Foxwoods Announces Renovation Project
NOVEMBER 14, 2007. Foxwoods Resort Casino, North America's largest resort casino located in Mashantucket, CT has announced a $55 million renovation project that will enhance both its culinary and retail offerings to guests. The project, which will seamlessly blend the guest experience between the soon-to-open MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Foxwoods proper, will bring two new dining experiences by David Burke, acclaimed celebrity chef best known for his New York City restaurant, David Burke & Donatella. In addition, a new luxury retail corridor and 6,600-square-foot ultra-hip lounge will open when the project is completed next spring.
"Since 1992, Foxwoods has been one of the most successful gaming establishments in the world. This project is the first in a series of enhancements we plan to undertake in order to bring a new level of service and amenities to our guests as well as set new standards in resort casinos," said John O'Brien, president of Foxwoods Resort Casino. "We're excited to unveil the next generation of Foxwoods in May 2008 in tandem with the opening of the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods," he added.
What's cooking at Foxwoods?
Award-winning Chef David Burke will bring his culinary and artistic talents to Foxwoods with two new dining establishments, including David Burke Prime, a 13,000-square-foot steakhouse with 280 seats. The restaurant will also feature a 28-seat bar and 1,700-square-foot private banquet area accommodating up to 100 people. Not only will David Burke Prime be visually stunning, but it will offer oenophiles a choice of more than 5,000 bottles of premium wine from around the world. Situated on the hotel level of Foxwoods Resort Casino, the eatery's 35-foot tall wine tower escalates up three stories to the casino level, while private dinners can be hosted in its base, which extends across 17 feet in diameter. In typical Burke fashion, the restaurant will have an in-house dry aging room composed of pink rock salt imported direct from the Himalayas. All of the meat on the menu will be imported directly from Creekstone Farms in Kentucky and dry-aged from 28 days up to 75 days. Chef Burke's bull, Prime, is solely responsible for siring all of the Prime Creekstone beef which is found on the menu.
A second dining outlet, the 2,700-square-foot Burke in the Box, will offer gourmet food to-go or to eat-in with 70 seats. Also located on the casino level, the high-end fast-casual restaurant is modeled after the flagship Burke in the Box in Manhattan. With its signature packaging of pinstripe bags and brightly colored custom-designed boxes, Burke in the Box will serve sandwiches, salads and unique side dishes.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Guests of Foxwoods will find a shopping experience like none other with an array of high-end boutique shops offering everything from designer watches and jewelry to luxury apparel, accessories and celebrity memorabilia. Situated within the Foxwoods-MGM Grand portal, each of the new retail outlets will be modern and open, utilizing a frameless glass design.
Designed to Please
Friedmutter Group, an award-winning design, architecture and master planning firm based in Las Vegas and New York City, is overseeing the design of the renovation project which includes re-designed public spaces and retail facades as well as new restaurants and nightlife options. The project's centerpiece is the atrium, a two-story pedestrian space that will exhilarate guests entering the Grand Pequot Casino from MGM Grand as well as guests ascending to the casino level from the hotel lobby. Designed with natural materials in a contemporary fresh palate, the atrium will offer an interactive experience with large display plasma screens broadcasting events and activities taking place throughout the property.
"The concepts and designs we're introducing to Foxwoods Resort Casino will redefine the property, establishing a new, higher level of service, hospitality, excitement and energy," said Brad Friedmutter, founder and chief executive officer of the Friedmutter Group. "This project will serve as the barometer for what will be developed down the road throughout the resort."
For more information about Foxwoods Resort Casino, please call 1-800-FOXWOODS or visit www.foxwoods.com.
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