The Nevada Gaming Commission recently approved a major change in casino management for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, granting control to a newly established entity, C&C 4455 LLC. This move comes amidst ongoing labor disputes, with striking workers voicing concerns over contract negotiations that remain unresolved.

C&C 4455 LLC, led by hotel president Cliff Atkinson and chief financial officer Chad Konrad, will oversee casino operations, replacing Connecticut-based Mohegan Gaming. Atkinson, who will serve as CEO, and Konrad, retaining his role as CFO, aim to revitalize the property, which has faced challenges since reopening under the Virgin Hotels brand in 2021. The Nevada Gaming Control Board gave the new leadership preliminary approval at the start of December.

Plans for Stability and Growth

Atkinson and Konrad outlined their strategy during presentations to Nevada regulators, highlighting efforts to streamline operations and improve guest experiences by eliminating inefficiencies caused by fragmented management. “Since reopening, the property has struggled,” Atkinson acknowledged, according to CDC Gaming. The CEO added: “The deal with Mohegan simply did not work.”

The executives emphasized their long-term vision for growth, which includes new entertainment options, a loyalty program, and enhancing the casino’s appeal to local residents. Addressing Commissioner Abbi Silver‘s inquiry about entertainment, Atkinson confirmed ongoing partnerships with AEG and programming expansions to attract visitors.

Konrad, a long-time veteran of the property dating back to its days as the Hard Rock Hotel, shared his belief in the team’s ability to drive the casino’s turnaround. “Cliff and I have a similar passion for the property,” Konrad stated, underlining their commitment to maintaining jobs and reinvigorating the venue.

Addressing Worker Concerns

Despite the optimism from leadership, labor issues remain a prominent challenge. Culinary Union Local 226, representing striking workers, expressed frustration during the Nevada Gaming Control Board hearing, accusing property owners of misrepresenting financial difficulties to avoid fair contract negotiations. The union strike, now ongoing since mid-November, marks one of the longest labor disputes in recent Las Vegas history.

While the gaming executives acknowledged the difficulties posed by the strike, they maintained their focus on stabilizing the business. Atkinson noted that earlier refinancing efforts and structural adjustments were pivotal in reaching this point, enabling the transition to new casino management.

Challenges and Opportunities

Commissioners expressed cautious optimism about the management change, acknowledging the property’s unique challenges as an off-Strip location. Commissioner George Markantonis praised the detailed approach and encouraged Atkinson and Konrad to leverage proximity to key venues such as Harry Reid International Airport and the Convention Center.

Atkinson and Konrad have also committed to supporting local patronage, a strategy that includes offering free parking and tailored promotions to cater to the Las Vegas community. Renovation plans, though undisclosed, are expected to bring fresh appeal to the property.

As the transition to new management finalizes by March, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas faces a dual challenge: navigating labor disputes and establishing a sustainable path forward. The partnership between Atkinson and Konrad represents a critical step toward addressing these hurdles and restoring the property’s competitive edge in the evolving Las Vegas market.