Graton Resort & Casino, located in Rohnert Park, California, is set to launch the next phase of its ambitious $1 billion expansion on May 4, 2026. The newly enhanced resort will offer an exciting mix of gaming, dining, and entertainment, transforming the experience for both visitors and locals.

At the core of this expansion is a new 144,000-square-foot, non-smoking gaming area, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a poker room and a high-limit slots lounge. The gaming floor will also introduce nearly 2,000 new slot machines, including some that will be making their global debut. This non-smoking addition marks a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing evolution, providing a cleaner, more comfortable environment for guests.

A Culinary Destination for Northern California

The resort’s new dining and entertainment venues are poised to make Graton a major culinary hub in Northern California. Spearheading the resort’s expanded culinary offerings are award-winning chef Roy Ellamar and his wife, Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar, both well-known for their work in the Las Vegas dining scene. The centerpiece of the resort’s revamped food offerings will be AYA, the resort’s first rooftop restaurant, spanning 28,000 square feet. This $40 million venture will feature Coastal California cuisine with Asian influences, showcasing seasonal produce and fresh seafood, including Japanese wagyu beef.

The AYA restaurant will offer spectacular views of Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding hills, with two outdoor terraces for dining and private events. The restaurant will also feature a $1 million wine cellar, with a carefully curated selection of rare vintages. Designed by David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, the space is expected to become one of the region’s premier dining destinations.

In addition to AYA, Graton will introduce Playbook Sports Bar, a high-energy venue designed for sports fans. The sports bar will feature an expansive collection of screens, including a dramatic halo screen, and individual TVs at each table for personalized viewing. Guests will enjoy a menu of elevated comfort foods, such as Detroit-style pizza, smoked pork belly, and buffalo wings, making it an ideal place for watching sports while indulging in casual dining.

Rounding out the resort’s new food offerings is SoCo Dough Co., an artisanal doughnut and dessert shop. Known for its handcrafted doughnuts and freshly made gelato, this venue will offer unique flavors like pistachio rose, ube honeycomb, and Vietnamese coffee doughnuts. It will cater to both breakfast and dessert customers, providing a sweet treat at any time of the day.

Local Impact and Community Growth

This expansion is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local community. Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris expressed his pride in the project, stating, “Graton’s expansion marks a defining milestone for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and our entire community. We’re bringing new ideas and experiences to the region that showcase the incredible culinary talent, local ingredients, and sense of place that define Sonoma County.”

According to Indian Gaming, the resort’s development is also contributing to the local economy by creating hundreds of new jobs. Over 430 employees will be hired, including 160 culinary and food and beverage professionals, who will work directly with the Ellamars. This hiring initiative reflects the resort’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting economic growth in the area.

Looking ahead, Graton’s expansion plans include the debut of a new hotel tower in 2027, which will feature 200 guest rooms and an adults-only pool. The resort will also introduce additional nightlife and entertainment options later this year, further cementing Graton’s position as a world-class destination for both visitors and residents of the region.