Expansion at Emerald Island nearing completion
The casino’s administrative offices are in a former drugstore. The gaming floor is in what used to be a post office. The food preparation and storage areas used to be a Moose Lodge.
It seems only fitting that the latest upgrades for Emerald Island in downtown Henderson include expanding by 10,000 square feet into what used to be a barber shop. That will bring 50 more slots, a players club lounge and the new bathrooms customers have sought. It’s scheduled to be completed in September.
“We just reinvest and reinvest,” said Tim Brooks, the Emerald Island co-owner and general manager. “We learned a long time ago, that’s what you have to do when you own a business.”
Over the years, Brooks and his partner and twin brother, Mike, have cobbled together a growing footprint from vacant downtown buildings. The brothers now own an entire block just east of Water Street, along with an alley running through it, and are in the middle of buying another lot to add more parking.
If growth is any indicator, their piecemeal approach to expansion appears to be working. Tim Brooks said Emerald Island is profitable and he’s been able to regularly reinvest in the business.
In 2001, the owner of the closed Pot O’ Gold Casino on Market Street asked them if they wanted to buy the place. They said yes.
The brothers grew a business with many of the features of a locals casino — a homey atmosphere, good deals on food and small-town service.
“It is a pretty friendly place. They treat you right here,” said Greg Hartman, a fixture at the Emerald Island who said he spends a few hundred dollars a month gambling at Emerald Island.
They also ensured the building would be unique with brightly colored murals covering the exterior walls and many interior surfaces.
In the space where members of the Moose Lodge once met, a full-time butcher prepares steaks for the free meals offered to frequent players. They have a meat smoker and large walk-in freezer, items Tim Brooks says they acquired at discount from restaurants going out of business.
Next on the list of renovations is extending the bar; after that is adding more kitchen space.
thomas.moore@gmgvegas. com / 702-513-2612 / @thdomo