News

Straw Hat Pizza opens Lake Tahoe casino location

June 21, 2011

California-based Straw Hat Pizza has opened its newest restaurant inside Harvey's Hotel & Casino in Stateline, Nev., in the Lake Tahoe area.

The new Lake Tahoe Straw Hat Pizza is 5,000 square feet and features two colorful wall murals depicting the 50-year-old pizza brand's California heritage. Other features include a full bar and 15 large-screen HD televisions. The unit also will boast some unique menu items.

"Our bar features premium wines and spirits, along with a '$100 hamburger' which is a burger and a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet wine; or, for really lucky casino winners, for $500, a bottle of Cristal champagne with 24-karat gold flakes on a large pizza," said Dana K. Smith, owner and franchisee.

Additionally, Straw Hat's famous California pizza is joined on the new menu by lean Angus beef burgers, freshly-cut regular and sweet potato fries, and grilled chicken sandwiches, along with pastas, a salad bar and the chain's Hot Hat Stuffed Sandwiches.

Along with its new dining room and bar, Straw Hat Pizza provides room service and catering for the Summer Concert Series at the resort.

Straw Hat also opens new unit in Montana

In addition to the Lake Tahoe casino location, Straw Hat has also opened a new unit in Billings, Mont. A grand opening celebration will take place all weekend and will include a food and clothing drive, specials, raffle prizes and more.

"We hope the whole community comes by to taste why Straw Hat Pizza has been around for more than 50 years, and to try our famous pizza," said Brent Reed, franchise owner of the Straw Hat Pizza in Billings. "I am excited to bring the first Straw Hat Pizza to Billings which boasts the newest look, great specials and, of course, the famous fresh pizza."

The new 4,600-square-foot restaurant has large screen TVs, a Wurlitzer jukebox and autographed memorabilia from Hollywood's golden age.

This unit is Straw Hat's 82nd location. The company has expansion plans to open 150 more within two years.