Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, recently announced another addition to the leadership team of both establishments. Andrew Hamilton has been named Senior Regional Director of Food and Beverage for both Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs.
A veteran of the food and beverage industry, Hamilton has had a passion for culinary arts since a young age. The Philadelphia Enquirer dubbed him as an “upcoming chef” at the age of 23.
Today, he brings with him more than 40 years of experience, 24 years of which he spent with Hyatt Hotels and Hyatt Gaming. There, he worked at 14 properties in various leadership roles, ranging from Executive Chef to Assistant General Manager. He opened 12 properties with Hyatt Hotels including the Lone Eagle Grille in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and the Black Hawk casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. Mr. Hamilton also spent time as Vice President of Food and Beverage for Jack Binion at the Horseshoe casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Most recently, Mr. Hamilton served as the Food and Beverage Director in Rochester, Washington, where he completed a $45 million renovation for the Washington Chehalis Tribe.
“At Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, people come for the top-tier gaming and entertainment, but they stay, and return, for the full experience,” Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs, said. “Our fantastic food and beverage programs are the centerpiece of that experience, and we have full confidence that Mr. Hamilton’s direction will enhance every aspect of dining in both Nichols and Vernon.”
With the introduction of amenities, like P. J. Clarke’s restaurant, Tioga Downs has truly transformed into a full-service destination resort. Mr. Hamilton, a native of Laconia, New Hampshire, is pleased that his new position has brought him back to the northeast, and is looking forward to launching the food and beverage programs at both Tioga and Vernon Downs to new heights.
Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.
Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.
The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017.
Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations.
For more information on Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
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