Announcements
Assembly Bill 404
On June 4, the Nevada Craft Brewers Association announced the successful passage of Assembly Bill 404, touted as a milestone piece of legislation aimed at modernizing and supporting Nevada’s independent craft beer industry. The bill passed without opposition. AB 404 allows in-state breweries and distilleries to ship beer directly to consumers outside of Nevada, granting them a vital, modern tool to navigate an increasingly challenging and competitive market. This is a privilege that wineries and breweries were granted in 2020, however, it was rescinded specifically to breweries in 2021. The legislation also provides clear authorization for breweries to operate up to two taproom locations where beer is not brewed on site as well as serve other alcohol, creating much-needed flexibility and a greater ability to grow within local communities. Breweries with more than two taprooms will be grandfathered in. The passage of AB 404 represents a major achievement for the more than 50 breweries across Nevada represented by the NCBA.
Whitecaps Pizza
Whitecaps Pizza at Kings Beach, which opened in 2017 in the old Steamers building, is debuting a rooftop patio this summer. The bar backs up to the lake, offering customers an unobstructed view of Tahoe.
Tahoe Restaurant Group
Tahoe Restaurant Group, which owns Tahoe restaurants Basecamp Pizza Co., Fireside Pizza Co., Rubicon Pizza Co., and Azul Latin Kitchen, recently became an employee-owned company. This allows employees to receive free retirement benefits as long as they work a minimum of 800 hours per year. Among the upsides of this model, which required the owners to sell their shares into a trust, is that employees now have a stake in the company’s overall success.
FiftyFifty Brewing Co.
FiftyFifty Brewing Co. is the newest addition to the Reno Public Market, with a planned summer 2025 opening date. And that’s not all the brand has in store. FiftyFifty leaders announced a crowdfunding campaign to bring even more beer to the region with plans to open a new flagship pub and taproom in Downtown Truckee, expansion into new hospitality models and product lines, and new social clubs with pilot brewing facilities in Reno and Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Jeff Freeman
Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
Caesars Entertainment made a big announcement in April about a $160 million renovation plan to change Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino into Caesars Republic. The resort will remain open during the renovation, which is scheduled for completion on July 1. Highlights include a more contemporary design, state-of-the-art upgrades, updated accommodations, and elevated dining and gaming options.
The Reindeer Lodge
The Reindeer Lodge on Mt. Rose Highway is back up for sale after a previous deal fell through.
Nevada Dairy Farmers
Nevada Dairy Farmers got creative with their newest marketing campaign, “Dairy Paradise: All Stars.” The reality TV-inspired campaign aims to promote the benefits of dairy using beloved characters Pebbles, Coney, Betty, Buzz, Mr. Crumb, Phil, and Yogi. New ads are posted on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers
Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers has partnered with the Estate Whiskey Alliance. As owners of one of the only true estate distilleries in the nation, Colby and Ashley Frey’s goal is to highlight the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production within the spirits industry.
Crak N’ Grill
The signs for Crak N’ Grill went up more than a year ago in the previous Juicy’s spot on Wells Avenue in Reno. But despite the signage, the dream never came to fruition. Now it looks like it never will; The location is listed for sale.
Local Beer Works
Local Beer Works in Reno announced a grand reopening on Facebook in February. The official date has yet to be announced, but we’re told it’s coming soon.
Brew Brothers at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
As part of the renovations happening at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Brew Brothers will open in 2025. You may be familiar with the restaurant currently open at The ROW in Reno, which doubles as a nightclub after hours. The craft beer and dining venue will be located just off the casino floor, where the food court and California Bar used to operate. The total footprint will encompass 7,930 square feet.
Andelin Family Farm
The Andelin family, who operates Andelin Family Farm, has requested changes to its 160-acre Sparks property off Pyramid Way, with the objective of continuing its agritourism festivals and events for many years to come. While the majority of the space will continue to be used for agriculture, the family is seeking annexation of the property by the City of Sparks and amendments to the comprehensive plan to facilitate the expansion of its festivals, as well as commercial spaces for a farm store, restaurant and retail, and the future development of single-family agrihood-themed residences.
Ferino Distillery
Ferino Distillery announced an impressive takeover. Torani, the producer of Amer liqueur, is giving its famed recipe to Ferino, as a way to keep tradition alive. The Reno distillery will take ownership of the recipe in March 2025 and start selling the liqueur in April 2025. With 100 years under its belt, Torani now can focus on different products and projects without discontinuing Amer.
Italian Hearts Gourmet Foods LLC
The owner behind Italian Hearts Gourmet Foods LLC, which includes Italian Hearts Pasta Sauces, is looking to sell.
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Reno’s Atlantis Casino Resort Spa was featured on three episodes of What Would You Do? on ABC, airing Jan. 15, 2025, Feb. 5, 2025, and March 5, 2025. Clips of the episodes are available on YouTube.
Sushi Pier
The same developer also took on the Sushi Pier remodel in Stateline. This two-month project provided a kitchen upgrade with new cooking line and equipment. The renovation was completed within a month and a half, in late 2024.
Sylva
We’re still (maybe not so) patiently awaiting Sylva, a new American bistro coming to Tahoe City from the chef formerly behind Christy Hill.
Café Fiore Ristorante Italiano
Café Fiore Ristorante Italiano announced plans to close its South Lake Tahoe restaurant in 2025. The decision was made after the owners lost their building lease. The jury is out on whether the long-time SLT staple will reopen in another spot.
Tahoe’s Waldorf Astoria
If you’ve been waiting for the grand opening of Tahoe’s Waldorf Astoria, we have some bad news. After the developer, EKN Tahoe LLC, failed to pay the $82 million principal balance, the deal fell through. That puts the future of the Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino building up in the air, perhaps getting sold to the highest bidder at auction.
Reno Local Food Group
All of the businesses under Reno Local Food Group will be part of an initiative to promote clean, healthy eating, creating a closed-loop food system by feeding cows repurposed spent grain produced by brewing operations. As part of the commitment, restaurants within the Mark Estee-owned group will exclusively serve grass-fed and brewery grain finished beef from Park Ranch Meats. This includes four locations of Great Basin Brewing Co. in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City, as well as Liberty Food & Wine Exchange in Reno, Overland Restaurant & Pub in Gardnerville, and Cucina Lupo in Carson City.
The Office of Hughes & Porter
Matt Polley, the previous owner of The Jungle, sold The Office of Hughes & Porter, announcing his departure as a small businessman in Reno in October after more than 23 years. For now, The Office still is open, but his previous business, The Jungle, which included both a coffee and wine bar at times, previously closed.
Dipdee
Gelato on a stick? Dipdee has been serving the Reno community since 2022 out of a creative ice cream food truck. Now it’s expanding with a brick-and-mortar shop on Keystone Avenue. Stay tuned for official opening details!
4 Season Vietnamese Fusion
A new Vietnamese restaurant also appears to be moving to Midtown. Combining the former location of Rice Box Kitchen and Boba T, the new owner has filed a permit to make improvements. The current name associated with the project is 4 Season Vietnamese Fusion.
Cibo e Vino Restaurant and Wine Bar
The old Rapscallion building is getting a new tenant, Cibo e Vino Restaurant and Wine Bar. We’re still awaiting a proposed opening date.
Tahoe Bagel Company
Tahoe Bagel Company owners Justin and Jeff Kaplan have secured a lease in Reno to expand their business. The brothers currently own two restaurants in South Lake Tahoe.
