Learn to Cook with “Top Chef” Alum, Restaurateur, Author and TV Personality

Del Lago Resort & Casino is pleased to announce Chef Fabio Viviani will host two cooking classes: May 24 at his restaurant Portico by Fabio Viviani inside del Lago Resort & Casino, and May 25 at New York Kitchen, formerly known as the New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua. During the cooking demonstrations, Viviani will share some of his favorite recipes from the award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani menu while taking questions from the audience as he shares stories about his path to success. Viviani will also teach techniques, tips and tricks as he prepares the dishes for guests to enjoy.

At 4:30 p.m. May 24, Viviani will teach a class in his del Lago Resort & Casino restaurant, Portico by Fabio Viviani. Guests will watch his dishes come to life during the class as he skillfully prepares his grandma’s meatballs, fresh pasta from scratch and chicken piccata. Seating is limited and tickets may be purchased for $50, which includes the cooking class, dinner and drinks. Tickets may be purchased on Open Table or by calling 315-946-1780. Guests must be 21 to attend the cooking class.

From 6 to 8 p.m. May 25, Viviani will teach a second class at the New York Kitchen inside the education theater, 800 S. Main St, Canandaigua. Viviani will teach guests how to prepare fresh homemade orecchiette with pesto sauce, Grandma’s meatballs with tomato sugo and ricotta fritters. During the class, Viviani will serve wine tastings and his freshly prepared dishes. Tickets may be purchased for $65 by visiting nykitchen.com or call 585-394-7070.

With an intense passion for food and farm-fresh ingredients, Viviani brings that same essence and spirit to Portico by Fabio Viviani. The del Lago Resort & Casino restaurant features a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and handmade pastas, as well as seafood, steaks and chops grilled over hardwood. Viviani found inspiration from the bountiful agriculture, cheese makers, wineries and breweries of the region to help develop his menu, focusing on local, seasonal farm-to-table ingredients. Portico by Fabio Viviani is the recipient of an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award for its outstanding service and quality of food.

Perhaps best known for his television debut on Bravo’s hit reality series “Top Chef” and earning the “Fan Favorite” title, Viviani’s on-screen appearances have propelled him to become one of the fastest-growing culinary names in the country. Viviani has appeared as a recurring guest on shows such as “Good Morning America,” “The Talk,” “The Chew” and “The Rachael Ray Show,” and is a recurring guest host on the Hallmark Channel series “Home and Family.” The successful restaurateur is also the owner of several well-known restaurants across the country in Los Angeles and Chicago, to name a few. He is also a New York Times best-selling cookbook author. Portico is Viviani’s only restaurant in New York state.

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

–Event Celebrated Local Leaders, Vendors and Partners–

Today, the del Lago Resort & Casino celebrated its first anniversary as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, pledging to continue to reinvigorate the local community, boost tourism and help new and existing businesses grow.

Del Lago Resort & Casino Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski and del Lago Resort & Casino Co-Chairman Tom Wilmot Sr. addressed local officials, business leaders and vendors from across the Finger Lakes region, and local neighbors as they celebrated the accomplishments and collaborative partnerships of the past year which helped contribute to del Lago’s success.

During the celebration, Tyre Town Supervisor Ron McGreevy, Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Shipley, President of the Finger Lakes Building & Construction Trades Council Mike Davis, CEO and President of Glenora Wine Cellars Gene Pierce, and CFO of Auburn-based Johnston Paper Tom Lewis each spoke, highlighting how del Lago Resort & Casino has positively impacted the community and their businesses.

“From the beginning, we pledged that del Lago would be a committed advocate for the community and a gateway to the region. We are proud that our customers have enabled us to stimulate job growth and boost tourism and economic development for the region,” said Babinski. “There is no better way to mark our first year than to show our gratitude to our community partners, vendors, friends and neighbors and to celebrate all of our collaborative successes. We are poised to have an even better second year for del Lago, our customers, our vendors, Seneca County and the entire region.”

With more than 1,200 employees, del Lago Resort & Casino is one of the largest employers in Seneca County and has significantly helped to lower the county’s unemployment rate. Twenty-four percent of del Lago’s team members are from Seneca County and 78 percent of its workforce come from the immediate counties surrounding del Lago Resort & Casino, helping to boost employment throughout the entire region.

