Layoffs expected at Caesars as cafe shuttered

People will be out of work at Caesars Windsor as a result of the casino’s decision to permanently close one of its restaurants, The Artist Cafe.

Announced on Wednesday as part of the casino’s property enhancement plan, the closure is effective immediately.

The hours of Legends Sports Bar have been expanded, and there are transfer provisions under the employees’ collective agreement, as well as early-retirement programs.

Caesars Windsor has not said how many jobs will be affected.

Kevin Laforet, regional president of Caesars Entertainment, said layoffs are “always a last resort.”

“After careful consideration of all of our options, we have made this difficult decision. Caesars Windsor must remain competitive to ensure the overall health of our business and secure the jobs of more than 2,500 employees into their future,” Laforet said in a news release.

Caesars Windsor employees are represented by Unifor Local 444.

The closure takes place at the same time as an announcement of a multimillion-dollar renovation of the casino’s hotel. Beginning next year, all 389 rooms of Caesars Windsor’s Forum tower will be remodelled.

The makeover will be done under the specifications of Torontobased design firm Mackaywong.

Located in one of the busiest concourses of the casino, The Artist Cafe was part of Caesars Windsor since 2008, offering casual dining from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays.

The restaurant was originally intended to showcase local artists, but was renovated in 2013 and given a performing artist theme.