Soon there will be a new Nugget in town - the Tahoe Nugget plans to open August 1

STATELINE, Nev. - In 1965, the first of what would become many casinos with the name "Nugget" in them opened on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. The next chapter of gaming in the same building that hosted the South Tahoe Nugget, John's Tahoe Nugget, and Ed's Tahoe Nugget, is about to begin.

The Tahoe Nugget has been undergoing some remodeling, and owner David Steve Tate hopes to be open by August 1. There is a new carpet, tin ceiling, mountain-style paneled walls, a new rock fireplace, a large bar with televisions, and about 140 slot machines.

David Scott Tate, the owner of the property, isn't new to the gaming business. He has 17 small properties in Northern Nevada including those in Fernley, Carson City, Minden, and Fallon.

Tate learned the business from Bill Wortman, who was the chief operating officer of Caesars Tahoe in the 90s. He is a CPA but in the casino business for the last 30 years.

The new owner said they are a family company and not a large, corporate one. There will be 20-25 employees at the Tahoe Nugget in positions including bartenders, cage cashiers, and other customer service jobs.

"We look at all people," said Tate of the hiring process. Since he has the other properties there is an opportunity to grow, as well as the opportunity to just work a shift or two a week.

Tate said they listen to people's needs and desires when hiring, and are very flexible with those who want part-time work.

There is a hiring fair on July 16, 17, and 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tahoe Nugget located at 177 Hwy 50, Stateline, Nev. Interested applicants can apply online at https://www.nuggetcasinos.com.

At this time, no table games are being planned. Coming soon will be a William Hill Sportsbook kiosk for quick and easy wagering.

The popular restaurant on the west side of the building, Sushi Pier, is staying and will soon have an entrance from both the outside and from inside the casino. They may be expanding their menu to fit the casino guests.

Gone is the UPS store, and long-time local lawyer William Cole has closed his upstairs office. Tate said Cole's office space is available for rent and he hasn't decided what to do with the UPS space.

In 1965, Richard L. Chartrand (part owner of Barney's Club) built the South Tahoe Nugget on the former site of Kandy Jax bar, a mile up U.S. Highway 50 from Barney's. Following Chartrand's death in 1968 in front of his home in Syland, his parents would take over Barney's and the South Tahoe Nugget.

It would later become John's Tahoe Nugget in the 1980s, owned by John Joseph Fults. In the 1990s, the club became Ed's Tahoe Nugget. Owner Edward S. Ringle also owned the Stagecoach Hotel & Casino (and the adjacent EddieWorld gas station and market) along U.S. Highway 95 in Beatty, Nevada, as well as the Fantasy Girls strip club in Reno.

After Ed's left in the late 90s, the former casino has also been a Burger King and Bumper's Sports Bar.

For more information on the Nugget casinos, visit https://www.nuggetcasinos.com/.