“Before del Lago Resort & Casino opened, the unemployment rate in Seneca County hovered around 7 percent — well above the state and national averages. Since del Lago Resort & Casino opened, hundreds of Seneca County residents have landed jobs at del Lago assisting in bringing down the unemployment rate to 3.9 percent,” said Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Shipley. “Not only is del Lago greatly impacting our area’s unemployment rate, but it’s also very clear that del Lago has jumpstarted the economic development of the entire Route 414-318 corridors and is bringing new tourists to our region while helping benefit both Seneca County and our local businesses. I look forward to continued success and growth to help the Finger Lakes Region.”

Tyre Town Supervisor Ron McGreevy added “del Lago Resort & Casino has been an asset to our region — the Town of Tyre and Seneca County are thriving as a result of the casino opening. Del Lago has done everything it pledged since the day it opened — they brought much needed jobs to the area, enabled the Town of Tyre to reduce taxes 50 percent in 2017, increased tourism to our region and stimulated the local economy, spurring other major developments and for that we are forever grateful.”

Del Lago Resort & Casino’s mission to become a gateway to the Finger Lakes region has been realized as the resort and casino significantly boosted tourism in the region. According to data from the New York State Thruway Authority, traffic at Exit 41 has increased nearly 50 percent since del Lago Resort & Casino opened. In the year prior to del Lago’s opening, average monthly traffic at the Thruway exit was 266,306 vehicles. Since the February opening, the average monthly vehicle count dramatically increased to 381,477 vehicles.

The uptick in traffic counts confirms the positive impact del Lago Resort & Casino has had on Seneca County and the Finger Lakes region. Local officials expected the number to significantly grow, but the recent figures far exceeded expectations.

“Since it opened, del Lago Resort & Casino has been an incredible community steward of the region,” said Gene Pierce, owner of Glenora Wine Cellars. “Del Lago has embraced all that our area has to offer and has encouraged guests to go out and explore our areas wineries, vineyards and local businesses and for that we are very appreciative. Del Lago has also created many synergies with Finger Lakes wineries such as with its Tasting Tuesday events and sampling opportunities inside Savor New York. These events have introduced our wineries to new guests who have then come to visit our vineyards because they learned about them at del Lago.”

Del Lago has made a conscious effort to bring in guests off the Thruway into del Lago and then push them out into the region to enjoy the many wineries, breweries, cideries, shops and local businesses. The casino’s unique reward program also allows del Lago to honor its mission to become a gateway to the Finger Lakes region. While points can be redeemed on property, unlike other players clubs (where points are only redeemable at the casino) guests can also use points earned at Finger Lakes retailers including The Muranda Cheese Company, Montezuma Winery, Idol Ridge Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, Ciccino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Magree Diner and Knapp Winery to name a few. Area partners credit del Lago for bringing in new guests and tourists to their locations, something del Lago has strived to accomplish since its inception.

Del Lago spends hundreds of thousands of dollars every month buying local vegetables, fruits, wine, beer, meats and other supplies and services. Hundreds of jobs have been created at new and existing local businesses like Muldoon Dry Cleaners and Pilat Graphic Design – restaurants, wineries, retail outlets, service providers, etc. – throughout the region as a direct impact of del Lago opening one year ago and that number will continue to grow as del Lago enters its second year in business.

The 94,000-square-foot del Lago Resort & Casino officially opened its doors on Feb. 1, 2017 and just five months later, on July 1, 2017 the 205-room hotel and 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago opened.

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.
# # #

Wounded Warriors, ARCs, Food Pantries, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Salvation Army, National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca County Farm Bureau Among Beneficiaries

As it approaches its first anniversary, del Lago Resort and Casino is reflecting back on a triumphant first year in many regards, but its Community Outreach and Giving Program is especially meaningful over the holidays and cold, winter months.

“Del Lago values being a part of this magnificent community which has welcomed and embraced us, and as a good neighbor, we wish to lend a helping hand to strengthen individuals and communities,” said del Lago Resort & Casino Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski. “We pride ourselves on having our finger on the pulse of the community, so we can step up to the plate when needed – as well as sponsor civic and community activities to raise money for charitable causes. Del Lago has donated turkeys to the Seneca County Community Thanksgiving Dinner for the past 3 years, and when our team members learned of the lacking toy donations to the Seneca County Community Christmas Project, they organized an immensely successful toy and gift drive.”

In addition, del Lago has spent the past year giving back to the community by donating tens of thousands of dollars to countless not-for-profit organizations supporting the people of Seneca County and all of the Finger Lakes Region.

