The new Chicken Ranch Casino, Resort, and Conference Center in Jamestown, CA has now been fully open for more than six months. A major expansion project that took more than three years to complete has transformed the business from a simple, aging casino to a premier resort and entertainment destination. The new space, which is located downhill from the original casino, opened in November.
The new nine-story resort features a 100,000 square-foot casino with 900 slot machines and 14 table games, a 197-room hotel, more than a half-dozen restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool, a luxury day spa, and a 12,000 square-foot conference and event center. The process of bringing this project to fruition was a long one, requiring years of preparation and construction. Here’s a look at how it all came together:
The Early Years
The Chicken Ranch has humble origins, opening as a bingo hall in 1985. The Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California, who still own the casino to this day, decided to name it after the branding bestowed onto their land by the federal government in 1908. The bingo hall transformed into a casino when slot machines were added in 2000. The casino then added even more slot machines and a restaurant in a 2011 renovation. In 2019, the casino added 600 further slot machines, nine table games, and a 900-seat bingo hall.
Expansion Project Announced/Construction Begins
The expansion project was originally announced in Jan. 2021 as a plan to replace the original casino. But plans quickly changed, and the original stayed open throughout the construction process, still serving as a smoking casino today, as the new space is smoke-free.
RT Western was hired to handle the construction work, which began in the summer of 2021. By Oct. 2022, the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California and construction crews were able to celebrate the “Topping Off” milestone, when the final steel beam was lifted into place atop the casino. The beam was signed by tribal members, casino employees, and crew workers. It was adorned with a spruce tree, a tribal flag, and the American flag before it was raised into position.
The Soft Opening and Ensuing Months
On July 15, 2024, the casino held a soft opening. Although the convention center and some of the other amenities were not yet completed, guests were able to enjoy the new slot machines, table games, and bingo hall. Meanwhile, several of the restaurants were also opened. Perch Rooftop offers upscale American fusion cuisine and top-shelf whiskey. 209 Sports Bar and Kitchen is a gastropub that features HDTV screens and tabletop gaming. Quill Bar serves cocktails and spirits. Trailblazer Coffee Company serves light meals in addition to coffee and espresso. Meanwhile, Wahlburgers is a burger joint owned by actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg.
Over the course of the next few months, the casino opened the five-story hotel, which features 175 guest rooms, 22 suites, a spa, fitness center and pool. Also debuting ahead of the grand opening was The Proper & Plume Cocktail Lounge, and TWLV Kitchen & Bar, two additional dining options.
The Grand Opening
Construction of the new Chicken Ranch Casino, Resort, and Conference Center was completed on Oct. 28, 2024. The final aspect of the project to be completed was the 12,000 square feet of new meeting and event space, featuring a ballroom, three meeting rooms, a boardroom, and two pre-function areas. The grand opening was held on Nov. 9, 2024. Guests were treated to a ribbon-cutting, live music from Journey Revisited and Walker Hayes, a 2024 Chevy Tahoe giveaway, and a limited-edition T-shirt.
Earlier this year, the casino announced the debut of a new Cyber Quest family-friendly arcade, which is located on the first floor and free to enter. The venue offers interactive games, arcade rides, a prize zone, the Quest Café, and more. At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Chicken Ranch Casino, Resort, and Conference Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.