SHARON HARRIS
The Golden Nugget, formerly the Trump Marina, is one success story. In early 2011, Landry’s CEO and owner Tillman Fertitta paid $38 million for the ailing waterfront location, later adding $100 million-plus. Today, Golden Nugget is a profitable gem with a thriving online gaming program.
Carl Icahn’s Tropicana continues upgrading and
expanding, as does Mohegan Sun’s Resorts Atlantic City. Philadelphia developer Bart Blatstein bought and renovated Caesars shuttered Showboat, reopening as a hotel only in July 2016.
But, what happens when promises made are
promises broken and cause lasting damage? Pinnacle bought the off-Boardwalk Sands in 2006, imploded the building in 2007 and promised a first-class new development. It never happened.
The Sands was the East Coast’s first gaming
property implosion and demolished more than 2,000 jobs along with the concrete. Pinnacle delayed the project, following the 2008 economic downturn, and soon left town. They never returned and the empty space remains. For me, 10 years later, sending the Sands into oblivion and then exiting rings disappointing and unsavory at best.
So, I am thrilled the Hard Rock International
investors have committed $500 million to rebuild and rebrand the former Trump Taj Mahal, closed since last October. Everything will change when completed next summer. Under the prestigious Hard Rock name, the venue will employ thousands.
To prepare, the Hard Rock is now auctioning off
the hotel casino’s furnishings, electronics and equipment through September. Everyone wins – the public can buy merchandise at a fraction of their original costs while the Hard Rock empties the site and earns extra revenues. Large items with the Trump name were previously removed for security.
Hundreds are participating, but one guy‘s recent
audacity or “chutzpah” seems extreme. A video caught him showering in an open hotel room.
His explanation? “…it’s a liquidation sale.
They’re giving us a sample…I thought maybe I could get a free shower. Also because I have cold water at my house…this is a nice way…to get a nice little hot shower.”
Have you now heard everything? I hope this guy
patronizes the Hard Rock next summer so he can at least pay back his water usage bill.
AUGUST 2017 9
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