Bobby Flay Makes Atlantic City Return, Airshow Final Countdown

Written By Bill Gelman on August 15, 2022Last Updated on August 16, 2022

Remember last summer when some of the AC chatter centered around Bobby Flay Steak closing at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa? Well, it turns out the celebrity chef wasn’t actually leaving the Atlantic City casino scene for good.

Just head over to Harrah’s Resort where the newest Bobby’s Burgers location is open. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Friday afternoon and Flay was there. The fast-casual spot is located in the former Waterfront Buffet space. Additional food and beverage spots are coming soon (see below).

PlayNJ was there for Friday’s opening to talk with Flay about his newest AC venture. As far as converting a former buffet space into a counter service setup goes, Flay said his team relies on concept and formula that is part of the Bobby’s Burgers signature.

About the Harrah’s AC location, Flay said “we are really proud of this one.”

That relationship includes three Las Vegas Strip locations.

Which burger does Bobby Flay say is ‘most underrated?’

The AC spot has one counter for ordering (you’ll be asked your burger temp preference) and another to pick up the food. The menu also includes fries, onion rings and shakes. And if you’re one of those people who enjoys a burger as your first meal of the day, there is a brunch burger (eggs, bacon and American cheese).

The hours are:

  • Sun.: Noon-10 p.m.
  • Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Sat.: Noon-2 a.m.

So if you are wondering what to order, Flay’s go-to item is the bacon crunchburger (bacon, American cheese, potato chips and Bobby’s Sauce). However, he says the nacho burger (queso, tomato salsa and pickled jalapenos) is the “most underrated.”

“It has tons of flavor, tons of texture, but it’s not the most popular burger,” Flay said. “We only have a handful of burgers so it’s probably maybe fourth on the list. I find the nacho burger incredibly satisfying.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harrah’s Resorts cooking up more dining plans

Of course it’s no secret Caesars Entertainment has construction walls up at all three of its Atlantic City properties. This includes in the Marina District where there some additional fast-casual options coming soon. Before entering Bobby’s Burgers, you might notice there is a sign advertising what’s next.

What we do know is Chicken Guy from celebrity chef Guy Fieri will be making its Northeast debut on Tuesday, Aug. 30. It’s taking over the space currently occupied by Guy’s Sammich Joint.

New CANJ president is an Atlantic City casino veteran

So with Joe Lupo, the president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, leaving for Las Vegas, it means the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) needs to find a new president as well.

That was until last week when the trade organization announced Giannantonio will be succeeding Lupo. Giannantonio, the president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, is no stranger to the AC casino scene. Besides being an Atlantic City native, he has 35 years of industry experience. Before leading the Resorts team (since 2012), Giannantonio previously served as Tropicana Atlantic City president and CEO

As far as his new role with the CANJ goes, Giannantonio  says he is “honored to succeed Joe Lupo as the next president of the Casino Association of New Jersey.”

“Joe has been a tremendous leader of this organization, and a tireless advocate for Atlantic City,” Giannantonio said. “I have deep roots in this community, and I am ready to work together with the city and the state to continue to advance Atlantic City and elevate its status as a leading entertainment hub and destination resort.”

Ironically, days before this news was announced, the latest episode of “Atlantic City Boardwalk Talk” included a sit-down interview with Giannantonio.

 

Joe Thiesman coming to Resorts AC

With the 2025 NFL regular season weeks away, DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts AC is holding a free public meet and greet with former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann. The event is taking place Saturday Aug. 27 8-9 p.m.

Theismann, who spent 12 years playing in the NFL, holds Washington team records for passing yards (25,206), completions (2,044) and attempts (3,602). The former Pro Bowl passer played in Super Bowl XVII, and helped the Redskins defeat the Miami Dolphins.

Atlantic City Airshow countdown

Now that we’ve reached the middle of August, the biggest Atlantic City summer event is fast approaching. Yes, the Phish and TidalWave beach concerts were a big deal. However, those crowds will not come close to amount of people heading to AC Wednesday, Aug. 24.

This is of course when the 2022 Meet Atlantic City Airshow will be taking place (tentative 11 a.m. start time). Some 500,000 people are expected. We’re talking a single-day crowd.

To read more about this year’s event, including where to park and watch, click here.

AC hotel casinos make national poll

So have you ever wondered how Atlantic City casino hotels rank compares to other gaming halls across the country.

Well, AC properties are attracting national attention in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The nominees in the best casino hotel category include:

  • Borgata
  • Hard Rock
  • Ocean Casino Resort 

And in the best casino outside of Las Vegas category, Harrah’s AC joins Borgata and Ocean as nominees. Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia also made the list.

Of course it’s hard to ignore the best casino restaurant list where America’s Playground is well-represented:

  • Amada 
  • American Cut 
  • Capriccio 
  • Dolce Mare 
  • Il Mulino 
  • Izakaya 
  • Kuro 

Do you have a favorite? Voting ends Monday, Aug. 29 at noon ET. The winners will be announced on Friday, Sept. 9.

Photo by Bill Gelman
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Bill Gelman

Bill Gelman has been reporting on the NJ gambling market since 2018, right around when the Garden State launched sports betting. Bill transitioned from lead writer for PlayNJ and NJ Gambling Sites to his current role as managing editor in 2020. Besides offering in-depth analysis on NJ gambling market trends and news, Bill regularly sits down with Atlantic City casino industry executives to offer readers exclusive interviews and comprehensive coverage. Bill received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ithaca College. He has contributed to other Catena Media sites including The Lines, Legal Sports Report, PlayPennsylvania and PlayCanada.

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