GM leaves Fandango

Carson City's largest casino is seeking a general manager after the sudden resignation last week of Steve Forester, who steered the inception of the gaming property on South Carson Street about three years ago.

Forester resigned Friday from Casino Fandango after nearly 30 years in the gaming business.

"Retirement is where I am headed after 27 years of being on call," he responded in an e-mail. "So far it feels good."

Forester, of Gardnerville, said Thursday he will spend more time with his wife and parents. He will continue to live in the area and serve the Carson Valley community.

Court Cardinal, assistant general manager, was appointed as the interim general manager.

"He's going to be missed, and everybody wishes him the best of luck," Cardinal said Thursday.

Carson Gaming opened the 35,000-square-foot Casino Fandango at 3800 S. Carson St. in summer 2003. The popular gaming property has had a number of business successes since, including a 13,000-square-foot expansion, the opening of a $4 million parking garage in 2005 and the announcement early last year of a massive $40 million expansion project that includes a movie theater, Marriott hotel and second casino expansion.

"We're moving forward at light speed as before," said the acting general manager.

Forester said he hopes "high tides float all boats" concerning all the work he accomplished at the casino.

Cardinal, 41, of Carson City, said the company will fill the position as soon as possible. He opened Casino Fandango with Forester in July 2003.

Forester will be missed on the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce board, where he served as a representative from the gaming industry, said Bob Crowell, an attorney and board chairman.

Forester was active in many community organizations, including the Guiding Coalition, which crusades for the homeless and low-income people in the capital city. He served as the last president for Carson Gaming, which is an LLC under Olympia Gaming, of Las Vegas. Forester was also a trustee of the Independent Gaming Coalition and a contributor to many local charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada and the Nevada Humane Society.

"We'll miss Steve. He was a great guy and easy to work with," said City Manager Linda Ritter. "He was always accessible and willing to work with us."

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

In other news

South Carson casino readies for a new restaurant:

Casino Fandango signed an operating agreement with Outback Steakhouse, said Court Cardinal, acting general manager of Casino Fandango. Although he declined to release more information, the casino official said a solid partnership with the steakhouse could change an existing restaurant in the casino, Duke's Steak House.