We received a lot of questions about the closing of DuPar's at the Golden Gate; it seems it was a popular place to eat breakfast. Several concerned the casino food requirement.
The answer to the question about what the GG is doing to meet the 24-hour requirement is: nothing.
The Golden Gate occupies one of the oldest buildings and one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas. Its gambling license dates from 1931, so the Golden Gate is grandfathered from the 24-hour rule. The latter was passed on Oct. 7, 1955, the same year that the hotel-casino ceased to be the Sal Sagev ("Las Vegas" spelled backwards, geddit?) and became the Golden Gate.
Nevada Revised State 463.01865 mandates "At least one restaurant with permanent seating capacity for more than 60 patrons that is open to the public 24 hours each day and 7 days each week." The intent, in part, was to give inebriated gamblers a place where they could sober up with food and perhaps a few cups of coffee.
Current Golden Gate owner Derek Stevens, thus having the benefit of time in which to decide what to do with the former DuPar's, is being cagey about what will succeed it. Spokeswoman Lorena Amaya said, "We’re still considering all options, but nothing has been decided. We’re a creative bunch, so something will go into that space."
DuPar's hasn't DuParted (sorry) Las Vegas entirely; the southern California-based restaurant that opened in 1938 has a full-service operation at the Suncoast. It's open 24 hours, with Beat the Clock specials 4-6 p.m.
A reliable source tells us that Boyd Gaming kept the doors open by dint of a loan to DuPar's to cover outstanding sales taxes. Boyd would not comment on it.
