Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
NBA Legend and hall-of-famer Charles Wade Barkley is opening a steakhouse and cigar lounge at a Philadelphia-area casino. The steakhouse and cigar lounge will be located at Valley Forge Casino Resort. “The Philadelphia area has always felt like home to me, and I’m thrilled to bring something new to a community that’s played such a big part in my life,” said Charles Barkley. “We’re creating a spot that’s fun, comfortable, and full of personality. I want it to be the kind of place where people can unwind, share a great meal and feel that same energy and connection that make this community so special.” The steakhouse will include nods to Barkley’s career, featuring personal memorabilia. Next door to the steakhouse will be a Humidor cigar lounge. A walk-in humidor will serve as the centerpiece, complemented by private lockers and a bar. Barkley played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1984 to 1992. He later played for the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets before retiring in 2000. For the past 25 years, he has been a commentator and panelist on Inside the NBA. “Charles Barkley’s personality, charisma and love for Philadelphia make him an incredible partner, and we are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to bring his vision to life at Valley Forge Casino Resort,” Martha Morales, vice president and general manager of Valley Forge Casino Resort, said in a news release. Boyd Gaming, the owner of the casino, said Barkley will play an active role in shaping the restaurant’s menu and overall vision. Boyd Gaming didn’t announce a name for the restaurant or when it is expected to open. Boyd Gaming has also entered a national partnership to feature spirits from Redmont Distilling Co., Barkley’s liquor brand, across all of its properties. As part of the collaboration, Boyd Gaming will make an annual contribution to Barkley’s charitable foundation, The Charles Barkley Foundation, dedicated to supporting education and historically Black colleges and universities. Valley Forge Casino Resort is located at 1160 First Ave. in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, about two miles from the King of Prussia mall. The casino is undergoing a multi-year transformation, which includes new dining, entertainment, and guest experience upgrades, as well as a modernization of the property’s casino floor. Valley Forge Casino Resort operates 24 hours per day. It has a 36,000 square-foot gaming floor with 850 slot machines and 50 table games, a Sportsbook, over 100,000 square feet of meeting, conference and banquet space, two hotel towers with 411 rooms, six dining options, including a food hall and live entertainment. Boyd Gaming operates more than two dozen gaming entertainment properties in 10 states.
