The formal grand opening of the still-under-construction, expanded Sycuan Casino-Resort is several weeks away, slated for March. But the anticipation is itself still building, especially with announcement of the “iconic” local restaurants that will have outlets within new enlarged facility’s dining corridor called the UnCommons.
Members of the Sycuan Tribal Council hosted a media tasting event on Wednesday, Jan. 16, featuring samples of menu items that casino resort guests will be able to select to fuel their gaming and entertainment experiences once the expansion is completed.
The UnCommons will have on its restaurant row these San Diego favorites: Hangry Slice for pizza and calzones; Hodad’s for acclaimed specialty burgers and sides; Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop fare; Luna Grill with many fresh Mediterranean food items and Phil’s BBQ for total barbecue appetite satiation.
What guided the choice of these particular local restaurant partners within the resort expansion design? Sycuan representatives gave a brief presentation prior to opening the food sampling tables, to explain the philosophy behind the UnCommons market partnership selections.
John Dinius, general manager of the casino resort, said, “Sycuan chose top-tier, fast-casual brands that have original roots in San Diego…These brands are well known for consistent quality and a passion for giving back to the local community.”
That further aptly characterizes the business model that Sycuan has followed from its beginnings, staring with its bingo palace and golf course operations.
The local eateries on deck for the expansion treated diners to menu showcase samples. Hangry Slice served up crisp, classic pepperoni pizza slices, alongside the tasty upcoming “signature” pizza featuring spicy chorizo red sauce, pepperoni, pepperoncini and pickled onions.
Hodad’s offered delectable large half-burgers stacked high and cooked medium well.
Grilled beef tacos handmade to order, with a fresh avocado slice atop, were at the Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop table, which advertised the shop’s “Taco Smackdown” reputation.
Luna Grill handed media tasting diners a flavorful, healthy small plate with chicken kabobs accompanied by a cold couscous medley side.
Phil’s BBQ representatives were not to be outdone, serving delicious, full barbecue plates with rolls and sides.
The official groundbreaking ceremony for the enlarged facility was held nearly two years ago, in late March 2017. The budget was for a planned $226 million expansion, including a new gaming space, a 12-story hotel, resort-style pool and gardens, a spa and fitness center, a conference and events center and multiple new restaurants – those rolled out in style with the UnCommons, as well as other retooled and added dining venues, with a luxury steakhouse, cocktail lounge and poolside bar by the new lazy river and pools.
At that time, Sycuan rebranded its slogan as “Play. Win. Build. Together.”
The building is indeed proceeding apace to meet the scheduled grand opening, with exterior and interior detours around the facility, and new gaming equipment and seating in pieces awaiting installation. Sycuan expects more than 700 new jobs available from this expansion.
Current staffers at Sycuan were enthusiastic with anticipation of the upcoming grand opening. Wait staff at the existing Wachena Restaurant said that their mouths were watering as Hodad’s cooks prepared burgers in the kitchen there earlier in the day before the tasting event.
Andrew, who was serving drinks at the downstairs Wachena bar, said, “The burgers smelled wonderful. I only wish Hodad’s had served the bacon burgers. Those are really the best burgers anywhere around.”
Stay tuned and stay hungry. The UnCommons will open with the grand opening of the expanded casino-resort in March.
