Harrah's Tunica is simply grand

By Linda Miller

Published: September 7, 2008

TUNICA, Miss. — The Grand wasn't quite grand enough.

So, with a new name, Harrah's, and $45 million in improvements, the casino now boasts more than 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games, nonsmoking gaming areas, interactive casino floor, a new World Series of Poker poker room and the first Paula Deen Buffet.

Harrah's acquired the Grand in 2004. After replacing everything except the slots, the new casino was unveiled in late May, outshining the competition and becoming the envy of every other buffet, thanks to a personal appearance by Southern charmer Paula Deen.

"We've really transformed this casino,” public relations manager Patrick Collins said.

Along with the expected bells, rings and dings is an explosion of sights. Colors around the ceiling change, letting players know when others win big. Giant acrylic structures appear to shoot colorful stars out of a cluster of slots.

"We believe we made the casino floor more guest-friendly as well as exciting,” assistant general manager Ricky Busey said. "Now, our interactive gaming floor tells our guests when jackpots are being won.”

Playing off the excitement is the Sphere bar, in the middle of the casino. On weekends, it transforms into a club with live music. Away from much of the action is 37, a fine-dining restaurant named for the year of Harrah's founding: 1937. After a big win or for a special celebration, guests can splurge on a Kobe New York Strip for $80.

Upstairs is Murano's, featuring Southern Italian cuisine, and the Paula Deen Buffet, a 12,000-square-foot restaurant modeled after the Food Network star's own home in Savannah, Ga. Diners and fans will recognize some of Deen's signature dishes, including fried chicken, hoe cakes, cheese macaroni and Gooey Butter Cake, at the six themed stations. And, surprise, there's a gift shop.

Response to the buffet has been phenomenal, Busey said.

"Everyone loves the food, of course, but they also enjoy dining in Paula's home, so to speak. We worked very hard designing and furnishing the entire buffet to reflect Paula's overall decorating taste and the actual home when possible.”

Not everyone likes to gamble, so along with the remodeled casino and new restaurants are the existing spa, Scottish Links-style golf course, children's center, hunting and sporting clays center, recreational vehicle park, 2,500-seat events center, convention center and three hotels.

With a variety of relaxation and sporting options, Busey said more guests are enjoying the nongaming amenities and often come just for those.

"We have actually addressed this by beginning to offer Reward Credits for nongaming purchases,” he said.

Tunica, about 30 miles south of Memphis, Tenn., is the third-largest gaming destination in the United States, behind Las Vegas and Atlantic City, N.J.

With a new name, celebrity restaurant, multimillion-dollar improvements and nongaming amenities, the Tunica resort has become one of Harrah's prettiest jewels.

"Harrah's Tunica is certainly a premier entertainment experience,” Busey said.

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