Cascades Casino is set for a "soft open" at 5 this evening, and a grand opening is planned for later this spring.
The $31m facility has faced lengthy delays due to COVID, but will now open the doors to the gaming floor and MATCH restaurant
See: Cascades Casino chef aims for best overall menu in North Bay
"I feel the reception is going to be amazing," says James Sweeney, the General Manager of Food and Beverage. "There's a lot of buzz in the community. Everywhere I go people are asking me about it. The atmosphere from staff is electric. Staff are ecstatic about the menu and the venue. We're very excited."
Training has been going on for the past three weeks, and menu tastings and dry runs have been given to invited guests and staff.
"I think when people walk through the doors they'll understand that it's all about entertainment, there's lots to do here."
North Bay Transit will provide a stop outside the casino for employees and customers.
Sweeney says the restaurant patio will open soon.
"Obviously it's North Bay and we're dependent on weather, but we hope by the end of May it will be warm enough to use."
Gas fireplaces will help heat the patio, along with overhead gas heaters. Misters will operate during the summer months to cool customers in hot weather,
"I think our patio is going to be a great venue," adds Sweeney. "I'm expecting to be very busy."
The casino will operate from 10 to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday at 300 Pinewood Park Dr,
