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Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:28 PM

Pioneer Crossing undergoing renovation

Pioneer Crossing undergoing renovation
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

For several years, Pioneer Crossing Casino owners Mike Benjamin and Mike Melarkey have had a set of plans for the renovation of their Fernley casino.

Finally, they are able to put their plan in place.

Renovation of Pioneer Crossing’s Fernley property started Feb. 22 and will include an expansion of the gaming floor and Player’s Club, redesign of the restaurant and a new lounge environment with several big screen televisions.

“This all stems from fact that the property is almost 12 years old, so it’s time to freshen up the look of the property and give customers something new,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin said the plans for the renovation project were actually drawn up several years ago, but were set aside during the recession.

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
A construction worker trims a board as part of the renovation of the old office space into additional gaming space.


Work on the project began with construction of a temporary wall on the and demolition of the existing office space, which will be made into an expansion of the gaming floor.

The old stage is being replaced by a large series of video walls, which will feature ten 65-inch flat screens for sports and events, creating a lounge environment. The Players Club area will be tripled in size to allow guests easier access, and the additional room for gaming will add 48 machines to the gaming floor.

The restaurant will be remodeled with new tables and chairs, a lower ceiling, chandelier lighting and the addition of several new TVs.

The name of the restaurant is also being changed from the Chuckwagon Café to the Branding Iron Café and Steakhouse, to mirror the Dayton location. The menu will remain the same, with the addition of a couple of signature steaks, Benjamin said.

“And we’re not increasing any of the pricing,” he said.

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
An electrical worker secures wiring in the area that's being converted from offices to gaming space.


Benjamin said the Pioneer Crossing’s Fernley, Dayton and Yerington properties feed roughly 1,600 people a day, combined.

In addition, the carpeting will be replaced.

In all, Benjamin said the changes are to make things more comfortable for their customers, whether they want to gamble, eat or just sit and visit with friends.

“We want to give customers more variety,” he said.

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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion.Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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