Building on the success of Portico by Fabio Viviani’s grand opening last month, this weekend Chef Viviani will be at del Lago Resort & Casino to introduce the restaurant’s new lunch menu. Beginning Saturday, April 1, Portico by Fabio Viviani will now offer lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.

With an intense passion for food and farm-fresh ingredients, Fabio Viviani brings that same essence and spirit to Portico by Fabio Viviani which opened on Feb. 23, serving dinner only. The 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.

For his lunch menu, Viviani will feature some of the well-known and much-loved dishes from the restaurant’s dinner menu such as rigatoni carbonara and the coccoli platter; beignet-style bread balls with prosciutto de parma, stracchino cheese, truffle honey and herb oil. He will also introduce sandwiches and additional salads to the lunch menu, including a truffle burger and caprese sandwich, which are adaptations of some of the most popular dishes at Viviani’s restaurants in LA and Chicago.

“We have received rave reviews since opening Portico by Fabio Viviani and we look forward to offering our guests additional dining options with the new lunch menu,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski. “Fabio’s restaurant has already proven to complement the region by using locally sourced products when available. With the lunch menu will have additional opportunities to partner with the many wonderful local purveyors in our area.”

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 first restaurant in New York state.

“I truly love this area and I’m excited to be back in the Finger Lakes to introduce the Portico lunch menu to our guests,” said Viviani. “We have received such a warm welcome over the past month and our customers have already expressed such excitement to try our new menu. Just as with our dinner menu, lunch will feature homemade ingredients made from scratch such as our breads and pastas — and our meat is aged right at Portico.”

In addition to Portico by Fabio Viviani, del Lago offers guests dining options at the Farmers Market Buffet featuring locally sourced produce, fruits, dairy products and meats, as well as homemade gelato and pastries; The Vine, which serves guests French Quarter-inspired dishes; and a food court with three restaurants: Finger Lakes-based Ciccino’s Pizzeria & Paninoteca and locally owned Smashburger and Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Del Lago Resort & Casino is a partnership between Rochester-based Wilmorite Inc. and Peninsula Pacific. Peninsula Pacific comprises the former leadership team from Peninsula Gaming, which has a combined 50 years of experience developing and managing regional casinos in five states. JNB Gaming manages the casino as JNB and its principals are widely recognized throughout the country as premier casino developers and operators.

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. 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 also features 2,000 slot machines and 89 gaming tables, including 12 poker tables; Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods; Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor; The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages; and a 4,200-square-foot food court. The hotel, spa, banquet facility and The Sociale Café & Bar will open in summer 2017. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

By Christopher Malone
February 22, 2017

Del Lago rolls the dice to lure Thruway-bound casino patrons.

On the morning of Feb. 1, the del Lago Resort and Casino’s doors were opened to the mass of patrons that had lined up outside for hours in the 30-degree temperatures. Soon afterward, most of the venue’s slot machines were jammed with customers, while the roulette wheels spun and the dice rolled.

The Seneca County town of Tyre rolled the dice, too, as it welcomed its newest privately run casino. Del Lago is one of four non-Indian casinos to be built in New York state, according to a 2013 referendum initiated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Del Lago is 40 minutes away from downtown Syracuse.

“Today is a major victory for Seneca County,” said Jeff Babinski, del Lago’s executive vice president and general manager, on opening day. In the near future, the Catskills and the Schenectady area will be seeing the same victories as they were granted casino licenses in December 2015.

Del Lago means “of the lakes,” which falls in line with designating the area as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region. “We shared a vision of del Lago Casino, and it’s off to a great start,” said co-chair Thomas C. Wilmot Sr. “Seneca County could not have been more welcoming.”

Talk about the construction of the $440 million project began in 2013, but the foundation of the project was started on shaky ground. There were several issues that the project heads, which include co-chairs Brent Stevens and Wilmot, had to hurdle.

In August 2016, a lawsuit was dismissed. The taxpayers were irritated about a $45.3 million payment in lieu of taxes. According to an article in Rochester’s Democrat & Chronicle, Joseph Spector reported that now former state Sen. Michael Nozzolio had paid Wilmot between $150,000 and $250,000, inciting a potential conflict of interest.

The Oneida Nation and other resort opposition continue to stand their ground against del Lago. In 2015, the Yellow Brick Road Casino, 800 E. Genesee St. in Chittenango, was opened by the nation. The trifecta that is the Oneidas, Turning Stone Resort and Casino and the group of taxpayers making up Casino Free Tyre claimed the project ignored environmental impact studies.

With consideration to the other casinos throughout upstate New York, competition could be an underlying factor in the now-dismissed lawsuit. More casinos mean more options to gamble, which mean a potential loss of income for established racing and gaming resorts.

