the coins jangling around in her pocket! 

Ellis Island Casino, Hotel and Brewery has redesigned its Casino Cage, and its artistic new design is so stunning it could make any bird sing.  The vertical gold bars have been traded in for a more modern, fresh, fluid look that proves its modernity not only in design but in functionality as well.  To meet modern demands, designer Lisa Pierce of Commercial Design Group had to re-evaluate the traditional "back-of-the-house" areas for space requirements due to new technology.  Traditional coin-counting machines are becoming obsolete while new, more efficient technology free up space behind the counter allowing for a smaller cage area without compromising window space and continuing to provide quick and excellent service to all guests.  Directer of Cage Operations Kelly Ryan explains how she ensures efficiency in the new cage saying, "When I was told that we would be occupying a much "cozier" space than before I had to try to come up with an idea to be efficient and still have room for growth.  I worked with a great team at Reldom Corporation as well as Damion and Marcus to get functional and well-crafted cabinets to support this idea".  The new casino cage is the first step in remodeling the whole east wall of the property near the Ellis Island BBQ.   With the debut of the new cage the old cage will be "knocked back" to make room for the new William Hill walk-up window as well as provide more space on the casino floor for machines.  Kelly says she has recieved nothing but positive feedback so far from guests as well as team members.  She states of the new design, "I know that once the construction is complete and the signage is in place guests will forget we were ever anywhere else in the building".  

As with the many changes Ellis Island is currently undergoing, marrying visual appeal with performance is key.  Lisa is also the creative mind behind Ellis Island's newly announced entertainment venue, The Front Yard, and the casino is just a small taste of what we can expect from the upcoming renovations to the iconic property.  When asked what the driving force was in the redesigning of the casino cage she states,"This is the beginning of the transformation for the Ellis Island Casino.  As the backbone of the casino , the cage needed to be centrally located and as visible as possible."  The casino cage is indeed central and visible, and it is the arrow pointing toward the direction Ellis Island is headed:  modern in aesthetics, sustainability, technology, and performance.  It provides a smooth transition between the existing casino and what we will be seeing in new additions like The Front Yard.  Lisa Pierce says of the new casino cage, "We hope this renovation, along with The Front Yard scale model on display in the casino, will get patrons excited for all of the new changes to Ellis Island Casino."  We are all undoubtedly looking forward to the updates taking place at our favorite local hotspot.  Adjoining classic favorites with the new modern designs will prove to be a step toward ensuring Ellis Island has a little something for everyone.  

Why limit Funday to Sunday?  We are in the city that never sleeps, and a place to frequent for a little weekday pick-me-up for your weekend hangover is a must.  Ellis Island Casino, Hotel and Brewery has launched their Monday Lounge Brunch in its famed karaoke lounge weekly from 10am-2pm.  The words "karaoke lounge," with its undoubted tendency to resurface memories of who-knows-how-many-shots-of-whiskey and maybe a few too many Journey songs, may not come to mind as first on your list to revisit for a relaxing weekend...end or rejuvinating week...beginning, but Ellis Island has found the perfect balance for that weekend to weekday transition.

Ellis Island Casino, Hotel and Brewery is taking its family-owned, hometown feel outside. To “The Front Yard,” to be exact.