Among the local not-for-profits receiving donations/sponsorships from del Lago Resort & Casino are:

American Cancer Society

American Heart Association

ARC’s of Seneca/Cayuga and Wayne Counties

Badge of Honor Association

Calvary Food Pantry (Auburn)
Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency

Geneva Center of Concern
Geneva Chamber of Commerce
Habitat for Humanity

House of Concern/United Way Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner

It’s A Wonderful Life Festival

It’s A Wonderful Run
Local public libraries and museums
Local Rotary Clubs
Merry Go Round Theater/Playhouse

Montezuma Audubon Center

National Women’s Hall of Fame
Pathway Home of the Finger Lakes (Hospice/Comfort Care Home)
The Salvation Army

Seneca County Chamber of Commerce
Seneca County Farm Bureau
Seneca County House of Concern & Food Pantry
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Seneca Falls Historical Society
The Smith Center for the Arts

Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Seneca County

Wayne County Action Program, Inc.
Wilmot Cancer Institute

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation, Finger Lakes Chapter

“Hats off to del Lago Resort & Casino for their community support of nonprofit organizations in the area,” said Betty M. Bayer, co-president, Board of Directors, National Women’s Hall of Fame, and professor of Women’s Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges. “We appreciate how del Lago has put all of its cards on the table for women’s history – at its Tasting Tuesday event, at collaborations with Generation Bank’s annual 19K run, and as a sponsor of our 2017 Induction when we added ten women to the Hall. We look forward to del Lago’s continued support as we work to rehabilitate the 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill as our new home.”

“On behalf of the Seneca County House of Concern we humbly and sincerely thank del Lago Resort & Casino’s management and team members for the donations, food drives, and Thanksgiving turkeys and for inviting our organization to be the beneficiary of its Tasting Tuesday event,” said Olan Mack, Executive Director, Seneca County House of Concern. “We are extremely grateful for del Lago’s engaging partnership and for the creativity they have shown in their giving. We are also incredibly appreciative for del Lago’s commitment to help the most vulnerable among us through their benevolence to Seneca County House of Concern.”

“The vast majority of del Lago’s valued team members and guests live in the Finger Lakes Region, so we strive to support the causes that make a big difference to many because their missions are our missions. We are very proud that just as del Lago has become one of the largest employers in the region, we have also become a leading contributor in the community and a valued partner,” Babinski said.

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

Vince Press Published 11:20 a.m. ET Dec. 27, 2017

Passionate feedback ran high this year. Taking on much-debated foods such as steak, breakfast sandwiches and nachos added to my usual flow of Facebook comments, texts and emails—and brought good fodder for this annual selection of great dishes I missed or that hit menus after embarking on a particular taste test.

Everyone has a neighborhood fave or sleeper pick—many of which I’m hip to and appreciate (like the signature breakfast sammie at Hart’s Local Grocers or the quesadillas at La Casa). I sure had my fill of finds this past year and continue to be surprised by our maturing food and drink scene.

We still have room to grow. Compared to other northern cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis-St. Paul, we’re still lacking a widespread commitment to inventory, staffing, hours of operation and risk-taking.

Is your server or bartender seating customers? You’re in for trouble. Only doing Bloodys on Sunday? That’s a bloody shame. Still using those thick, freebie Bud Light pint glasses (or any pint glass, for that matter)? Throw them in the blue bin. Scattering limp jalapenos on your pizza, nachos or noodles? Time to graduate to any number of other chili peppers.

More places need to add bone marrow and head-on shrimp to their menus, and get with the in-house pickling trend that’s already years old. Lose the Parmesan shakers, though (Ugh!), and make sure customers aren’t seeing more wood than edibles on your charcuterie and cheese board.

Soapbox set aside, I do love the uptick in new-normal offerings such as locally sourced everything, intricate sauces, house-cured meats, cocktail garnishes, crudo and octopus everywhere. Exciting newcomers include the imminent Bar Bantam at the Metropolitan, and ethnic is hot as ever with the rising of Red Sun Chinese Cuisine, Thai by Night, Bitter Honey and Taisho Bistro. And we still can’t get enough of wine and craft beer—witness our first urban winery, Living Roots Wine & Co. on University Avenue, and Young Lion Brewing Company in Canandaigua.

It was a tasty year—thanks for joining us at the table.

