For quite some time, plans have been in the works to create a KISS-themed casino at the old Margaritaville casino in Biloxi. Titled Rock and Brews, the property would offer gaming and entertainment, backed by members of the rock band KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
The property where the casino would sit was recently put up for sale, but that is not stopping the developer from going forward with the venue plans. A total of $200 million is said to be set aside for the project. The property in Biloxi Back Bay was listed for sale in early March at $15.9 million.
Details of the Listing
A Gulfport-based company, Southeast Commercial Real Estate, is behind the sale of the Biloxi property. According to Tom Moore, the developer of Rock and Brews, the landowner recently changed realtors. Whoever, the developer still has the first right of refusal when it comes to any property deal.
Moore stated that the development is still on, and the city is working with them to complete the property. The developer stated that the property owner has always had the property listed for sale, so he feels the casino is still in a good place.
Casino Project
Towards the end of 2019, a letter of intent was signed to see the Margaritaville Casino turn into the Rock & Brews property. The restaurant and hotels of the same name are owned by KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
The project was ready to get started in 2020, but unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The casino building was crated in 2012 and offers 92,000 square feet of space. The building overlooks the water and 10 acres of land on Biloxi Bay. It would be a great spot for the Rock & Brews venue, bringing in patrons from local areas as well as hot646 across the United States.
Since the Margaritaville casino closed, the Mississippi Gaming Commission adopted new regulations requiring a hotel for the casino to return. A total of 300 rooms must be added along with other amenities before gaming can be installed.
The building is currently wired for casino gaming but has the ability to operate in other capacities. Options thrown around the table include creating a blue economy business or a data technical center. Apparently, high-tech companies have contacted the property owner as they search for larger spaces to host their business needs.
We shall see in the coming weeks if the casino project continues to move forward or if another company will swoop in and try to take over to offer something other than entertainment to the region.
