Interview with Ali Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Casino Bristol

Introduction

• Interviewee: Ali Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Casino Bristol
• Interviewer: Cameron from Gaming America
• Context: Discussing the new destination (casino under construction in Virginia) and the role of gaming in the region.
• Location: Virginia, USA

Ali Evangelista's Professional Journey

• Origin: Born and raised in Brazil
• Career Start: Hospitality industry in the US, starting as a hotel housekeeper in Orlando, Florida
• Career Progression:
  • Worked in various positions in hospitality
  • Transitioned to gaming in 2006 in Missouri, started in the slot department
  • 16 years in gaming, across 7 states
• Current Position: President at Hard Rock Bristol, Virginia

Management Approach

• Hospitality vs. Gaming:
  • Hospitality Experience: Opened doors to gaming industry
  • Gaming Focus: Core business but integrated with hospitality
  • Both sectors complement and enhance customer experience
• Current Role: Overseeing all aspects of the property (food, beverage, hotel, spa, live entertainment, casino)

About Hard Rock Casino Bristol

• Construction Phase: Under construction at a former shopping mall site
• Temporary Facility: Opening soon, features:
  • 900 slot machines
  • 21 table games
  • Full-service restaurant
  • Grab-and-go restaurant
  • Retail sportsbook
  • Entertainment on the gaming floor
  • High limit play
  • Non-smoking facility
• Permanent Facility: Future development includes:
  • Hard Rock Cafe
  • Two hotel towers
  • Hard Rock Live for entertainment
  • Multiple restaurants
  • Larger gaming facility
• Project Timeline: Multi-phase, spanning over approximately two years

Features and Unique Selling Points

• Current Focus: Gaming is the initial main attraction
• Future Offering: Destination for various activities (concerts, hotel stays, spa, etc.)
• Hard Rock Unique Aspect: Strong branding and recognition in the entertainment and food & beverage industries

Regional Context

• Location: Bristol on the Virginia-Tennessee state line
• Target Audience: Tri-cities area (Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City), Knoxville, Roanoke, Asheville, and more
• First Casino in Virginia: Unique opportunity to attract local and regional visitors
• Community Support: Over 70% of local population in favor

Gaming Industry in the Southeast

• Current State: Southeast relatively less developed in terms of gaming
• Future Prospects: Growth potential as seen with Virginia's new gaming initiatives
• Integration with Online Gaming: Viewed as complementary, not competitive

Future Vision

• Impact on Community: Economic growth, job creation, increased tourism
• Long-term Goals: Sustainable development enhancing local quality of life
• Cultural Fit: Aligns with local heritage (birthplace of country music)

Conclusion

• Interviewee: Ali Evangelista
• Role: Leading Hard Rock Casino Bristol to success and impacting the community positively
• Overall Vision: Transforming the region through integrated gaming and hospitality experiences