#LUCKY
St. Jo Frontier Casino

August 30, 2017

Written by Emmaleigh Zahnd | Photos by Patrick Evenson and St. Jo Frontier Casino

CHARACTER TRAIT: Lucky

DEFINITION: Having unexpected good fortune; favorable; believed to bring good luck.

Jangling coins being pulled out of pockets, music playing in the background, laughter bursting randomly around the room like prairie popcorn in a hot kettle … and the quiet seriousness of a poker game being played as the sun sets over the riverbed …

Games of chance and dining establishments have been a part of St. Joseph, Missouri’s uncommon character since the earliest settlers gathered to let off some steam and gamble on optimistic odds. Their grueling lives without today’s conveniences spent building a thriving economy were collectively rewarded with the fortune of a growing diverse community … and, for some, an occasional great hand of cards.

Although it has no formal ties to pioneer era establishments, St. Jo Frontier Casino has charmed the city since 1993, becoming one of the first of four modern day riverboat casinos in Missouri. It sparkles inside and out with the bright lights and color you’d expect in a large casino complex, but it is unique with a bit of the legendary western spirit whispering to guests in the murals and wall hangings that herald the local heros of times past. The uncommon characters include everything from covered wagon trains to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows and the Pony Express.

Over its nearly 25 years, St. Jo Frontier Casino has changed names, locations along the riverbank, owners and exterior and interior design. However, one element has held true – the engaging small town everybody-knows-your-name kind of feeling is still evident.

Roxanne Miller, Regional Director of Marketing for Missouri, shared, “At St. Jo, we are a hometown casino.”

The aromas greeting visitors at the front door certainly make one feel at home. Winners Bar and Grill, located near the entrance and overlooking the Mighty Mo, is a pleasant place for families to gather for waterside dining.

“We’re lucky to have such a great restaurant on the river in St. Joseph,” said a recent patron who drives in from one of St. Joseph’s many surrounding rural communities. “I believe it is the only place in town next to the water to grab a quick bite or sit and relax over dinner and drinks.”

St. Joseph is fortunate to have a clean, comfortable, and spacious setting to catch the river sunset while eating a delicious meal, holding a special event, or before a concert. Many residents and visitors also consider themselves lucky to have newly upgraded gaming entertainment in abundance on a floor recently renovated to the highest industry standards. Jackpot winners, especially, are fans!

Another patron said, “We don’t have to drive to Kansas City, or Las Vegas, or Deadwood, S.D., to find a great casino to spend a day or evening.”

St. Jo Frontier Casino has more than just tasteful food and entertainment. If offers a wide variety of employment to more than 200 associates filling positions in gaming, food and beverage, guest services and support operations.

“We are a stable business that provides great opportunities for growth and advancement,” said Roxanne.

St. Jo Frontier Casino is a big advocate for giving back to the community that gives them so much — how lucky is that? Some of its local support uplifts the Alzheimer’s Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, YWCA Women of Excellence and several more, including the St. Joseph Community Branding Initiative.

Side to side, up and down or spinning … anyway you look at it there is a great relationship between the community of St. Joseph and St. Jo Frontier Casino.

Sitting next to the river enjoying a meal with loved ones is a great way to appreciate how lucky we are to be enjoying this “Frontier” over the struggling lives of yesteryear’s pioneers. St. Jo Frontier Casino is a place everyone can enjoy … just follow the river.

RESOURCE LINKS:

St. Jo Frontier Casino Website

Missouri Gaming Commission

Pony Express Museum

#SPIRITED

Built in the 1850s, the riverfront warehouse property and its sister warehouse property at 101 Francis were purchased by Pastor Doyle and his congregation at Restoration Church in 2012.

#DELECTABLE

When it’s time for a coffee fix, St. Joseph’s options range from the eclectic to the trendy to the fast and familiar. The coffee culture in St. Joseph continues to expand and thrive, fueled by historic roasters, young entrepreneurs and locals who want to open the doors to a comfortable piece of the city’s relaxed vibe.

#FORWARD-THINKING

Any strong city has a strong educational foundation. But what really sets a city apart – and really makes it uncommon – is when that foundation is built around the thoughts, opinions and ideas of the families and leaders who call that city home … now, and in future generations.

#CHEERS

You can’t get more local than D&G Pub & Brew Haus, where local beer is brewed in-house and named by the community.

#GENEROUS

There are countless uncommon places in St. Joseph that help make this city uniquely awesome. Key word, “help.” Creative, quirky, historic and just plain fun parks, buildings, businesses and restaurants are great, but it’s the people that make the difference. It’s the people that come up with the ideas. It’s the people that run these businesses. It’s the people that take the lead and build something worth bragging about.