Portico by Fabio Viviani
Del Lago Resort & Casino, 1133 Route 414, Waterloo; 315-946-1777. www.dellagoresort.com/dining/porticobyfabioviviani

26-oz. Ribeye; $55

Count on unequaled quality, consistency and service on any trip to celebrity-chef Fabio Viviani’s Portico restaurant at the del Lago Resort & Casino. Many ingredients are native to the FLX region, but the steaks are sourced from acclaimed Buckhead Beef. The hand-selected, choice Angus ribeye, one of three cuts on the current menu, is wet-aged for 28 days. It’s simply seasoned then seared to order in a high-temp broiler. After a naked first taste, don’t be afraid to get saucy with a number of condiments guaranteed to amp up an already stellar flavor. Choose from a velvety béarnaise, gorgonzola fondue, truffle butter or zesty chimichurri. Plenty of thoughtful wines and sides will round out the meal.

Two More Local Businesses Spotlighted for Major Growth Because of del Lago

For the first three quarters of 2017, only four of the state’s 62 counties saw their sales tax revenues increase by more than 8 percent. Data released by the New York State Association of Counties notes that Seneca County, home to del Lago Resort & Casino, and neighboring Cayuga County, just 10 miles east of the resort and casino, are among the four counties that have seen an increase. (Please see diagram below).

While sales tax revenue for all of New York state is up 2.9 percent for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, Seneca County’s sales tax revenue is up 9 percent year-over-year for the first three quarters of 2017. Cayuga County has seen a sales tax revenue increase of 10.2 percent. By comparison, the average county increase in sales tax revenue outside of New York City (which saw a 3.5 percent increase) is 3.7 percent.

“From the start, del Lago Resort & Casino has worked to increase economic development and opportunity for the people of the Finger Lakes region,” del Lago Executive Vice President & General Manager Jeff Babinski said. “By increasing tourism in the region — traffic at del Lago’s Thruway Exit 41 is up nearly 50 percent — del Lago has helped generate additional new revenue for local governments through increased sales tax collections. And that’s in addition to helping Seneca County have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state.”

Hundreds of jobs have been created at new and existing local businesses — restaurants, wineries, retail outlets, service providers, etc. — throughout the region as a direct impact of del Lago opening last February, and that number will continue to grow.

Additionally, area businesses are seeing a significant increase in revenue since del Lago Resort & Casino opened. Joseph Gagliostro, owner of Muldoon Dry Cleaners Inc. in Auburn, has seen his delivery volume increase by 50 percent. Gagliostro directly attributes this substantial growth to the resort and casino.

“As a third-generation owner of Muldoon Dry Cleaners, I am deeply appreciative of the partnership we have established with del Lago Resort & Casino,” Gagliostro said. “As a result of the casino opening, we have added a second wash unit, another new delivery truck and hired an additional employee, and we don’t see business slowing down. In addition to the increase in our commercial business with del Lago, we have seen an uptick in foot traffic and new customers coming from the casino — whether they heard of our business because of del Lago or they are employees who now use our store for their personal dry cleaning, we continue to see our business grow.”

Muldoon Dry Cleaners is responsible for dry cleaning del Lago guests’ personal items, as well as all staff uniforms. Because of the volume from del Lago Resort & Casino, Gagliostro has been able to further invest in his company and upgrade other pieces of machinery to better serve all of Muldoon’s customers.

Dan Pilat, owner of Waterloo’s Pilat Graphic Design, has also seen business double since neighboring del Lago Resort & Casino opened its doors. Because of the volume of work coming from the resort and casino, Pilat has purchased a new flatbed printer, allowing the design business to expand service offerings, which had resulted in increased business and new accounts.

“The work we have been producing for del Lago has helped us expand the services we offer current customers and has also allowed us to bring in new customers we wouldn’t have been able to attract before we had the del Lago business,” owner Dan Pilat said. “We have also added two new staff members to meet our growing needs.”

“From the very beginning, we vowed to be a tremendous community asset and steward — it’s part of our mission and part of our business plan,” Babinski said. “We are thrilled that del Lago has already had such a positive impact on local businesses and our host community. We are inspired to continue helping local businesses expand, creating even more new jobs, and to continue helping local governments throughout the region. Given our impact on jobs, tourism and local revenues, it’s clear that del Lago has been an incredible first-year success story.”

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago offers a Players Reward Club, free to join with instant winnings, free slot play, table games match play, gifts and hotel, spa and entertainment offers. Players may redeem earned points at the casino and at local participating retailers, wineries and restaurants. Savor NY — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago is a unique retail outlet where local vendors bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers, and other area specialties. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving brunch and dinner with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

Robert Harding [email protected] Dec 12, 2017

Jeff Babinski, executive vice president and general manager at del Lago Resort & Casino, thinks he knows why the jobless rate in Seneca County is at its lowest level in a decade.

