Nugget, city say goodbye to Trader Dick's

Tribune photo by Garrett Valenzuela -- Nugget President and CEO Carlton Geer, middle, speaks to Sparks City Councilwoman Julia Ratti on Monday at an event celebrating the final week of Trader Dick's restaurant.

Tribune photo by Garrett Valenzuela -- Two locals discuss the layout of Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall and Bar-B-Que which will take the place of Trader Dick's restaurant inside the Nugget in Sparks.

Nugget executives, City of Sparks officials and many others mingled inside the Polynesian paradise-themed restaurant Monday evening, paying their respects and helping usher the business out on a high note. The restaurant and bar opened on B Street in 1958 before moving inside the Nugget in 1973, and it will celebrate its final week in business with discount food and drink specials.

Sparks Mayor Geno Martini said he was sad to see Trader Dicks close its doors after so many wonderful memories.

I remember going to Trader Dicks when it was across the street many, many years ago, Martini said Monday. I had dates I brought here, family dinners, birthdays, wedding anniversaries and all kinds of memories here. Its been a wonderful place and I really enjoyed Trader Dicks. It holds a special place in my heart. It is sad in one respect to see it go, but its exciting to see something new come.

Nugget President and CEO Carlton Geer said he too was sad to see Trader Dick's go having brought dates to the restaurant in the early 1980s before he was married. Despite the sorrow present for the restaurants final week, Geer said looking ahead gives locals reason to be excited.

People have to look toward not just what we are losing, but what the community is gaining, Geer said, "And Gilleys is a huge asset, I believe, to the community.

Gilleys Saloon, Dance Hall and Bar-B-Que will be created behind the construction walls in the 10,000 square-foot space where Trader Dick's currently sits. Geer said the country western vibe of Gilleys will offer existing customers an exciting atmosphere while enticing others to choose the Nugget for entertainment.

We want to be the Sparks hometown hangout, but we also want to appeal to out-of-town guests and those who are visiting other hotels, Geer said. I think Gilleys is an important cornerstone along with the other renovations and amenities we are adding to the property.

The renovations slated for the Nugget range nearly property wide and include more than 100,000 square feet of carpet replacement, a new sportsbook and sports bar, a new bingo parlor, a new gift shop and ceiling improvements. The renovations were announced following the property changing hands and Geer said the nearly $50 million investments will breathe new life into downtown Sparks.

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Nugget, city say goodbye to Trader Dick's