I just returned yesterday from Laughlin, and watched some of the
action as the new owners took over. First of all my trip went fine:
no women were molested, I did not need any bail money, and I brought
some Laughlin money home.
I talked to a lot of the employees, and none of them had to reapply
for their jobs. In fact they had been told nothing. They were all
just going to show up for work and see what happened. What did happen
was most of them were at work unless you were upper management. Many
if not all are gone. The employees at the Orleans Room reported for
work on June 1st, and were sent home-the Orleans Room is closed for
good. Terry and I had perhaps one of the last meals served there
Thursday night. A sign is at the entrance telling you to try the
Hickory Pit, or Mark Twain's.
The cleaning staff at the hotel seemed to all be gone. I don't know
if they were let go, or had a meeting, but my room was not touched. I
removed the $5 tip from the envelope, and put it back in my pocket.
Eating at the Mississippi Lounge on June 1st we witnessed a large
group of chefs (wearing the proper garb) descending in the kitchen
and asking a lot of questions. The personnel on duty were very
nervous, and rightly so. Where did all these new chefs come from?
Obviously many changes are going to taking place.
The Boiler room now has extended the $.75 beer deal from Thursday to
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
I stayed up late, and watched the conversion of the old money to the
new guys. They had a crew of about 25 at the Belle empty each
machine, and the coin droppers got a new counted supply. All the old
machines were still in operation as I left, but most likely not for
long.
I took a few pictures, and if anyone is interested, e-mail me
privately and I will send them to you. Oh, I did get in trouble
taking pictures, but they did not take my camera.
The gas prices are just so weird in the Laughlin area. I saw gas
prices within 20 miles range from $3.01 to $4.09 per gallon. It sure
pays to shop around.