WSTM-Channel 3 reporter Brett Hall also pointed out the cemetery in del Lago’s parking lot. The New York State Cemetery Association prohibited Wilmot and his team from raising the dead in this small family burial ground. Instead, they paved around it.

Town of Tyre supervisor Ron McGreevy wasn’t shy about recognizing these issues, as he reminded everyone to be patient and stay positive. “This is the economic boost the local economy needed,” he said. “We envision a bright future.”

Not only will the resort bring tourists into the area (indeed, there has been a mighty surge of traffic since Feb. 1, as cars take the New York State Thruway’s Exit 41 Waterloo-Clyde to reach del Lago), it will also be attractive for businesses. Recent openings have included a Byrne Dairy and an affordable housing complex, and there is an expected car dealership and Dunkin Donuts to be built in the near future.

“Our investors have committed to this beautiful property on the premise that del Lago Resort and Casino will be a world-class destination focused on community pride,” said Stevens. He promises integrity and exceeding expectations. They aim to lure 3.2 million visitors each year and $250 million in gaming revenue. Tyre and Seneca County will see $3.4 million in taxes, and the state will rake in $68 million.

Job creation is also something they’ve boasted about. On opening day, Stevens made note of 1,504 employees. When the hotel and spa are finished by the beginning of summer, 300 employees will be added to the roster. Also, 1,800 construction positions were filled to build the casino from the ground up. “Of the 1,400 craftsmen in construction, some of them worked 90 consecutive days,” said Wilmot.

The hard work helped erect a 94,000 square-foot facility with 2,001 digital slot machines. For those looking to give their eyeballs a break, del Lago offers 89 gaming tables and an additional 12 poker tables.

Juris Basens, assistant general manager, gave reporters a tour of the facility. He pointed out The Vine, the three-floor entertainment showroom that boasts a 2,400-seat occupancy and features upcoming acts such as Boyz II Men (March 3), Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (March 11), Impractical Jokers (April 1) and Trace Adkins (April 7). Bad Company kicked off the venue’s opening with a sold-out Feb. 10 concert.

He also pointed out the highlighted restaurant Portico, run by Fabio Viviani, the Italian-born chef who was a standout on the Bravo television series Top Chef. A ribbon-cutting event is slated for Thursday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. Another offering is the Farmers Market Buffet, an all-you-can-eat dining area specializing in locally sourced produce and meat. The food court features Moe’s Southwest Grill, Smashburger and the Finger Lakes-based Ciccino’s Pizzeria.

The food court is adjacent to a MacKenzie-Childs store, which was included due to the warehouse’s proximity in Aurora. Even the bathrooms are decorated with a notable checkerboard pattern, and everyone can feel like royalty while sitting on the throne.

Whether lounging in Centrifico, the lounge in the center of the gaming room, or concentrating on the game at hand, visitors will be able to breathe in clean air. The facility, which allows 21-and-older gamblers to play, is 100 percent smoke-free. There are three outdoor smoking areas, which are heated during the winter months.

The grand opening lured plenty of local politicians, including state Assemblyman Joe Morelle, state Sen. Pam Helming and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. The ribbon cutting and first craps rolls were preceded by Cuomo’s address.

The governor noted that every other state around New York was able to successfully pull off a gaming industry. Of course, the state education system does benefit from it. “We needed to get that leg in,” he said. “Gaming could be done by every other state around us, but we could not figure it out in New York. We had to go through the legislature with two different acts; that’s like running the gauntlet twice. But we went to the people of the state and we passed the referendum. Today we are standing in a magnificent monument of how intelligent the decision was.”

Cuomo made it clear he has high hopes for his state, especially upstate and Central New York. “No one has what we have in upstate New York,” Cuomo said. “We didn’t market it. We didn’t use it. We didn’t develop it, but nobody had our natural assets. And what we said is, ‘If we make the effort, we make the investment, you’re going to see upstate New York rise to the occasion.’”

The governor noted recent business highlights such as the resurrection of Hotel Syracuse, now Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St., and the 2016 New York State Fair’s record-breaking attendance. “All of these feed off each other,” Cuomo declared. “Now you’re seeing the positive synergy. Now you’re seeing an era of growth, and growth begets growth and investment begets investment. All upstate New York needed was exposure. We just had to take the first step, and you needed some courageous businessmen to believe and to step up and invest and get it done.

“That’s what today is all about, and I really believe that the best is yet to be. The growth you are seeing now all across upstate New York is going to increase exponentially. So let’s cut this ribbon, and let’s get to those slot machines!”

