Soon Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario will be saying goodbyes to one of its most iconic dining venues – the Grand Buffet. A few weeks ago, management of the gaming hotspot reported that after 20 years of premium dining amenities, the Buffet will be closing down its doors for good. The location will cease work due to increasing operating expenses.
With over 195 items, the Grand Buffet provides an impressive dining experience filled with market-fresh produce, gourmet recipes and a welcoming atmosphere. Currently, admissions cost CA$55 excluding taxes, gratuities or any alcoholic beverages. But before the unprecedented situation, the diner charged CA$25 for entry, which is quite a steep increase in prices.
Grand Buffet is No More
Previously, the management of the casino informed its patrons The Grand Buffet would close down its doors on Oct. 15 at 9 p.m., which was the case. In a press release from September 2023, the gaming property said that the venue would suspend work due to increasing food prices and failed attempts to contain its costs that eventually made the business unsustainable.
Niagara Casinos president Richard Taylor explained that since the reopening of casinos after the unprecedented situation the company has put some big efforts into trying to rejuvenate the buffet last year but it was in vain. That is why the operator had to make the difficult choice and suspend business at the buffet, elaborated Mr. Taylor.
But now, the casino is redirecting its customers to a 260-seat sports bar as an alternative location. Starting from Thursday, October 19, 2023, guests of the resort will be able to enjoy the new Overtime Sports Lounge, which stretches over 1,500 square feet of space and also touts HDTV screens and an 80-foot bar that connects the restaurant to the gaming floor.
In addition to that, the Overtime Sports Lounge will also come with a menu specializing in pub fare. Once it kicks off operations at 11:30 a.m. October 19, 2023, the lounge will be working seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations for the new venue are not mandatory, but if people plan on visiting during major sporting events, then bookings are encouraged.
On top of the imminent opening of the new Overtime Sports Lounge, Fallsview Casino Resort recently celebrated the launch of a new PlaySmart Centre. Located in the Galleria by Ponte Vecchio, the centre will be an information space for players who want to take a break from playing, learn, and utilize advice and resources to support positive players and help keep fun in the game.
Marking CA$200M in Contributions
The start of October 2023 saw officials of Niagara Falls gathered at Firemen’s Park to recognize the impact of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and its gambling operations on Niagara Falls. Along with Fallsview, the city hosts OLG’s Niagara Casino Resort, and thanks to them it has received over CA$200 million from its gambling revenue which has supported numerous local projects and initiatives.
Source: Mitchell, Don “Fallsview Casino’s Grand Buffet in Niagara Falls to close” GlobalNews, October 12, 2023
