Casino news source: Pahrump Valley Times - http://www.pahrumpvalleytimes.com
Irene's Casino is open for business
By MARY BALDASANO
MARY BALDASANO / SPECIAL TO THE PVT
Owner Tammy DeBauche, left, and General Manager Debbie Kintzer show the fireplace which helps set the atmosphere at Irene's.
Tammi DeBauche and husband Mike had traveled to Pahrump many times, looking for the perfect place to build another casino.
Finally, in September 2005, they found what they were looking for, and better yet, the place was for sale.
The old Cotton' Pickin' Casino at 820 East St. was purchased, rebuilt to code and renamed Irene's.
The DeBauches have two other casinos named Irene's in Las Vegas, and had been looking for a way to expand into Pahrump.
"We offered to take the old casino to the museum, but they didn't want it," Tammi Debauche said. As a result, the old casino was torn down as it was in really bad shape and was "nowhere near code requirements."
There was also a significant water issue as the well belonged to a neighbor and the water was really bad. They had to run bleach through the entire system before city water could be installed.
"I love the business, employees and our wonderful customers. There are really great people in Pahrump. Our business has increased 40 percent since we opened," said DeBauche.
She is working on the décor for the casino and restaurant with a plan to make it homey and comfortable. "It's fun, relaxing," she said of her work, "and I love customer service and making the atmosphere happy."
In the meantime, she is waiting on the final regulations regarding the new no-smoking law.
"A large part of our customer base are smokers," she said. "The changes are expected to be extensive due to the ordnance."
It cost millions of dollars to build the casino, and it is anticipated it will take more to redesign the restaurant to make it larger and separate it from the casino area. There is a potential for a second phase of development, and plans are being created.
General Manage Debbie Kintzer said, "I enjoy the job, love Tammy, and think it is a wonderful experience. Looking at the different ways to decorate the place is a lot of fun."
Mike Kintzer added, "I love the place. Who cannot love being surrounded by three women -- so what if one is your boss?"
The DeBauches opened their first Irene's 14 years ago in Las Vegas but won't hold a grand opening here until all portions of the casino are completed the way they want it to be done.
There will be many drawings including "4 to the royal," where the customer receives tickets for the drawing by getting four of the five cards needed for a royal flush.
Wednesdays will offer double tickets which can also be used for breakfast. Those holding tickets will be able to check if any are winners any time, day or night.
Food specials include Taco Tuesday and Fish Platter Fridays with others still to be decided. There is a brand new menu in place with three dozen 35 items to try. Special days and holidays will also have activities specific to the date.
If you have questions about the casino, call 775-727-5211. |
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