Tracy Schuhmacher
Feb. 22, 2017

The most upscale, and the most anticipated, of the dining options at the swanky del Lago Resort & Casino will open Thursday.

Portico by Fabio Viviani is named for the celebrity chef, a breakout star of Bravo’s reality series Top Chef. Known for his animated personality and thick accent from his native Italy, Viviani was voted fan favorite in the show’s fifth season. He has capitalized on his fame since the season aired in 2008; the restaurant is Viviani’s sixteenth.

The Italian steakhouse is Italian in inspiration, but the sophisticated dishes are generally worlds apart from Grandma’s red sauce. Think delicate spheres of fried bread called coccoli that you carefully break open and fill with thin shavings of Prosciutto di Parma and soft chunks of Taleggio cheese, a drizzle of truffle honey and dots of oniony pesto ($13). Or a slightly untraditional rigatoni carbonara ($16) with Brussels sprouts, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper and egg. It arrives at the table in a Mason jar; a server caps the jar, gives it a shake to combine the ingredients, and plates the dish. The pastas, gnocchi and breads are made from scratch daily.

While some cheeses and Prosciutto di Parma are sourced from Italy, the restaurant also is working with local farmers and purveyors; dishes containing items sourced locally (when available) are noted on the menu. As an example, the restaurant is sourcing three cheeses from Muranda Cheese Company in Waterloo; its blue cheese is used in a poached pear salad ($12) and a baby red leaf romaine salad ($12).

The restaurant seats 210 people, and private dining spaces are available. The restaurant will initially focus on dinner service; lunch and weekend brunch will be phased in later. The hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Viviani will initially be on hand to ensure that the restaurant gets off to a strong start, and then will make return visits as needed. He will be joined by John Paolone, his California-based business partner, who oversees the culinary program for Viviani Hospitality Group. Don Agate of Skaneateles is the restaurant’s executive chef.

‘Top Chef’ opening restaurant at del Lago Resort & Casino
The glitzy $440 million resort and casino, owned by Wilmorite and California-based Peninsula Pacific and managed by Iowa-based JNB Gaming, opened Feb. 1. It has a 2,400-seat entertainment venue and a 94,000-square-foot gaming floor with 2,000 slots and 89 table games. It is at 1133 state Route 414 in Tyre, Seneca County, near Waterloo — roughly a 45-minute drive from downtown Rochester.

In addition to Portico by Favio Viviani, the property offers several food and drink options. Its 285-seat Farmer’s Market Buffet has been especially well accepted, with just under 2,300 people served on a single day last week, said Jeff Babinski, executive vice president and general manager for the property. Its Vine restaurant serves southern and Cajun cuisine, and a bar and lounge area called Centrifico is in the middle of the casino. A food court consists of a Moe’s Southwest Grill, Smashburger and Ciccino’s, a locally owned pizzeria and restaurant that also has locations in Waterloo and Geneva.

Another restaurant, called Sociale, will open when the 205-room hotel and spa opens later this year. It will serve three meals a day, from a coffee shop setup in the morning to a seafood restaurant and raw bar at night.

2/1/2017
GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

Project Creates 1,500 Permanent Jobs and 300 Additional Spa and Hotel Jobs in Finger Lakes Region

Resort & Casino Will Attract 3.2 Million Visitors Per Year
 
Four Upstate Casinos Will Generate $325 Million in Gaming Revenue for the State: $65 Million to Localities and $260 Million for Public Education

Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – Region’s Successful Upstate Revitalization Initiative Blueprint to Grow the Economy and Create New Opportunities

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the del Lago Resort & Casino in the Town of Tyre, Seneca County. The resort is a $440 million private investment featuring a 94,000 square-foot gaming floor, a 2,400-seat performance space, and multiple dining and retail options. Built on 85 acres of undeveloped land, the project generated more than one million construction hours and created 1,500 permanent jobs in the region.

“The opening of del Lago means new jobs, increased economic activity and one more step forward in our efforts to strengthen and transform the Finger Lakes region,” Governor Cuomo said. “For decades, New Yorkers looked beyond our borders to spend their entertainment dollars, but with this resort destination casino, we will attract New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore all this region has to offer.”

Governor Cuomo’s Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act of 2013 mandated that all state revenue from del Lago be returned to localities. Ten percent of the state’s tax revenue from the casino is split between the Town of Tyre and Seneca County for hosting the facility, and Broome, Chemung, Tompkins, Schuyler and Wayne counties share another 10 percent. The remaining 80 percent of revenue is distributed statewide to support public education and provide tax relief to New Yorkers.

