Show 255, January 6, 2018: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula

Duane Owen of Pechanga Casino and ResortJust before year’s end Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula opened their doors to guests for the first phase of their ambitious $285 million expansion, including 568 new rooms & suites. In the new atrium is The Lobby Bar restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also launched on Thursday nights is the all-you-can enjoy Lobster & Seafood Extravaganza at The Pechanga Buffet.

The Lobby Bar restaurant located in the atrium is an inviting, open California bistro and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner bringing forth fresh, locally harvested ingredients to create seasonally changing specialties.

Chef Jose Mendoza (who returns to Pechanga from a tour in Las Vegas) melds unexpected flavors and Temecula-area components in a menu that pleases and excites. With many vegetarian dishes available, and cocktails hand crafted using local fruits and herbs, the Lobby Bar stands out among Pechanga’s 13 dining options.

The 2nd new restaurant to open as part of the current expansion is the Pool Bar & Grille at The Cove. Looking for a March launch.

We entice Pechanga’s Executive Chef Duane Owen out of his busy kitchens for the details.

Show 227, June 10, 2017: Ericka Luna, Director of Catering, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Ericka LunaEricka Luna is Pechanga’s veteran Director of Catering. She first joined Pechanga in 2004 as Manager of Catering and was promoted to her current post in 2010. Erika joins us for a status report on the in-progress, ambitious, $285 million expansion project.

The ambitious project involves adding a new, AAA Four Diamond, 568-room and suite hotel wing; a stand-alone luxury two-story spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center and hydrotherapy pool terrace; a resort-style pool complex with eight pool areas; two new restaurants; and an additional 67,000 square feet of event space.

The new Hotel Tower is on track to welcome guests in December. Just in time for the Holidays. The fabulous Las Vegas-style pool deck with cabanas and all the requisite luxury VIP amenities will debut in the Spring.

Show 227, June 10, 2017: Chef Damian Stanley, Assistant Executive Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Danian StanleyChef Damian Stanley is the Assistant Executive Chef at Pechanga. The highlight of his numerous achievements to date is the revamping of the restaurant space that has evolved into the highly successful Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

Umi means “sea” in Japanese. On the extensive menu are sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, specialty cocktails and so much more.

He’s also a two-time Pechanga Chili Champ (2014 & 2015) but has gracefully retired from competition to let the individual restaurant chefs have a clear field.

The two new restaurants at Pechanga as part of the ambitious expansion will include an outdoor poolside bar & grill and a Lobby restaurant.

Show 210, February 11, 2017: Sean Macready, Social Media / Digital Manager, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Sean MacReadyPechanga is well along with an ambitious $285 million expansion of the Hotel and all other guest amenities on the property with the exception of the Casino facilities. A new 2,400 space parking garage has just opened as the first part of the enhancements.

The project involves adding a new, AAA Four Diamond, 568-room and suite hotel wing; a stand-alone luxury two-story spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center and hydrotherapy pool terrace; a resort-style pool complex with eight pool areas; two new restaurants; and an additional 67,000 square feet of event space.

Pechanga Resort and Casino expansion“We estimate the expansion will result in an economic output of over $550 million, generating roughly 2,944 jobs up front as a result of construction-related activities,” said Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. “We estimate the local economy will benefit from an additional 560 jobs per year going forward as a result of expanded operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino.”

Pechanga’s Digital Marketing Manager, Sean MacReady fills us in.

Talk about clever marketing. How do you get the point across with recall that Pechanga always has complimentary Valet Parking for their guests?  See Sean’s creative approach in “Jurassic Parking” from Pechanga’s You Tube Channel.

Show 175, June 11, 2016: Pechanga Resort’s $285 Million Expansion

Ciara Green of PechangaPechanga Resort & Casino has been one of the most successful Indian gaming properties in the West. A new luxury hotel wing is under construction which will add two restaurants, a 2-level spa, and a Las Vegas-style resort pool deck with all the upscale amenities including cabanas. Ciara Green, Pechanga’s Public Relations Manager, takes off her hard hat to discuss the ambitious expansion efforts with us.

It’s all tentative at this point but the hope is that the new 2,000 space parking garage will be available in late November and the 568-room and suite, AAA Four Diamond hotel addition/expansion will debut in the late Fall of 2017.

“We estimate the expansion will result in an economic output of over $550 million, generating roughly 2,944 jobs up front as a result of construction-related activities,” said Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. “We estimate the local economy will benefit from an additional 560 jobs per year going forward as a result of expanded operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino

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