“We are a big reason why unemployment is low in the county,” he said in a phone interview Friday.

Seneca County’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent in October, according to the state Department of Labor. The rate was also 3.9 percent in May. It hasn’t been this low since October 2007, when the jobless rate was 3.9 percent.

Among the state’s 62 counties, the county has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate. Only Columbia (3.4 percent), Saratoga (3.7 percent) and Yates (3.8 percent) had lower jobless rates.

Unemployment in Seneca County is below the national, state and regional rates. The national jobless rate was 4.1 percent in October and November. The state reported a 4.8 percent rate in October. In the Finger Lakes region, the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent.

Del Lago Resort & Casino opened Feb. 1. Before the casino was built in the town of Tyre, developers pledged to create 1,800 jobs — approximately 1,500 for the casino and an additional 300 for the hotel and spa.

That promise has been largely fulfilled. More than 1,500 people were hired for various positions within the casino. Del Lago hired over 200 more employees for its 205-room hotel, which opened in July.

Del Lago hired from throughout the region, but hundreds of its employees hail from Seneca County. County residents comprise 24 percent of his staff, according to Babinski.

“We have put a lot of people to work and we’re very proud,” he said.

There are other indicators of del Lago’s impact on the county’s employment levels. The number of employed residents spiked from 14,400 in January to 15,400 in February — the month the casino opened. By comparison, there was either no increase or a slight bump from month to month in neighboring Cayuga and Wayne counties.

Seneca County’s labor force rose to 16,300 in February, which was the highest level in nearly four years.

From October 2016 to October 2017, total private sector jobs in Seneca County increased by 1,500 — a 17.4 percent hike. Total service jobs in the county increased by 23 percent, from 6,300 to 7,800, over the last year. And jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector spiked by a whopping 166.7 percent, from 900 to 2,400.

Beyond the jobs, the casino generates a significant amount of tax revenue for Seneca County. As a host municipality, the county receives five percent of the casino’s tax payments. Since the casino opened in February, the county’s share of the tax payments is $1,869,934.

Once December is factored in, the total will likely exceed $2 million.

Seneca County Manager John Sheppard said the funds come at a crucial time for the county. Without the additional money he said the county’s tax levy would have exceeded the property tax cap of 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.

The size of the project is also significant compared to the county’s total assessed value which, according to Sheppard, is $2.1 billion. The cost of the casino project was $440 million.

“This is a game-changer for little old Seneca County,” Sheppard said.

Babinski agrees.

“That’s $440 million of private money going into an area that needed jobs and needed tourism,” he said. “Check the box. We did it.”

Casino officials have been highlighting del Lago’s impact in the aftermath of reports about the lower than expected gaming revenues. When a state gaming license was sought for the Seneca County project, developers said the casino would generate $263 million in revenue during its first year.

Since opening in February, del Lago has reported more than $125.1 million in gross gaming revenue. After taxes, the casino’s share is nearly $88 million.

In November, del Lago touted figures released by the Thruway Authority showing traffic at the Waterloo exit, which is located two-tenths of a mile away from the casino, increased by 43 percent since Feb. 1.

It was also revealed that Magee Diner, a longtime restaurant on Route 414 not far from the casino, will expand. According to Gary Schlegel, the diner’s owner, sales have increased 15 percent since del Lago opened earlier this year.

That’s not the only new development planned for the area in and around the casino. A Hilton Garden Inn will be built on the casino’s grounds to complement its existing 205-room hotel. Sheppard said there could be at least one or two more hotels built near the casino.

“The goal of del Lago was to be part of the community and drive tourism to the Finger Lakes,” Babinski said. “We’ve done that.”

From the start, the mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the region. The mission continues as the resort and casino purchased 3,500 pies from Special Touch Bakery in Rochester. The purchase is the largest same day sale that the bakery has ever received. The pies will be gifted to del Lago Resort & Casino’s top guests during the month of December.

“This is the largest same day sale of Special Touch Bakery pies in our history,” said Director of Bakery Operations Joe Perdicho.  “We’re grateful to del Lago Resort & Casino for the opportunity to showcase our delicious gourmet pies made by our dedicated team of bakers.”

At Special Touch Bakery, a baker is a baker.  The bakery employs an integrated workforce that includes people with and without disabilities, working side by side, creating the amazingly delicious Special Touch Bakery pie that customers have come to love many years.  In October, the bakery moved into a new 20,000-square-foot expanded facility to allow for continued growth.

