End of an era: Lakeside Inn to close permanently

STATELINE, Nev. - Lakeside Inn and Casino on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe will not be reopening its doors after the coronavirus concerns are over. They were the first Lake Tahoe gaming property to close, even before Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak ordered all casinos to close in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

After being denied an emergency small business loan to help out with finances while closed during the COVID-19 crisis, the owners of the popular locals' casino decided it was time to pull the plug, according to Lakeside Inn President Stacy Noyes.

Noyes said they were denied the loan because they were not qualified due to being a gaming establishment. They needed to see a strong summer financially to make up for being closed for a couple of months, and the forecast figures weren't there.

The 218 employees were being told on Tuesday afternoon via texts, emails and through an employee page on the website.

"Today was the most difficult day of my career," said Noyes.

Some of their staff members started before Lakeside Inn opened in 1985. Prior to that, it was Harvey's Inn.

"We were going to be celebrating our 36th anniversary this May," said Noyes. "Now were are unwinding 35 years of gaming and history."

Plans will be to market the 124 room hotel and casino and sell it.

Noyes said she spent Tuesday breaking the news to managers.

"I was so impressed and thankful for their unshakable positive attitudes," she said. "We are truly a family."

Besides the staff, there are relationships with guests and the community as well, making the news even more difficult, Noyes said. Lakeside Inn was often the winner of "Best of Tahoe" awards for their service, casino and restaurants.

Staff will be getting information about insurance, unemployment and other resources in the coming days.