Graton Resort Opens New Casino Wing And Dining Venues May 4

Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park will open the next stage of a $1 billion expansion on May 4. The development will introduce a new non smoking casino wing along with several dining venues as the property continues expanding its entertainment offerings in Sonoma County.

Good to Know

• A new 144,000 square foot non smoking casino wing will open May 4.
• Expansion adds new poker room, slot machines, and dining venues.
• Resort plans a hotel tower and adults only pool opening in 2027.

The new gaming space forms the centerpiece of the May launch. The 144,000 square foot casino wing will feature a new poker room, a high limit slots lounge, and nearly 2,000 additional slot machines, including several games making their global debut. Resort leadership described the smoke free gaming floor as an effort to improve comfort and create a different type of casino environment for guests.

Design elements across the new wing combine contemporary architectural finishes with art installations inspired by the heritage of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the tribe that owns and operates the property.

Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman, said the expansion represents an important step for both the tribe and the region. He said:

“We’re bringing new ideas and experiences to the region that showcase the incredible culinary talent, local ingredients, and sense of place that define Sonoma County.”

Sarris added:

“This growth creates hundreds of local jobs and reinforces our long-term commitment to building a world-class destination that gives back to the region that has supported us.”

New Dining Concepts Led By Chef Roy Ellamar

Dining plays a central role in the new expansion phase. The resort will introduce three new venues on May 4: AYA, Playbook Sports Bar, and SoCo Dough Co. The culinary program is led by award winning chef Roy Ellamar alongside Jennifer Murphy Ellamar, Vice President of Culinary Operations.

AYA serves as the centerpiece of the dining expansion. The 28,000 square foot rooftop restaurant, designed by David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, carries an estimated cost of $40 million. The restaurant will focus on Coastal California cuisine with Asian influences, featuring seasonal menus built around local ingredients and seafood.

Menu highlights include crudos, local oysters, wild caught seafood, and wood grilled fish and meats. Ingredients will also come from a nearby 40 acre farm operated by the resort. The restaurant wine program will invest $1 million into a curated global collection that includes rare vintages.

The rooftop venue will include two outdoor terraces and panoramic views of the Sonoma Hills, along with a dedicated exterior entrance that allows guests direct access to the restaurant.

Playbook Sports Bar will operate as a game day destination with 168 seats and large screen displays throughout the space, including a halo style video screen and individual televisions at each table. Menu offerings include Detroit style pizza baked in blue steel pans, Buffalo wings fried in beef tallow, birria nachos, cheeseburger egg rolls, smoked pork belly burnt ends with sweet kalbi glaze, and a pastrami bánh mì.

Dessert items will include collaborations with the third venue opening during the expansion.

SoCo Dough Co will focus on fresh doughnuts and house made gelato produced daily. Flavors will include Vanilla Buttermilk Glaze with sea salt, Pistachio Rose, Ube Honeycomb, and Vietnamese Coffee. The concept will also serve iced lattes, milk drinks topped with cold foam, and breakfast items such as an Everything doughnut with scallion cream cheese and a maple glazed breakfast sandwich.

Expansion Includes Jobs And Future Development

To support the new facilities, Graton Resort & Casino is hiring more than 430 employees across multiple departments. About 160 positions will support culinary and food and beverage operations under the leadership of Ellamar and Murphy Ellamar.

Additional phases of the expansion will arrive later. Resort leadership plans to open more dining venues and a new nightlife experience later this year. A 200 room hotel tower and adults only pool are scheduled to debut in 2027, adding another stage to the broader development project.

FAQ

When will the new Graton Resort expansion open?

The next phase of the expansion will open on May 4.

What will the new casino wing include?

The expansion includes a 144,000 square foot non smoking casino floor, a poker room, high limit slots lounge, and nearly 2,000 slot machines.

What new restaurants are opening?

Three venues will debut: AYA rooftop restaurant, Playbook Sports Bar, and SoCo Dough Co.

Who leads the culinary program at the resort?

The culinary program is led by Chef Roy Ellamar and Jennifer Murphy Ellamar.

What future developments are planned?

The resort plans to add more dining venues, a nightlife concept, and a 200 room hotel tower with an adults only pool in 2027.

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