Del Lago Resort & Casino is a partnership between Rochester-based Wilmorite Inc., and Peninsula Pacific. Peninsula Pacific comprises of the former leadership team from Peninsula Gaming, which has a combined 50 years in developing and managing regional casinos in five states. JNB Gaming will manage the casino. JNB and its principals are widely recognized throughout the country as premier casino developers and operators.

Del Lago General Manager and Executive Vice President Jeff Babinski said, “This day has been a long time coming and we are thrilled to open our doors to the public for the first time. We built del Lago Resort & Casino for you — for our customers, for the community and for our entire Finger Lakes region. From the start, the mission behind del Lago Resort & Casino has been to act as a gateway to the region with the goal of leveraging the natural beauty and unique offerings to enhance tourism. We are so excited that this day has finally come.”

Thomas Wilmot Sr., Chairman of Developer Wilmorite said, “We are thankful to Governor Cuomo for his leadership in bringing a referendum to the New York State voters which allowed del Lago to be proposed and built the facility we are opening today. We are incredibly proud of what we have built and the business operation that we are running. We will do everything that we can to exceed expectations and to help this region thrive.”

Brent Stevens, del Lago Resort & Casino Co-Chair, said, “Our investors have committed to this beautiful property on the promise that del Lago Resort & Casino will be a world-class destination focused on community pride, the highest level of customer service and the notion that we will under promise and over deliver. This resort and casino is another example of how leading gaming expertise at Peninsula Pacific coupled with the incredible track record of Wilmorite and the top-notch management expertise at JNB Gaming can take a dream and turn it into a reality.”

Del Lago Resort & Casino’s Expected Economic Impact
In addition to creating 1,800 jobs during construction, del Lago has created 1,500 permanent jobs with the casino opening and will create another 200-300 when the hotel and spa open this summer. Del Lago Resort & Casino will also be a boon to local wineries, breweries, restaurants, hotels, stores, tourism destinations and other businesses. In addition, local governments — Town of Tyre, school district, Seneca County and other neighboring counties in the gaming region established by the state — will see a significant, positive, direct impact from del Lago Resort & Casino through their share of the casino’s gaming tax payments to the state.

Town of Tyre Supervisor Ronald McGreevy said, “The opening of del Lago Resort and Casino is truly a historic event, not only for the Town of Tyre and Seneca County, it is a historic event for the entire Finger Lakes Region. del Lago is providing the economic boost our area has so desperately needed. More jobs and lower taxes were promised, and those promises have been kept. del Lago’s steadfast commitment to our community has exceeded all expectations. We are indeed grateful to have been selected for this unique opportunity. This is truly a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for our area. We look forward to a very bright future!”

Senator Pam Helming said, “This is an exciting day for Seneca County and the entire Finger Lakes community, as del Lago Casino and Resort will be an important economic driver for our region with over 1,000 permanent jobs and additional tax revenue for our schools and localities. As a major employer for our area, del Lago will also help to attract more business opportunities for the local workforce and will help grow our tourism economy.”

Assemblyman Brian Kolb said, “Today’s opening of the del Lago Resort & Casino represents the beginning of an exciting recreational and economic opportunity for the Finger Lakes Region. I want to congratulate all those who helped bring this project to
life and wish del Lago’s staff and patrons great success.”

Based on del Lago’s estimates, the resort and casino is projected to bring in 3.2 million visitors per year. In total, the four commercial casinos – del Lago, Tioga Downs, Montreign and Rivers — when fully operational will generate $325 million in gaming taxes, of which $65 million will be directed to localities and $260 million will support public education.

Del Lago Resort & Casino guests will also enjoy:

• Farmers Market Buffet: Offering diners locally sourced produce, fruits, dairy products, meats and pastries
• The Vine: 2,400-person entertainment venue that will also serve as a separate French Quarter-inspired restaurant and bar
• Portico by Fabio Viviani: Celebrity chef and “fan favorite” on Bravo’s hit reality series “Top Chef,” Fabio brings a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and handmade pastas, as well as seafood, steaks and chops grilled over hardwood.
• Centrifico: Bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor
• Savor NY — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago: 2,000-square-foot store featuring MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater products, as well as a selection of special products produced by companies based in the Finger Lakes, including local wineries, breweries, spirits and cheesemakers
• Food Court: 4,200-square-foot food court with three restaurants: Finger Lakes-based Ciccino’s Pizzeria & Paninoteca, and locally owned Smashburger and Moe’s Southwest Grill
• The 205-room hotel, spa, banquet facility and The Sociale Café & Bar, set to open in summer 2017

Del Lago Resort & Casino is located 1133 State Route 414, Waterloo NY, 13165, just off Exit 41 on the New York State Thruway.

