Casino opens for business

Restaurant owners Tim and Cheryl McConnell (owners of Lefty's Burgers & Such) brought in old black-and-white family portraits and wanted to make their new coffee shop feel like home.

"We're inviting guests to come into our home," Tim McConnell said. "Our customers are part of our family."

The clean restaurant is non-smoking. The wait staff is eager and happy to help customers chose which homestyle plate to order.

They feature many sandwiches their regular customers have already tasted at the first restaurant on William Street (to remain open). Plus, they offer pan grilled Monte Cristo sandwiches.

For dinner, they are offering meals the family usually serves at home, McConnell said. The chicken fried steak is very popular, he said.

They also have fettuccine and they cut their own steaks and tenderize them.

The restaurants will also try to bring back the "Blue Plate Special" complete with the special-of-the-day served on a blue plate, McConnell said.

Scott Tate, part owner of the Comstock Casino, said they planned to open quietly, so they have time to work out the bugs before an official grand opening planned for the first weekend in August.

The slots-only casino floor features the latest penny to dollar machines. It's a coinless operation, dispensing tickets instead of coin payouts. The casino also offers a segregated, large video arcade for children.

Tate also owns the Fallon Nugget, Bonanza Inn & Casino and the Silver Springs Nugget. He said the small casino can be expanded, but it will remain convenient, with easily accessible parking.

"I think there's a need for convenience," Tate said. "It seems to have a little more personality. Our goal is to know people's names when they walk through the door.

All work was done by a local contractor and architect. The interior rock walls and outdoor Virginia City Comstock murals reflect the mining era theme.

The casino will be open 24 hours and the restaurant will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.