The birthplace of the Silver State’s iconic Awful Awful burger, the Nugget Casino and Diner in downtown Reno, will permanently close on July 30, with owner Rick Heaney saying that it was “economically impossible” to remain open.
Little Nugget cannot survive through the winter months”
The birthplace of the Silver State’s iconic Awful Awful burger, the Nugget Casino and Diner in downtown Reno, will permanently close on July 30, with owner Rick Heaney saying that it was “economically impossible” to remain open. Little Nugget cannot survive through the winter months”.
“The worldwide COVID-19 virus pandemic […] caused all non-restricted gaming to close in the state of Nevada. The venues then briefly reopened, only to see bars inside the casino close again. That has made it clear that the Little Nugget cannot survive through the winter months,” Heaney told Reno TV station KRNV.
Heaney also told KRNV that cancellation of special events in The Biggest Little City in the World made it “impractical” for the business to continue.
In a report on KOLO-TV, a dual ABC/CW+-affiliated Reno television station, Little Nugget customers expressed sadness over the closure news.
“It’s a place where everyone likes to come […] it’s going to be missed in the community,” said James McCray. Fellow Little Nugget customer Julio Rosales spoke of people coming out in support of the establishment, saying:
It just shows how much this place has influenced everybody and […] how much they actually care.”
Nevada has been hard hit by the pandemic, with it being declared a “red zone” last week after over 100 visitors tested positive. In a poignant statement flighted on KOLO-TV, proprietor Heaney said Little Nugget had “tried so hard to continue to be a long-standing tradition of locals and visitors […] but sadly, our last chapter has come to an end.”
The Little Nugget is synonymous with the Awful Awful burger, which earned its name by virtue of being “awful big and awful good,” according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. The burger is a well-known brand. Heaney is on record as saying, “We’ve been on the Travel Channel, and we’ve had articles from the New York Times to the Sacramento Bee.”
Weighing a half pound accompanied by approximately one pound of fries or onion rings the Awful Awful burger, served on a toasted bun in a basket, features a secret sauce that Heaney told the Reno Gazette-Journal he holds “pretty close to the vest.”
While the Reno Gazette-Journal reports the Little Nugget will close to customers at 5 am on July 30, it also quotes Heaney saying he would ask Nevada gaming officials for permission to keep his non-restricted gaming license active. “It’s sad, this is the last time they’re going to get an Awful Awful,” said Rosales.
1100 Nugget Avenue,NV 89431Reno
Overview |
This Sparks casino hotel is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This resort features a casino, a nightclub and 8 restaurants and bars.
Free WiFi is provided in each guest room at Nugget Casino Resort. Rooms include a cable TV with in-room movies. The spacious private bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers. Room service is also available.
The casino at Nugget Casino Resort offers 24-hour gaming, including blackjack, roulette, craps, specialty table games and a Poker Room, as well as Keno, a new Bingo Hall, a full-service Sports Book, slots and video poker.
Nugget Casino Resort offers guests an indoor pool, a hot tub, 8 individual bubble pools and a gym. The Skywalk Arcade, located in the hotel, provides a variety of games and a large gift shop is located on site.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is 10 minutes’ drive from Nugget Casino Resort.
Rooms: 5
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
These are general hotel policies for Nugget Casino Resort. As they may vary per room type, please also check the room conditions.
From 15:00 hours
Until 11:00 hours
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to property type.
There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.
The maximum number of total guests in a room is 6.
There is no capacity for cribs in the room.
Pets are not allowed.
The property reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
John Ascuaga's Nugget is a state-of-the-art hotel featuring an excellent number of services provided for guests convenience and entertainment.
The Nugget's casino is equipped with a variety of table and card games, slot machines, bingo and sports betting.
The hotel is also home to some of the largest convention and banquet facilities in the Reno area as well as a fitness center, gift shop and a business center.
The Nugget offers guests a variety of dining options, including 8 restaurants and a number of on-site bars and nightclubs.
The Steakhouse Grill serves a variety of fresh seafood and delicious steaks. Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30am until 2pm and everyday for dinner.
Trader Dick's combines Polynesian and American cuisine in an island-like atmosphere, complete with a giant saltwater fish tank.
Restaurante Orozko serves a unique menu of American cuisine with a Mediterranean inspiration. Open Tuesday through Saturday 5pm until 9pm.
The popular restaurant chain, John's Oyster Bar, is also located on site, serving a variety of seafood favorites.
The Rotisserie Buffet combines French country atmosphere with a gourmet food buffet. The restaurant features daily menu themes and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Rosie's Café offers a very diverse menu with something for everyone. The cafe is open 24-hours a day.
The Noodle Hut features Asian and Italian inspired pasta dishes. Open daily from 11am until 9pm.
Gabe's Pub and Deli offers a large variety of deli and dessert favorites. The deli boasts the convenience of a fast food restaurant with the quality of a fine-dining establishment.
Aside from the excitement of the casino, there are a number of area attractions surrounding the Nugget hotel. Numerous golf courses, ski trails, and fishing options are available.
Guests can also travel to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake or the Truckee River, located within an hour's drive from the hotel.
Guests must be a minimum of 21 years of age to check in to the hotel.
The resort fee includes unlimited access to:
- WiFi
- The health club
- The pool
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