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. 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 also features 2,000 slot machines and 89 gaming tables, including 12 poker tables; Portico by Fabio Viviani, a restaurant with a sophisticated take on Old World Italian-inspired foods and spirits; The Vine, a 2,400-person entertainment center, bar and restaurant; Farmers Market Buffet, featuring locally sourced comfort foods; Centrifico, a bar/lounge area in the center of the gaming floor; The Sociale Café & Bar, serving “gastro spa” cuisine and beverages; and a 4,200-square-foot food court. The hotel, spa, banquet facility and The Sociale Café & Bar will open in summer 2017. For more information, visit delLagoResort.com.

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.

By MIKE HIBBARD
Jan 29, 2017

TYRE — For most of his adult life Jim McCormack awoke in the morning, showered, shaved, put on a police uniform and strapped on a gun.

That routine ended Oct. 28 of last year. McCormack — “Jimmer” to almost everyone who knows him — retired after 37 years in law enforcement, including the past 31 years with the New York State Police.

Just three days later he began a new chapter in his life and career: vice president of security at del Lago Resort & Casino.

“I do miss the [state police] job, per se, but to tell you the truth I’ve really been too busy to think about it,” McCormack said Tuesday from his office at del Lago. “Now I’m in charge of 160-some-odd people. I’ve got some good people underneath me who are supervisors, but I’m not wearing a uniform and not wearing a gun anymore.

“It is different, but this is a great opportunity for me.”

He didn’t know it then, but an informal meeting several years ago between state police and del Lago officials paved the way for the next stage in his professional career. The gathering included Sgt. McCormack, Capt. George DelNegro, then Capt. Rick Allen (who is now a major and Troop E commander) and senior Investigator Dave Stebbins, along with del Lago General Manager Jeff Babinski, Assistant General Manager Juris Basens and Jim McKenna, construction manager for Wilmorite.

“I was sort of a conduit to the meeting,” McCormack remembered. “We met at Parker’s and asked what we could do for them, how can we interact and how we would respond to calls for them. We met and talked for about 90 minutes. We left, and the next day I was on my way to work when Juris called me and said ‘Would you be interested in coming here?’”

Fast-forward to last summer. After seeing Babinski and Basens at some golf tournaments, McCormack interviewed in late June with the human resources director at del Lago and talked for about 20 minutes on the casino business.

“He offered me a job on Aug. 24. I told my boss a short time later and got a nice farewell tour,” McCormack said. “I retired from the state police on Oct. 28. The next day I met for six hours with the human resources director and my first official day was Oct. 31.”

With a Feb. 1 opening date in place, McCormack couldn’t exactly ease into his job. He has been learning del Lago’s policies and procedures, studying up on the casino industry in general and hiring people — lots of people.

“I wish I had started here sooner,” he said with a grin.

“I originally thought I would be hiring about 100 people, but to date it’s 163,” McCormack continued. “Most of them are security officers and (emergency medical technicians) who are cross-trained to be security officers. I haven’t hired everybody individually, but I have looked at all the résumés.”

“I’m not a gambler. I’ve been to four casinos in my life, including this one. I spent a dollar in a casino, just once, because everybody said I had to do it and I did it at the airport in Las Vegas. It’s just not my thing, but I know a lot of people will come here and this place is going to be a hit. From that perspective, I’ve had a lot to learn.”

A retired state trooper, Gene Chisholm, has been working with McCormack.

“Gene did a lot of the (human resources) work over the last four weeks,” he said. “I think we’ve got a pretty good staff, and I think the casino will be successful because of those people.”

McCormack is quick to point out that surveillance of gaming operations is not under his purview.

“We work with them to an extent, but we are not in that room. That is all proprietary to their department,” he said. “We will converse with them via the radio and phone. If they see something we need to address, they will call us. If we see something, we will call them. It could be a particular table, a particular patron, a particular incident or an incident we respond to after the fact. It could be someone who slips and falls … it could be a medical emergency.”

To that end, as part of a community host agreement with the town of Tyre and Seneca County, del Lago has hired 17 full-time EMTs and six part-timers for coverage around the clock. The casino also has made large contributions to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and Magee Fire Department.

A Geneva native, McCormack was an Ontario County sheriff’s deputy and Canandaigua police officer before going to the state police. He is well known for his nearly 40 years with the Geneva Fire Department, including 33 years as an assistant chief.

One thing his family, friends, police and fire department colleagues have ribbed him about since he retired from the state police is his long hair and beard.

“As you can tell, I have only shaved once since I’ve retired. That was a Christmas party, and I haven’t had a haircut since then,” he said with a smile. “I used to shave every day for almost 37 years and get a haircut on a regular basis. I will eventually shave, but I’m not sure about the haircut.”

