WEST SILOAM SPRINGS, Okla. (March 28, 2022) – Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs is excited to announce the launch of The Food Hall, a new dining experience with a modern touch, set to open on April 18.
The open dining space, with views and energy of the active casino floor, entices guests to explore top-tier offerings of world-class cuisine, curated and prepared by the talented culinary team. The Food Hall includes seven delicious choices for the casino guests and the local community to enjoy. There is also a full-service bar, an all-day coffee shop and bakery, and a variety of authentic eateries recipe-tested by Executive Chef Ken Manahl. Diners can socialize at communal tables, sit at booths or cozy up to the bar for a chat with the mixologist.
“Our team at Cherokee Casino & Hotel wanted to elevate the food offerings, the dramatic feel and the modern energy of this new space,” said Manahl. “We played with edgy trends and sought-after flavors while keeping it familiar, so that it’s not intimidating — it’s inviting. I think guests will be very happy with the wide variety of offerings in this enriched environment.”
Seven restaurants will be revealed through May 2022:
BRGR & CHKN serves up hot, juicy burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches dressed to the hilt, served with fries, onion straws and even ice-cold milkshakes.
El Taco spices things up with authentic tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and bowls, plus sizzling hot churros and cheesecake chimichangas for dessert.
Field to Fork features farm-fresh salads, hearty vegetable soups and artisan flatbreads made with mouthwatering ingredients.
Jetstream Sammies takes taste buds on a world tour with sandwiches like the Cubano, Chicken Schnitzel and Croque Monsieur that are inspired by cultures around the world.
Pit Boss Smokehouse is home to five types of barbecue smoked in-house, cooked low and slow, along with more sauces and sides than a Fourth of July cookout.
Rise Coffee & Bakery proudly serves Starbucks® espresso and coffee, hot Teavana® teas and just-out-of-the-oven baked goods, along with grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, yogurts and fruit juices.
The Bar is the place to kick back with invigorating cocktails, wines by the glass, specialty beers, boozy milkshakes and more than a few nonalcoholic favorites.
“We’re excited to introduce The Food Hall to the northwest Arkansas area,” said Jason Darrow, director of food and beverage for Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “Guests will get to enjoy the beauty and modern ambiance of this gathering space that’s unlike any other while receiving the award-winning service that Cherokee Casinos is known for.”
The Food Hall replaces River Cane Buffet and Sweet Treats, two former cornerstones of the casino resort. Arlene Spiegel & Associates, a New York City-based restaurant and hospitality consulting firm, was brought on board early to develop The Food Hall concept with the designers and chefs.
“The pandemic showed us that this space has an opportunity to serve guests more efficiently with more restaurant concepts that are currently thriving across the country,” said Spiegel. “The Food Hall will attract area residents, visitors and hotel guests who enjoy socializing and eating some of the best food in the region.”
New York City-based architectural and interior design firm, Glen and Co., designed the new communal food hall space, which complements and honors the soul of the Cherokee Nation. Glen Coben worked with the curators and archivists to ensure that the design elements, including artifacts, tiles, fabrics and materials, accurately reflect the history and nature of the tribe.
“My team was thrilled to work with the CNE team and Arlene Spiegel to create a space that honors the rich history and legacy of the Cherokee Nation and to bring a fresh approach to food service in this wonderful hotel and casino,” said Coben, president of Glen and Co. “We truly believe The Food Hall will be the first of its kind, where food and culture mix to welcome guests in a safe and warm environment.”
In preparation for The Food Hall, Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs will be hiring culinary specialists on Tuesday, March 29, from 2–6 p.m. The hiring event will offer on-the-spot interviews and hiring for multiple full- and part-time food and beverage positions, including cooks, attendants, bartenders, cocktail servers and more. For more information on open positions, visit www.cherokeecasino.com/careers.
Located off U.S. Highway 412 and State Highway 59 at the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line, Cherokee Casino and Hotel West Siloam Springs is the region’s leading casino entertainment destination, serving northwest Arkansas and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the West Siloam Springs tab, or call 800-754-4111.