“Since del Lago opened in February 2017, we have established ourselves as an asset to the region, embracing local businesses and organizations and we are proud to support Special Touch Bakery through the sale of 3,500 pies,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski. “Special Touch Bakery is an incredible asset to the Rochester region and we are thrilled to share the bakery’s delicious pies with our casino guests.  We can’t wait to introduce Special Touch Bakery pies to a new audience — we know our guests will fall in love at first bite just as we did.”

Del Lago Resort & Casino is a steward of the region, working to leverage the natural beauty and unique offerings to enhance tourism. This mission has been woven throughout the development of del Lago through amenities like Savor New York — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago, a 2,000-square-foot store featuring MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products, as well as other local items.  The store showcases Finger Lakes wineries, breweries, spirits, cheesemakers, artisans and more. Each Friday through Sunday, del Lago features different vendors that sample and sell their products. Items featured have included wine, beer, maple syrup, honey, mustard, wing and BBQ sauces, Italian ice/ice cream and lotions/salves. These opportunities greatly help vendors reach new audiences, resulting in increased traffic and online sales for local businesses. 

About del Lago Resort & Casino

Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago offers a Players Reward Club, free to join with instant winnings, free slot play, table games match play, gifts and hotel, spa and entertainment offers. Players may redeem earned points at the casino and at local participating retailers, wineries and restaurants. Savor NY — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago is a unique retail outlet where local vendors bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers, and other area specialties. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

Traffic at New York State Thruway Exit 41 Has Increased Nearly 50 Percent Since del Lago Opening

From the start, the mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region. That mission is coming to fruition as del Lago has significantly boosted tourism in the region since its opening in February 2017. According to data from the New York State Thruway Authority, traffic at Exit 41 has increased nearly 50 percent since del Lago Resort & Casino opened.

In the year prior to del Lago’s opening, average monthly traffic at the Thruway exit was 266,306 vehicles. Since the February opening, the average monthly vehicle count dramatically increased to 381,477 vehicles.

The uptick in traffic counts confirms the positive impact del Lago Resort & Casino has had on Seneca County and the Finger Lakes region. Local officials expected the number to significantly grow, but the recent figures far exceeded expectations.

“With the opening of del Lago Resort & Casino, we certainly expected more visitors to arrive in Seneca County via the Thruway. However, the data shared with us by the New York State Thruway Authority truly surpassed our expectations,” Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Shipley said. “It’s very clear that del Lago is bringing new tourists to our region while helping benefit both Seneca County and our local businesses. The area around del Lago is ripe for development, and I look forward to seeing how the increase in tourists will continue to help our region.”

Local businesses are also seeing an increase in traffic and sales since del Lago Resort & Casino opened. Gary Schlegel, owner of Magee Diner on Route 414, has seen sales increase 15 percent since the resort and casino became his neighbor last winter.

“We see more and more new faces in our restaurant every day, and 80 percent of the time my customers tell me they are on their way to or from del Lago,” Schlegel said. “Del Lago helps bring cars off the New York State Thruway and into Magee Diner, and we are grateful for the mutually beneficial relationship we have built with del Lago and look forward to seeing more customers through our doors.”

Because of the uptick, Magee Diner is in the process of expanding the restaurant and is converting its patio to a four-season room to accommodate the influx of customers. Schlegel also said the diner is in the process of obtaining its liquor license and hopes the changes will be made by spring 2018.

“As del Lago continues to grow, jobs, economic development, new and expanded businesses, and tourism in the region will continue to grow as well and we couldn’t be happier. It’s part of our mission and part of our business plan to help the community and the region,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski. “These early indicators of del Lago’s positive impact on the region are gratifying and only inspire us to continue helping local businesses expand and create even more new jobs and opportunities for our neighbors in Seneca County and the Finger Lakes region.”

About del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a $440 million casino, 205-room hotel and spa in Waterloo, New York. The mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region, leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings while enhancing tourism. Del Lago offers a Players Reward Club, free to join with instant winnings, free slot play, table games match play, gifts and hotel, spa and entertainment offers. Players may redeem earned points at the casino and at local participating retailers, wineries and restaurants. Savor NY — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago is a unique retail outlet where local vendors bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers, and other area specialties. Del Lago Resort & Casino features 1,956 slot machines and 99 gaming tables, including 14 poker tables; award-winning Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant serving brunch and dinner with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; 4,200-square-foot food court; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods and Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor. The hotel wing features The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages, Lavazza Italian coffee shop, serving homemade pastries and gelato and the 14,000-square-foot European-style Spa del Lago. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.