Boulder Station employees receive a throwback bonus to mark the anniversary since day one | Casinos & Gaming

Nanette Houston described the opening day of Boulder Station 30 years ago with one word:

“Zoo,” the drinks waiter remembers succinctly.

Customers were excited about the new property, Station Casinos' first project outside of what is now Palace Station. Houston recalled lines at the front door and a packed parking lot.

For their three decades of service, Houston and 38 other Boulder Station employees were surprised with a $1,994 bonus to recognize their dedication to the east-side hotel-casino, which celebrates its 30th anniversary on Friday.

Boulder Station opened on August 23, 1994, marking the beginning of Station Casino's years-long expansion into the Las Vegas Valley. But for Houston – who met her husband while working at the Boulder Highway Casino – and other employees who have been with the casino since its inception, the property has always felt like home.

While the company has grown by building or acquiring more than a dozen casino resorts since opening in 1994, valet parking supervisor Christopher Sanglay said it's his co-workers and customers who keep him at the same property three decades later.

“Not only the team members, but also the guests become part of our family,” he says. “We know what's going on with them, who has had a baby, who has a birthday and is celebrating at the Broiler.”

Chris Gellner, general manager of Boulder Station, said the employees' attitude toward the environment has made the station a popular gathering place for locals on the east side of the Las Vegas Valley.

Gellner said the rewards were part of a larger promotional campaign to mark the anniversary. The hotel also offered “throwback prizes” in the form of $1 margaritas and $1.99 shrimp cocktails.

“When the Fertitta family founded Station Casinos, they founded it on what I've always referred to as a 'Cheers' environment,” Gellner said. “A place you can go where you know your bartender, your slot host and your table game dealer. When you think specifically about the 39 team members from day one here in Boulder, I think that speaks volumes about what we do as a company in our culture.”

Contact McKenna Ross at [email protected]. Follow @mckenna_ross_ on X.