32 Indian Gaming August 2011

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Beer Here! That’s the cry heard ‘roundthe casino as handmade craft ales are

poured at the nation’s first tribal-ownedin-house brewery. Feather Falls CasinoBrewing Company in Oroville, CAopened in December 2010 to enthusias-tic crowds of beer-lovers and foodies,and the fun hasn’t stopped!

Why add a microbrewery to asuccessful gaming operation? “We werelooking to separate ourselves from theother Native casinos in the area andaround the country,” says MarketingDirector Ed Gilbert. “We also felt we hadto reach out to a younger demographicto build business toward the future.”With the exploding popularity of thecraft beer industry, a microbreweryseemed like a winning solution. Thetribal council agreed, and a plan was approved in August 2009.

The dust started flying in April 2010, as the casino’sshowroom was demolished to make room for the new facility.The project’s general contractor, SMC, recently completedmulti-million dollar expansions at the Atlantis Hotel Casino,Ritz Carlton Club, Peppermill Hotel Casino and MarriottTimber Lodge. Architectural services were provided

by MBA Architecture andInterior Design of Reno, NV,who specialize in casino andresort design. The addition ofa new restaurant and enter-tainment venture meant aninfusion of new jobs in thecommunity. Approximately

75 full-timeand part-timepositions were created initially, with another 30-40 in the months following the grand opening.

After an eight month, $8.5 million renova-tion, Mooretown Rancheria unveiled thiselegant addition to the area’s original gamingfacility. The décor features rich woods, plushfabrics and copper accents throughout the airydining room. Visitors are taken with the viewof gleaming brew tanks behind the bar, andthe frequent sight of Brewmaster Roland Allenmeasuring ingredients and testing batches.With seven draft ales and a rotating menu ofseasonals, beer connoisseurs can always find anew taste on tap.

The brewery itself consists of a 15-barrelsystem with the capacity to produce 60 kegs ofbeer per week. That’s over 7,000 pints! Tours

Microbrewery Adds Unique Dynamic to FeatherFalls Casino

by Dori Moura

August 2011 Indian Gaming 33

of the facility are available anytime the brewmaster is on duty.Members of the tribe were given an opportunity to name theoriginal seven brews; the marketing department then createdappealing tap handle images to go with them. Guests enjoy theopportunity to purchase and wear t-shirts displaying the imagefor their favorite brew. Kegs and 64-ounce growlers will soonbe available for off-site sales.

The 350-seat full service restaurant’s $1million kitchen includes the only fresh sushi barin the area. Hand-crafted pizza with beer-infusedcrust is available for dine-in, take-out or take-n-bake. Diners also enjoy an outdoor seating areawith a custom shade lattice. Food service extendsto the balcony level, which boasts large leatherchairs and a private bar. Three luxury VIP suitesare available to rent for group functions orprivate parties.

Entertainment is a major focus of thebrewery, as well. With a host of video pokermachines and big-screen TVs, guests find plentyof activity to accompany the excellent food anddrinks. The dining room turns into a showroomat night, complete with live music on anelevated stage. The state-of-the-art sound andlight system enhance the concert experience.The room hosts artists of all musical genres,from rock and pop to blues and country. A jumboTV screen descends to the stage for viewingmajor sporting events.

Among the entertainment highlights so far: theBlues ‘n Brews Festival in May, showcasing bluesacts and beer sampler trays. A capacity crowdspent 12 hours on the property, enjoying livemusic, food specials, free slot play and commem-orative pint glasses as part of their paid admission.Another successful experience was the BeerPairing Dinner in June, a collaboration betweenthe brewmaster and the executive chef. Plans areafoot for more of these events, which combinegaming with gastronomy to appeal to a widercustomer base.

Tribal Chairman Gary Archuleta is pleasedwith the performance of the brewery so far. “It’sdoing even better than we expected,” he says. “Welove the positive comments from guests about thebeer and the food. Now we‘re looking at expand-ing the operation down the line for distributionof our beer.” Feather Falls Casino BrewingCompany serves food and beverages seven

days a week, so make a point to visit the next time you’re inNorthern California! �

Dori Moura is Marketing Assistant at Feather Falls Casino.She can be reached by calling (530) 533-3885 x346 or emaildori.moura@featherfallscasino.com.

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