Vegas casino, brewery to close

Friday, March 22, 2002 | 10:46 a.m.

The Holy Cow! Casino, Cafe and Brewery, a part of the Big Dog's Hospitality Group, is closing its operation at the high-profile corner of Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard today.

Kurt Weisner, chief executive officer of the company, said the brewery, a supplier to the other five Big Dog's properties, would continue to operate until it is relocated to one of its other locations, the Draft House Barn & Casino on Rancho Drive north of Craig Road. Weisner has no timetable for moving the brewery.

The Holy Cow!, which opened in March 1992, has been a Strip landmark with its 14-foot Holstein cow in sunglasses atop the building.

Weisner said his company took over the property's lease last year after subleasing since the bar's opening, but knew that revenues could not match expenses after tourism fell dramatically in September. Weisner said the company plans to hold onto the property and explore other development options. He did not disclose details of possible uses.

The company has a nonrestricted gaming license at the site, meaning it is allowed to operate more than 15 slot machines.

The Big Dog's Hospitality Group also includes the Draft House, Big Dog's Bar & Grill, Two Dogs Tavern and Little Dog's Pub.