West Virginia’s Greenbrier planning to open casino by fall

W.Va.’s Greenbrier planning to open casino by fall

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Greenbrier’s new owner says he plans to open a small casino at the four-star southern West Virginia resort by fall, and he wants the dice rolling and cards being dealt at a full-scale gambling operation by April 1.

Jim Justice also unveiled architectural drawings for a casino, shops and restaurants featuring sushi and steaks that would be built under the resort’s front lawn. Gambling guests would reach the operation via staircases and elevators near the hotel’s front entrance.

The approach “won’t take away from anything,” including Greenbrier’s architecture, Justice said.

Justice, a businessman with interest in coal and agriculture, bought The Greenbrier out of bankruptcy for $20.1 million in May. He contends that adding a tasteful casino will help restore profitability and the coveted five-star Mobil Travel Guide rating it lost in 2000.