June 27, 2018 – Tyler Kula, The Sarnia Observer
A pair of big-name hockey players are helping officially open a new eatery at Gateway Casinos Point Edward.
Former Red Wings star and Sarnia native Dino Ciccarelli, and ex-Leafs fan-favourite Wendel Clark are among the dignitaries planned to be at the grand opening of the Match Eatery and Public House at the Starlight casino location July 5.
“They’ll be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs and speak to the nature of the kind of entertainment we offer at our Match eateries,” said Rob Mitchell, a Gateway spokesperson.
The new eatery, open already for about two weeks, he said, is the first in Ontario, and part of $26 million in renovations at the Point Edward casino – started last year after Gateway purchased it and several others from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation in 2016.
Renovations to the casino floor, including adding more tables and other games are expected to finish in September, Mitchell said.
Gateway operates several Match eateries out of casinos in British Columbia and Alberta, he said, calling it a signature, family-friendly brand that’s been “very, very successful” out west.
“Quality food, beverages; but entertainment is a big portion of the offering at a Match eatery,” he said.
“Live sporting events, pay per view sporting events, live entertainment – we hire local musicians, local entertainers at our Match facilities.”
Having Clark and Ciccarelli on hand to help officially open the 268-seat spot is a nice touch, he said, given the rivalry between Detroit and Toronto in hockey, and that many in Sarnia and Point Edward fans are split between the NHL franchises.
Gateway is also hiring for the Point Edward facility, he said, and just held a job fair this week.
Six layoffs were announced earlier this month and an unspecified number are being hired for the eatery and table games, he said.
The Point Edward site currently employs about 360, he said.
Work on a $36-million new casino in Chatham is also breaking ground July 5, he said.
tkula@postmedia.com
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