When asked if he is nervous as Wednesday approaches, McCormack said he and his staff will be ready. They are currently training on several security systems.

“Actually, I am looking forward to opening day. I think it’s going to be phenomenal. I really do,” he said. “Am I apprehensive about having people ready? Well, we are up to staff and now it’s a matter of getting them trained.”

McCormack, who just turned 58, originally planned to retire at 60, the mandatory retirement age for state police. He admitted having thoughts about running for Ontario County sheriff after current Sheriff Phil Povero retires; McCormack said Povero indicated to him that could happen after his current term expires at the end of 2018.

“That would have been around the time I left the state police,” he said. “That was in the back of my mind, but this job just happened.

“I’ve met a lot of great people since I’ve come here and I’ve learned a lot, and I really think del Lago will be successful because of the people, because of the leadership here and the people that we’ve hired.”

By Robert Harding
Jan 30, 2017

TYRE — A lot has changed in one year.

It was January 2016. Wilmorite and Peninsula Pacific, the entities behind the $440 million del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre, Seneca County, held a beam signing ceremony. State and local elected officials attended and added their names to the imposing steel beam.

Del Lago was nothing more than a dirt lot at the time. Construction crews had started work on the foundation and structure, but weren’t far along.

Now, after a year of work, del Lago’s casino is nearly 100 percent complete. Jeff Babinski, executive vice president and general manager of del Lago, said there’s some minor work that needs to be done before the grand opening Wednesday. But the casino is essentially a finished product.

Three days before del Lago opens, The Citizen was allowed to tour the casino and provide a look inside New York’s latest destination gaming resort.

THE CASINO
Del Lago’s 94,000-square-foot gaming floor boasts 2,001 slot machines and 89 table games, including 12 in the casino’s poker room.

For slot machine players, there is a variety of games, such as Candy Shop, Mixed Fruit Magic and Valentines Day. A vast majority of the slot machines are on the gaming floor, with a handful of games in the high stakes room.

The table games include blackjack, craps and roulette. The poker room on the southern side of the casino offers a more intimate environment, with comfortable lighting and televisions for additional entertainment.

The slot machines occupy most of the space on the gaming floor, with the table games spread throughout the facility. For example, outside of the poker room you can find blackjack, craps and roulette tables on the south side of the building. On the eastern side of the casino near The Vine, del Lago’s entertainment venue, there are more table games.

There is no smoking inside the casino, but there are three outdoor smoking areas for visitors. Each area has a fire pit to keep smokers warm, especially during the winter months, and is sealed off from the rest of the casino.

A couple of the table games near The Vine sport a different pattern than the traditional layout you would see in a casino. The tables feature advertising for upcoming concerts at The Vine. For now, the tables promote rock group Bad Company’s concert on Feb. 10 — the first at the 2,400-seat venue — rapper Flo Rida’s Feb. 11 performance. (Bad Company’s concert has sold out.)

Babinski said the promotional graphics will be updated to advertise upcoming concerts and comedy shows at The Vine.

THE VINE
While minor work is wrapping up on the rest of the casino, most of the remaining construction is focused on The Vine.

During The Citizen’s tour Sunday, construction crews continued to work inside the entertainment hall. Babinski said The Vine will be ready for Bad Company’s concert.

So far, del Lago has announced several comedy shows and concerts at The Vine. The acts range from Bad Company and Flo Rida to comedians Bill Engvall and Larry The Cable Guy. The casino recently added country music acts Trace Adkins and Dustin Lynch to the lineup.

Outside The Vine, there’s a lounge area with a full bar for patrons. Televisions provide an alternative to gaming and the entertainment inside the concert venue.

The Vine’s bar offers a full menu of alcoholic beverages, including 16 beers on tap. Many of the beers are either brewed in New York or produced by New York-based breweries, including Empire Brewing Company in Syracuse and Southern Tier Brewing Company in Chautauqua County.

RETAIL
There’s a touch of Cayuga County inside del Lago.

Savor New York — MacKenzie Childs at del Lago features select items from the Aurora-based company’s collection and its Jay Strongwater brand.

John Ling, CEO of Aurora Holdings, which owns MacKenzie-Childs, told The Citizen in September that del Lago approached the company about opening a retail outlet inside the casino. The offer interested the company, mainly due to the proximity to its base of operations.

One due to the location being close to our headquarters and being in an area with the customer base that’s very familiar with our product, and one that is most likely coming to that area because of the draw of the casino, but also the draw of the Finger Lakes region, which we’re so very much an important part of,” Ling said.

