Primm Valley Resort & Casino reopens 17 days after Terrible’s takeover

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Primm Valley Resort & Casino reopened Wednesday, 17 days after Terrible’s took over management of the property.

Guests cheered as the doors opened. Among the first through the doors was Joni Tovar, who was visiting from Southern California with her sister and husband. Tovar said they visit the casino a couple of times a month.

“We’ve been coming here for years, and we’re just so thrilled that Terrible’s took it over because it was a shame to have this place closed,” Tovar said.

Tovar and her husband said the staff was a key reason they returned.

“Because of the way they treat you. They’re very friendly,” said Robert Tovar.

Workers relieved after uncertainty

Employees said the closure had created significant uncertainty. Rosa Diaz, an executive for housekeeping, said many workers were concerned about losing two things.

“Most of my team members have been living in housing for many years, and it’s sad to lose a house and a job at the same time,” Diaz said.

John Hayes, a bartender who started as a barback at the property in 2004, said the reopening brought a sense of normalcy back.

“We’re just happy to be back up and running and happy to have the routine coming back,” Hayes said. “We all got comfortable out here. It’s a comfortable spot.”

Officials say there are about 300 people employed by the company in Primm.

Primm family weighs in

Cory Clemetson, grandson of Primm founder Ernie Primm, and President of the Primm South Real Estate Company, said employees noticed a difference when Terrible’s came in to manage the property.

“They have smiles on their faces. They saw the instant difference when Terrible’s came in and were managing the property,” Clemetson said.

Clemetson said the Primm family had urged patience after the previous operator announced a permanent shutdown in May.

“People were really genuinely worried. And so again, we just said, look, give us a chance,” he said.

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What’s open at Primm

Clemetson said Primm Valley Casino and hotel are open, along with the Flying J gas station on the Whiskey Pete’s side, the Chevron Center, lottery store and a thrift store in the outlet mall. Food options including Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr., and McDonald’s remain open.

“We can’t wait to bring some more amenities back to not only this property but in the future Primm as a whole to really be able to capitalize on Las Vegans, Southern Californians and everybody else who would like to come here, stay the weekend and enjoy everything that Primm has to offer,” said Bryan Breeden Vice President of Advertising and Marketing, Terribles.

There is no word yet on exactly what will happen to Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bills Resort and Casino, but we heard a little bit from Terrible’s Vice President of Gaming Operations for Terrible’s.

“We want to bring concerts back. We want to bring more progressive slot tournaments back,” said Marc Bennett, Vice President of Gaming Operations, Terrible’s.

The previous operator had described the Primm property as a financial drain before exiting management.