Sycuan Casino partners with Clique Hospitality during expansion
26 Feb 2019
Clique’s strategic foray into Southern California’s ultra-competitive casino resort industry has been solidified through a partnership with one of the nation’s most respected Indian gaming properties, Sycuan Casino in San Diego, CA. Amidst the resort’s $260 million expansion, Sycuan’s partnership with Clique will introduce a casino-defining steakhouse (Bull and Bourbon), a swanky craft cocktail lounge (Elicit) and a luxury pool bar experience (Retreat) — all of which will open to the public with the unveiling of the resort renovations on 27 March 2019.
The comprehensive renovation of Sycuan has been one of the most hotly anticipated casino developments of 2019, and the buzz has spiked once again thanks to the arrival of a high-profile collaboration with Clique Hospitality. Alongside the build-out of the casino’s first 12-story luxury hotel tower, expanded state-of-the-art gaming floor, 1,200-seat entertainment venue, full-service spa, two pools and a lazy river, Sycuan’s multi-faceted culinary and cocktail experiences are targeted to directly offer its burgeoning casino customer base an alternative to its direct competitors.
The National Indian Gaming Commission’s most recent data shows a dynamic industry coupled with a healthy economy have been highly lucrative for Indian casinos across the state. In San Diego, the region’s 10 Indian gaming properties are spending more than $1 billion in total on added casino space, top-to-bottom remodels and more. While the luxury hotel will be the first on Sycuan’s casino property, the tribe is a veteran of the hotel industry. Sycuan owns downtown San Diego’s historic luxury hotel, the U.S. Grant, as well as a hotel and golf course a few miles from the casino. Furthermore, Sycuan’s success is widespread, and a ripple effect can be felt throughout the San Diego community as the tribe gives back to local charitable organizations annually.
Culinary and cocktail experiences
- Bull and Bourbon: Helmed by Executive Chef Aldo Negrete, alum of notable San Diego restaurants including Lionfish, Rare Form, JRDN and Jsix, Bull and Bourbon will impress with an innovative approach to the traditional fine-dining chophouse experience. Chef Negrete’s extensive knowledge in the art of butchery will lend itself to the restaurant’s hand cut steaks and on-site dry aging program. Premium proteins including American Wagyu, sustainably raised Ora King salmon, striped bass from Northern Baja and wild caught Mexican white shrimp may be prepared on a custom wood-burning grill in an open kitchen and complemented by an elaborate menu of spirits, with emphasis on a 75 internationally-sourced rare and esoteric bourbons.
- Elicit Bar & Lounge: Elicit will offer imbibers a highly interactive tableside cocktail experience showcasing techniques involving smoke and fire, housemade infusions, tinctures and syrups and more. Alongside a playful selection of artisanal cocktails, plus beer and wine, the lounge will incorporate a raw component serving fresh seafood and oysters alongside sashimi and a handful of sushi rolls. A small plates bar menu will also satisfy with selections including Kobe beef sliders, mini lobster rolls, chef’s signature buffalo wings and more.
- Retreat Pool & Cabanas: Retreat is an outdoor venue featuring two pools, an immense lazy river, a swim-up bar, and an expansive pool deck furnished with plush oversized daybeds and cabanas. The poolside menu will feature healthful seasonal bites and a full bar serving fresh mojitos, margaritas and champagne-infused cocktails.