In Massachusetts and the MGM Springfield property has reportedly announced that it has closed the Starbucks franchise that had been situated in its hotel lobby and soon hopes to replace the high-end coffee outlet with a new VIP gambling lounge.

Disappointing direction:

According to a Thursday report from The Republican newspaper, the $960 million MGM Springfield opened its doors in late-August after over two years of construction and already features a 125,000 sq ft gaming floor offering a selection of some 2,550 slots alongside 120 gaming tables. But, the 250-room venue has purportedly struggled to attract big-spending players and is on track to post only about half of the $416 million in gross gaming revenues operator MGM Resorts International had earlier predicted it would bring in over the course of its first year in business.

Accumulating alterations:

In reaction to these less than spectacular results, the newspaper reported that Las Vegas-headquartered MGM Resorts International has changed the mixture of slots and games on offer inside the city-center venue while also introducing a weekend brunch buffet to its Cal Mare restaurant.

Subsequent shift:

The Republican cited Saverio Mancini, Communications Director for the Massachusetts property, as detailing employees who had been assigned to the Starbucks outlet have already been moved to other in-house posts but that he was currently unsure as to when the envisioned VIP lounge would open.

Mancini reportedly told the newspaper…

“We are still working out the details.”

Continual review:

For his part, Michael Mathis, President for MGM Springfield, reportedly used a prepared statement to explain that the move is all part of ongoing efforts to improve the Hampden County property and could moreover soon be followed by the introduction of a much smaller coffee kiosk to its lobby.

Mathis reportedly told the newspaper…

“We are continuously looking for ways to improve the guest experience at MGM Springfield. This exclusive new enhancement for our most loyal and discerning guests will further our growth strategy as the market leader in luxury leisure travel. We look forward to sharing more details as the project develops. We remain grateful for the ongoing support of the Springfield community and entire region.”