By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
Over 500 jobs, 3 restaurants, slot machines galore: all that excitement could bring a lot of people to downtown Sioux City.
Famous Dave's, it's a popular place in Sioux City that feeds about 300-500 people a day.
But with a casino venue fit for Las Vegas possibly just down the street those numbers could jump and high.
Famous Dave's Manager Athena Nino said, "People coming in, people getting it set up, to build it to get it ready to go, the people that come in to enjoy the place. It'll just be great for downtown."
And even closer to the possible future Hard Rock Casino Sioux City site is McCarthy and Bailey's.
Owner Rick Bertrand has already spent plenty of time and money doing his part to restore Pearl Street, adding 3 successful businesses to the block.
But an internationally-known casino moving in next door won't hurt.
McCarthy and Bailey's Manager Ryan Braun said, "It'll help us out a lot, trying to do a lot of fun things down here on Pearl Street. New things for people to do, instead of having the same old-same old opportunities in Sioux City."
New opportunities. It's exactly why city officials are anticipating the land-based casino.
Of course, the Missouri River Historical Development, Sioux City's gambling license holder needs an endorsement from the Sioux City City Council to move forward.
Mayor Bob Scott said, "If you go to Dubuque and see what the Diamond Jewel has done to Dubuque, you go to some of these different facilities around the state, you'll find that they spur development. And quality development. So no matter what, no matter who's chosen at the end of the day, it'll be good for downtown."
All glitz aside, the City Council isn't announcing any endorsements just yet.