There are several MacKenzie-Childs products available in Savor New York. The shop will also offer tastings of New York-made cheeses and craft beverages, such as beer and wine. There will be a rotation of breweries, wineries and other craft beverage producers featured in the store.

DINING
Del Lago has an array of dining options for its patrons.

If you want a quick meal, the food court, which is located near Savor New York, has three options: Ciccino’s Pizzeria & Paninoteca, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Smashburger.

Moe’s and Smashburger are chains operated by a Rochester-area franchisee. Ciccino’s is a Finger Lakes-based pizzeria with existing locations in Geneva and Waterloo.

For more of an upscale dining experience, the 201-seat Portico by Fabio Viviani offers an old-world Italian menu with chops, steaks and seafood. Viviani, a celebrity chef who appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” a reality TV show, will have a hands-on role with the restaurant that bears his name.

Portico is equipped with a luxurious bar and comfortable seating for guests. And it offers a full view of the gaming floor.

The Farmer’s Market Buffet has plenty of options for guests. There will be Asian cuisine and Mexican offerings. Fine meats will be grilled and served daily. Desserts, including gelato made in house, will be served.

If players are looking to just relax and enjoy a beverage, the bars in Portico and The Vine are options. So, too, is Centrifico, a lounge area located in the center of the gaming area.

Patrons can have drinks in Centrifico, play video poker at the bar and watch television. Since it’s right off the gaming floor, it’s can give players a break from the hustle and bustle of the casino.

The Sociale will be another dining option for visitors. The restaurant will offer a cafe-style menu and a bar.

PARKING
There won’t be a shortage of parking spaces at del Lago. A large lot in front of the casino and hotel is the first option for motorists. There’s also a parking garage available. There’s a casino entrance on the north side of the facility, where the parking garage is located.

A rear parking lot will serve as more of an overflow area for vehicles and a drop-off area for buses.

HOTEL
The casino is complete, but construction continues on the interior of the 205-room hotel, which is still on track to open this summer, Babinski said.

The hotel will also be home to a 10,000-square-foot spa, which will have 17 treatment rooms, a boutique shop and salon.

The resort is linked, so patrons who stay at the hotel will have easy access to the casino and other amenities. Portico and the Sociale are located near the hotel wing of the facility.

EMPLOYMENT
Del Lago hired 1,500 employees to work in the casino. An additional 300 employees will be hired to staff the hotel once it opens this summer.

Figures provided to The Citizen show more than 15 percent of del Lago’s staff — roughly 230 employees — are from Cayuga County.

The casino held three dealer school sessions to train hundreds of workers who will staff the table games on the gaming floor. More than 240 people successfully completed dealer school, exceeding del Lago’s goal of having 200 dealers trained to work at the blackjack, craps, poker and roulette tables.

OPENING DAY
Del Lago opens at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. A press conference will be held before the doors open to guests for the first time.

Devin Holdraker
JANUARY 21, 2017

Just outside of Wayne County, a massive new facility is nearly ready, as the staff works to complete the finishing touches.

Far from the bright lights of Las Vegas, the new del Lago Resort & Casino is officially slated to open on February 1st in Tyre, NY.

A joint venture between local developer Wilmorite and JNB Gaming out of Iowa, the new $440 million complex sits adjacent to the NYS Thruway at Exit 41.

One of the three brand new casinos being built in New York, del Lago is the result of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan for up to 7 Vegas-style casinos which was approved by voters in November 2013.

The project faced opposition from both the Oneida Tribe, who operate nearby Turning Stone Casino, as well as a local group called “Casino Free Tyre”. In addition, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack had also filed a lawsuit trying to prevent the casino from opening. While these efforts delayed progress, the casino will still be completed on schedule.

Out of the 1400+ employees the resort has already hired, 193 are Wayne County residents, about 13.5% of their total workforce. They are now the largest employer in Seneca County. An additional 200-300 jobs will be added over the next year to staff the new the hotel and spa.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Jeff Babinski says that he, and everyone involved with the project, are anxious to open the doors. “We’re excited. We can’t wait for our players to be wowed.”

So what can visitors expect to see on opening day?

The 94,000 sq. ft. gaming floor has high ceilings and opulent finishes throughout.

If you’re looking for table games, the 24 hour casino will offer 77 tables of craps, blackjack, roulette and more, in addition to a 12 table poker room.

If slot machines are more your game, Babinski says that he and his team have traveled across the country in search of the best. “We wanted to make sure our slot product was the latest and greatest.” It has also been reported that, players will be able to order drinks right from their machines.
Beyond gaming, the resort boasts several restaurants as well as a buffet/food court.

