ROHNERT PARK, CA (May 27, 2026) – Graton Resort & Casino is entering a bold new chapter with the debut of a transformative expansion introducing a fully integrated dining, gaming and entertainment destination unlike anything currently found in Northern California.
Anchored by AYA, a dramatic new rooftop restaurant from acclaimed Chef Roy Ellamar, the expansion introduces a new dining and entertainment district where destination-worthy restaurants, nightlife energy and elevated gaming converge in one immersive experience designed to redefine the modern wine country getaway. Spanning 144,000 square feet, the completely smoke-free district functions as its own destination within the resort, allowing guests to move seamlessly between rooftop dining, craft cocktails, sports viewing, specialty desserts and elevated gaming experiences.
The debut marks one of the most significant hospitality investments in Northern California in recent years and further positions Graton Resort & Casino as an emerging culinary and entertainment destination for both regional visitors and travelers nationwide.
“What we’ve built here is unlike anything else in Sonoma County or Northern California,” said Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman. “This expansion is about our people, our community and our guests. Sonoma County has extraordinary food, culture and people, and we’re celebrating all of it. Additionally, we’re putting people to work with more than 450 new jobs right here in the North Bay. That has always been the vision: that this business lifts Indian and non-Indian alike.”
A NEW CULINARY DESTINATION FOR WINE COUNTRY
At the heart of the expansion are three original culinary concepts designed to establish Graton Resort & Casino as one of Sonoma County’s most dynamic dining and entertainment destinations.
AYA
Anchoring the experience is AYA, the stunning new rooftop restaurant from acclaimed Chef Roy Ellamar, whose Filipino and Hawaiian heritage shapes a menu inspired by Sonoma County’s agricultural and coastal bounty.
The 27,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor dining destination, designed by Rockwell Group, was conceived as wine country’s modern social hub and after-hours escape, pairing sweeping Sonoma Hills views with Chef Roy Ellamar’s live-fire cooking style and an ingredient-driven menu shaped by the land, sea, and seasons of Northern California.
Central to the experience is Graton’s nearby 40-acre farm, which supplies hyper-seasonal produce harvested specifically for the restaurant alongside partnerships with local oyster farms, ranchers, and Sonoma County winemakers. Built around three defining pillars – fish, farm, and fire – dishes range from salt-baked whole fish finished tableside with hot oil to coal-roasted seafood, slow-smoked meats, and vegetable-driven preparations that evolve daily with the seasons.
Guests enter through an elaborate wine tunnel showcasing rare international allocations and Sonoma County standouts before arriving in a layered indoor-outdoor space designed for everything from celebratory dinners and sunset cocktails to weekend gatherings and late-night energy. A dedicated exterior entrance allows guests to access the rooftop directly without entering the casino, reinforcing AYA as a standalone dining destination within Sonoma County’s evolving culinary landscape.
“From the first time I visited Sonoma County, I knew it was a place I wanted to cook,” said Chef Ellamar. “The quality of the ingredients, the connection to local farmers and fishermen, and the rhythm of the seasons make wine country a chef’s dream. With AYA, I’ve been able to bring my Filipino and Hawaiian roots into that environment and create something that feels both personal and rooted in this region.”
Playbook Sports Bar
Playbook Sports Bar is a high-energy game day destination unlike anything in the region, anchored by a viewing experience featuring wall-to-wall screens and a captivating halo display suspended above the central bar, ensuring there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The menu elevates tailgate classics with a chef-driven approach, featuring Detroit-style pizza, birria nachos, and Buffalo wings, alongside unique standouts such as a pastrami bánh mì layered with pickled vegetables and Kewpie mayonnaise and Korean-inspired gochujang wings.
A robust craft beer selection and bar program round out the experience, positioning Playbook as the ultimate destination to catch the biggest sporting events in the Bay Area and beyond, from championship matchups and fight nights to everyday games and group gatherings.
SoCo Dough Co.
SoCo Dough Co. introduces a playful dessert destination inspired by the charm of a modern diner, centered on handcrafted doughnuts made with locally sourced Sonoma County ingredients. The concept brings a sense of creativity and indulgence, with standout flavors such as pistachio rose and ube honeycomb, alongside the decadent “Millionaire Doughnut” — a $275 specialty filled with chocolate-hazelnut cream, finished with gold leaf, and served with a 1-ounce pour of Louis XIII Cognac. A rotating selection of seasonal offerings further highlights the venue’s inventive approach to classic treats.
Beyond doughnuts, the menu expands into a full lineup of sweet and savory favorites, including breakfast sandwiches, house-made gelato, and a range of specialty beverages such as flavored iced lattes and signature milk drinks. Designed as an all-day destination with extended late-night hours, the venue caters to guests seeking everything from breakfast and dessert to post-gaming and nightlife indulgences.
New Way to Game
Graton’s new expansion also introduces a 144,000-square-foot fully smoke-free gaming environment featuring nearly 2,000 additional slot machines, including exclusive and newly released titles, alongside The River Poker Room, a new state-of-the-art poker destination, and Lotus High Limit Slots, the resort’s premier high-limit gaming lounge. Designed as part of the district’s broader dining, gaming, and entertainment experience, the space was intentionally integrated alongside the expansion’s restaurants, bars, and social venues, allowing guests to move effortlessly between gaming, dining, and nightlife experiences within a fully smoke-free setting.
Live Entertainment Takes Center Stage
This summer, Graton Resort & Casino will bring top names in music and comedy to Sonoma County through its “A World Apart” entertainment series. E-40, Ludacris and Kehlani kicked off the series. Upcoming headliners include Bailey Zimmerman (May 30), Martin Lawrence (June 13), John Legend (July 31), and BINI (August 7), amongst many others.
The resort’s primary entertainment venue, The Event, is an intimate 20,000-square-foot setting where guests can experience A-list performers up close.
For tickets and more information, visit gratonresortcasino.com.
What’s Next for Graton
Looking ahead, Graton’s evolution will continue later this year with the debut of additional restaurants, bars, and nightlife experiences. Over the next two years, the resort’s multi-phase expansion will also introduce a new hotel tower with 220 additional guest rooms and a private VIP entrance; an adults-only pool destination featuring luxury cabanas, a dedicated bar and live entertainment; alongside a new 3,500-seat state-of-the-art theater designed to host world-class performances, residencies and major events.
For more information, please visit graton.com.