the longest continuously-running hotel and casino in Las Vegas, celebrated the completion of its property-wide expansion with a grand re-opening event featuring remarks from top El Cortez executives, signature cocktails and bites from three new food and beverage outlets, and a special proclamation from Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley.
Stationed in front of the casino’s new ShowBar, El Cortez owner and CEO Kenny Epstein shared his excitement about the new chapter this expansion brings to the El Cortez’s iconic history, a sentiment echoed by fellow El Cortez executives Mike Nolan, COO, and Joe Woody, CFO. The speeches culminated in Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley issuing a formal proclamation declaring Feb. 20, 2025 “El Cortez Hotel & Casino Day” throughout the city.
Following the remarks, guests in attendance enjoyed bites from Hot Noods by Chinglish, the casino’s newest dining venue from Michelin Guide-recognized Chef Po Fai Lam and Operating Partner Kitty Heck. Signature drinks from the casino’s newest bars – ShowBar and Roulette Bar – kept the party going, alongside live music from singer Michael Nugent.
Other notable guests in attendance included:
– Michael Gaughan: Owner South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa and son of Las Vegas icon Jackie Gaughan
– Tito Tiberti: Former President, J.A. Tiberti Construction and friend of Epstein and Gaughan families
– Nancy Houssels: Co-founder and Board Chair Emeritus, Nevada Ballet Theater and former wife to J.K. Houssels, Jr., whose father, J.K. Houssels, Sr., built the El Cortez
Originally run by notorious Las Vegas legends Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum and Moe Sedway, El Cortez takes great pride in preserving the vintage appeal and rich history that visitors come to expect. The $20 million latest expansion also features 10,000 square feet of casino space, including a new high limit lounge, and a Starbucks coffee shop. The expansion project led by McCarthy Building Companies, JIVE Architecture, YESCO, and Kenneth Ussenko Design, was executed in coordination with IKE Gaming, Inc.