The entertainment venue, The Vine, will accommodate up to 2,400 people and has already sold out for their “Bad Company” concert on February 10th. Upcoming acts include Flo Rida on February 11th and comedian Larry The Cable Guy on February 18th. More entertainment will be announced over the next few weeks via the resort’s Facebook page.

While the hotel section won’t officially open until later this year, guests can expect luxurious accommodations and amenities including a full service spa.
Babinski, who has worked at several casinos prior to this, said he’s proud of his team members and staff, and thankful to the contractors and trades who made everything come together. “This wouldn’t have been possible without them and the support of the entire region. We’re not just in this for us. We want to be a big part of the community” adding that plans are already in the works to let players use their earned points from the resort, around the area at local businesses.

The resort will also feature regional wines in their restaurants and plan to sell a variety of local products in their gift shop.

The final push is on to get everything completed and ready. Doors are set to open at 10:30am on Wednesday, February 1st. For more information on del Lago, visit delLagoResort.com

By DORIS WOLF
January 16, 2017

Waterloo — del Lago Resort & Casino is pleased to announce American country music singer and songwriter Dustin Lynch will take the stage at The Vine on March 9, 2017 at 8 p.m. The $440M state-of-the-art destination, opening Feb. 1, will include a 2,400 person entertainment venue featuring top-notch performers and acts, a bar and a restaurant for guests to enjoy.

Tickets for Dustin Lynch go on sale Friday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m., and start at $50. For more show information and to purchase tickets, visit www.dellagoresort.com/entertainment. Additional concerts and shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch occupies a unique place in today’s country music. Thanks to his classic sensibilities, he’s been heralded as the heir to George Strait’s throne. Yet with one listen to, “Where It’s At,” it’s obvious the young Tennessee native knows how to combine his traditional influences with an edgy intensity that places him at the vanguard of today’s contemporary country scene.

It’s that ability to fuse his country roots with a progressive musical vision that makes Lynch one of today’s most successful young artists. His self-titled debut hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart – making him the only new male artist to achieve such a feat that year. The album’s lead single, “Cowboys and Angels,” exceeded platinum sales status while earning Lynch a legion of devoted fans. “Cowboys and Angels” became a modern day country classic, ending the year as one Billboard’s Top 5 Country Songs of 2012.

Since releasing “Cowboys and Angels,” Dustin Lynch has launched on to the country music scene. Racking up over 25 million views on YouTube/VEVO, soaring to #1 on the MTV Music Meter and selling 2.4 million digital singles, the Tennessee native brings a fresh combination of traditional influences and edgy intensity to the genre. Producers Mickey Jack Cones, Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten showcase his progressive sound throughout his sophomore album, “Where It’s At” (Broken Bow Records), which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart and has tallied over 750,000 tracks sold to date. Fueled by the scorching Top 25-and-rising single “Hell Of A Night” and multi-week #1, GOLD-certified smash “Where It’s At,” the buzz-worthy album has earned well over 23.6 million streams on Spotify. Previously opening for Keith Urban, Lynch is igniting crowds nationwide on Luke Bryan’s 2015 KICK THE DUST UP TOUR. With recent shout-outs from superstar Reba and CBS’ The Talk co-hosts, media critics have taken notice of the rising newcomer. He was praised in Rolling Stone’s “The Best Things We Saw at CMA Music Fest 2014” and Rolling Stone’s 2013 Best of Rock Issue; named ELLE’s “Best New Country Music Artist of 2013,” and picked for both People Country and US Weekly’s “2014 Sexiest Men of Country.”

Additional upcoming shows at The Vine include:

Bad Company – Feb. 10 (SOLD OUT)
Flo Rida – Feb. 11
Larry the Cable Guy – Feb. 18
Comedian, Bill Engvall – March 18
Bret Michaels – March 24
truTV’s Impractical Jokers – April 1

About del Lago Resort & Casino

The $440 million 205-room hotel, spa and casino will include a banquet facility, several restaurants, lounges, 2,400 person entertainment center and other world-class amenities. Del Lago Resort & Casino will feature Savor New York — MacKenzie-Childs at del Lago, a unique retail outlet where local vendors will bring the Finger Lakes region directly to del Lago patrons with MacKenzie-Childs products and a wide variety of local fruits, cheeses, baked goods, wines and beers, and other area specialties. The casino will feature 2,000 slot machines and 89 gaming tables, including 12 poker tables. Del Lago has created 1,800 construction jobs and 1,800 permanent jobs, and will generate more than $90 million annually for New York state and local governments. The resort and casino was awarded a New York State casino license in December 2015 and will open to the public on February 1, 2017. For more information, visit www.delLagoResort.com.