Founder Of Peppermill Casino And Restaurant Passes AwayGaming Company Remembers Key Nevada Gaming Leader Bill Paganetti |
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The founder of the Peppermill casino and restaurant brand passed away on Dec. 28 at age 85.
Bill Paganetti and his friend Nat Carasali opened the Peppermill Coffee Shop and Lounge in Reno in 1971, before adding casino gaming to the property in 1979 and eventually transitioning to the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino.
The company would later add other casinos in Nevada, including the Western Village Inn in Sparks and the Rainbow, Peppermill, and Montego Bay in Wendover. The Peppermill brand would also expand in 1972 to include the Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Paganetti was remembered fondly by many of those at the company.
“His contributions to the industry and the regions where his businesses operated have left a lasting impact, as well as his history of kindness and generosity,” the company announced in a statement.
Born in Petaluma, California, the businessman and his partner entered the gaming market as the casino industry began to grow throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. The Las Vegas restaurant, known for it’s neon lights and intimate, fireside sunken booths, became particularly popular with Sin City performers such as Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Criss Angel, Floyd Mayweather, and Penn Jillette.
The Strip location has also been featured in several television shows and movies including Casino and Showgirls. Nevada Resort Association President and CEO Virginia Valentine said Paganetti was a key figure in the state’s gaming industry.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague Bill Paganetti,” she noted in a statement. “Bill’s impact on Reno and Northern Nevada cannot be overstated.
“He led the way in transforming the area’s resort and hospitality industry and cultivated an atmosphere centered on treating guests like family. He was one of our industry’s visionaries and will be greatly missed. We share our sympathies with the Peppermill family and Bill’s large family of which he was most proud.”
Family was indeed a major part of Paganetti’s life. He and his wife Maryanne were married for more than 50 years, with five children and 19 grandchildren.
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