Penn Entertainment Set to Unveil New Tower at M Resort This December
Major Expansion Coming to M Resort in Henderson, Nevada
Penn Entertainment is preparing to open a brand-new tower at the M Resort located in Henderson, Nevada on December 1. This development is part of an extensive $206 million expansion project that will add 384 rooms to the resort, almost doubling its current capacity to a total of 765 rooms. Alongside the hotel expansion, visitors will soon enjoy a new dining option featuring a restaurant by a renowned celebrity chef.
Excitement Builds Around New Facilities and Services
Jay Snowden, CEO and president of Penn Entertainment, shared his enthusiasm about this latest enhancement to the M Resort. Following the successful debut of the Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois, Snowden highlighted that the new hotel tower, complemented by a dining venue operated by The Emeril Group, will elevate the resort’s offerings. This expansion addresses the rising demand from convention groups and the expanding local market in Henderson by providing much-needed additional accommodations.
Todd George, Penn Entertainment’s executive vice president of operations, emphasized the strengthened appeal of M Resort thanks to its expanded amenities and its partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders. He sees the resort firmly establishing itself as a top choice for both tourists and convention attendees nationwide.
Broader Growth Strategy Unfolds
This expansion at M Resort and the opening of the Joliet casino mark the initial phases of Penn Entertainment’s ambitious growth plan, which totals an investment of $850 million. The plan also includes the development of a new hotel adjacent to the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio, expected to open in late 2025, and a new land-based Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois, targeted for launch in the first half of 2026.
Additionally, the resort will increase its meeting space with a new 15,000-square-foot Montese Ballroom, set to open ahead of the tower this year on October 1.
To support the expansion, Penn aims to secure $150 million in funding during the final quarter from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., at a capitalization rate of 7.79%.
A Culinary Highlight: Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Meril Restaurant
The restaurant group founded by Chef Emeril Lagasse is introducing Meril to the Henderson area as part of the resort’s expansion. Named after the chef’s daughter, Meril promises guests a warm ambiance and an eclectic menu inspired by Emeril’s extensive culinary expertise and travels. This will be only the second location for Meril, offering an elegant yet approachable dining experience featuring the chef’s distinctive style.
Chef Lagasse’s culinary presence in Las Vegas is notable, currently operating Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand along with Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian. He has previously managed other venues such as Table 10 and Lagasse Stadium at the Venetian/Palazzo, which closed in 2017 and 2020 respectively.
