Borgata sets opening dates for beer garden, outdoor pool & quick-service eatery

July is shaping up to be a big month for Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which announced Tuesday it would debut its Borgata Beer Garden, an outdoor pool and a quick-service concept called The Marketplace Eatery.

Borgata — one Atlantic City's most profitable casinos — in January this year announced it would be investing $50 million into its property, which included the pool and eatery.

The outdoor pool at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will open in early July.

The Borgata Beer Garden, which will be open daily, will welcome guests for the first time on July 1. It features a full-service canopied bar with more than 15 craft and domestic beers, Borgata announced. Live bands will take center stage on the beer garden's entertainment stage every Friday through Sunday.

On the same day, Borgata will open the casual-dining spot, The Marketplace Eatery, in a partnership with restaurateur and real estate developer George Siganos. The eatery replaces The Cafeteria.

"The Marketplace will present an inviting atmosphere where guests are encouraged to taste and experience an abundance of fine cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil and LaVazza Coffee from the coffee bar," according to Borgata.

A retail specialist will be on hand to help customers through the store and assist in select items for gift baskets. The Marketplace will also feature a wine bar.

Chef Joe Muldoon will oversee culinary operations.

The Eatery will also have a number of dining establishments: Chop & Toss Salad Co., Burgerville, Casa Taco Express, Asian Fusion, Pizata and The Original Philly Steaks and Subs. They will be overseen by Executive Chef Jennifer Muldoon.

No exact opening date is set for the outdoor pool, although Borgata officials expect it to be in early July. The pool will operate exclusively for Borgata and Water Club hotel guests aged 21 and older.

More than 300 chaise lounges, daybeds and cabanas will surround the 3,200-square-foot, Roman-style pool, which can accommodate more than 1,000 people.

Menu items at both the beer garden and outdoor pool will be by Borgata’s executive chef Tom Biglan. Dishes include watermelon salad with feta and micro-greens, and a so-called smash brisket and short rib burger.

The three additions coming to Borgata are part of the company's overall capital investment, which includes the $14 million Premier Nightclub, which opened in April.

Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD) and MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM) last week announced they've entered into a definitive agreement in which MGM Resorts and MGM Growth Properties (NYSE: MGP) would acquire Boyd's 50-percent equity interest in the Borgata for $900 million.

The move is "significant" for Atlantic City, gaming experts said.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal