Jefferson Matters Economic Vitality Team brought back a program for the first time since last year with the After Hours Insider event at Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson.

Participants got to see several “behind the scenes” areas of the casino, the newly renovated restaurant, “Lucky’s” and the Greene Room Events Center, among other areas. It was mentioned that Wild Rose owns 92 percent of the slot machines, while leasing eight percent of the rest, which are typically the video style ones that are from movies or video games. There are also three casino hosts to assist the individuals that are considered “high rollers” and other VIPs, which Assistant General Manager Ian Wilkinson said is a new feature.

The newly renovated restaurant has a 100 foot screen television in the dining area and a separate room that groups and families can rent for free. There is also a newly hired director of the food and beverage department, Mike McGuigan, as Wilkinson described what impressed him the most about well-known chef.

“He’s got years and years of experience being a top chef at very well-renowned restaurants, he’s ran his own restaurant before, he’s ran The Port, which is a very successful restaurant in Panora. With all of his knowledge he’s brought to the table, he’s made significant changes in our kitchen. And the food is now completely made from scratch and it’s fresh, and it’s just been a breath of fresh air, that’s for sure.”  

Wilkinson said he has been focusing his energy since this past December when he transitioned into his role as assistant general manager from casino manager, and has been about guest services and making that top notch.

“Ultimately, we’re just trying to be there in every area possible for the guest to provide that experience for them. To where they come through the doors, they’re being greeted, they’re being taken care of, we’re thinking of them when we’re making decisions about how we’re running the food and beverage industry, how we’re running the slots, communicating with them from the security department when we’re talking to them, when we’re greeting them at the front doors, and every area along their journey throughout the casino.”  

Wilkinson said he wanted to offer an opportunity to invite people into their facility for a chance to see how certain things function in the back of the house that people may not have noticed or thought about. He is pleased with the changes and how everything is coming together since taking on his new role.