The Seminole Tribe of Florida has poured $65 million into renovations for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, and it shows. Earlier this month, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the conclusion of the renovation project, which began last year.
Many of the sections of the property under renovation remained open to the public throughout. However, Fresh Harvest Buffet was closed during the project. Fans of that buffet-style restaurant will be happy to know it has reopened and now comprises six kitchens, each offering a different style of cuisine for guests.
Visitors to Fresh Harvest Buffet can select from traditional American dishes, Italian favorites, plus international cuisine, including sushi, kebabs, and more.
Old food court repurposed for more gaming space
The former location of the food court has now been renovated to create additional gaming space. Visitors will find 350 slot machines in that area.
“After introducing live craps, roulette, and sports betting just over a year ago, we believe the new slots area just adds to the fully integrated casino experience for our guests,” said Seminole Hard Rock Tampa President Steve Bonner.
According to a press statement from the tribe, some of the newly added slots include:
- Phoenix Link, Lightning Dollar Link, and Dragon Link from Aristocrat Gaming
- Huff N’ Even More Puff Hard Hat Edition, Journey To Planet Moolah, Big Hot Flaming Pots, and other titles from Light & Wonder
- Money Mania from International Game Technology
The Seminoles say the investment in the resort reflects the tribe’s commitment to the Tampa region’s economy. During the various phases of the construction project, the renovations created several hundred temporary jobs.
The reopening of Fresh Harvest Buffet has created 200 kitchen and food service jobs. According to the tribe, the resort now employs over 4,200 people. That makes it one of the largest employers in the area.
New smoke-free rooms in hotel
Not only the casino received renovations.
More than 200 hotel rooms in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel’s West Tower got a makeover. Most of those have been converted to smoke-free accommodations. The design got an update, too: each floor of West Tower now features wall art created from vinyl records, a medium nicely suited to the theme of the iconic Hard Rock brand.
