Food & Lifestyle
Agua Caliente Casinos Introduce New Unified Brand and Unveil New Amenities
ENHANCEMENTS INCLUDE ALL-NEW DINING AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS IN AN UPSCALE GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, Calif. (February 28, 2019) – The Agua Caliente Casinos in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs have today announced a new brand that unifies the properties under one name. Under the new unifying Agua Caliente Casinos name, the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa will now be known as Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage and the Spa Resort Casino will now be known as Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
Visualizing this unification is the Washingtonia filifera, or desert fan palm, the only indigenous palm to the area, rising above the springs. Both of these symbols have significant relevance to the Agua Caliente Casinos as these elements have been a part of the surrounding California landscape for time immemorial. The new brand mark distinguishes the Agua Caliente Casinos and stands as a unifying moniker for the casino properties, symbolizing the best of what the Coachella Valley has to offer.
Leading up to the introduction of this new unified brand, the Agua Caliente Casinos have unveiled a number of new amenities at the Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs properties offering more for guests at both locations, all in an upscale gaming environment. At the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage, enhancements include the addition of the luxurious Pívat Cigar Lounge along with a newly reimagined design at the resort’s award-winning fine dining restaurant, The Steakhouse, the openings of a new centrally located Casino Bar and of 360 Sports, a state-of-the-art sports viewing complex with a full bar and dining menu, updates to the Coachella Valley’s only live Poker Room, new High Limit Slots and High Limit Table Games Rooms, and the opening of Club Mezz, a new nightlife destination located inside The Show. The Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs welcomes the opening of Java Caliente Café and the reopening of the Oasis Buffet, which underwent a number of renovations that brought both a new design to the restaurant and also opened up more space on the casino’s gaming floor.
“This is an exciting time for the Agua Caliente Casinos as we refine and enhance the guest experience at our luxurious resort in Rancho Mirage and our gaming and dining offerings at our Palm Springs property, and it’s also the perfect time to introduce a new unified brand where one name truly says it all,” Agua Caliente Casinos Chief Operating Officer Saverio R. Scheri III says. “We are thrilled to invite guests to enjoy all of our extraordinary additions and enhancements in an upscale resort environment with excellent service. Both of our properties have everything casino guests are looking for, and it’s all happening now.”
New and reimagined amenities at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage include:
The District
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage’s new dining marketplace, The District, presents a diversity of dining options to satisfy any appetite, all in a fast-casual setting. At The District, guests find a bounty of fresh flavors to choose from, with each outlet within offering its own distinct menu: the Ace Deli, serving up burgers, sandwiches, soups and sides; La Olla, featuring authentic Mexican cuisine; and Jade, offering a diverse Asian menu with influences from Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Thai cuisines. The Ace Deli is open daily, 24 hours. La Olla and Jade are open daily at 11 a.m.; Sunday-Thursday until 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday until 12 a.m.
The Steakhouse
The Rancho Mirage resort’s award-winning dining experience, The Steakhouse, has an exquisite new look inside and out. Overlooking the property’s central interior atrium, the updated dining patio (pictured below) reveals the restaurant’s bar, known for its top-shelf cocktails and extensive selection of wines. The Steakhouse has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence each year since 2007 and features prime steaks and fresh seafood along with a Sunday brunch menu. Enhancements new to the dinner menu include a delectable Caesar salad, prepared table-side. Guests will soon be able to enjoy the ambiance of a piano playing while they savor a great meal served with impeccable service. Open daily for dinner at 5 p.m. Open Sunday-Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday-Sunday until 11 p.m. Patio hour menu Sunday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Open for brunch on Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pictured above: The Steakhouse at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
Casino Bar
Where the vibe happens, the new Casino Bar at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage creates a center of excitement on the gaming floor. Located at the north end of the casino and in close proximity to the resort’s premier concert theater, The Show, the unique oval-shaped bar with its selection of superbly-crafted cocktails is the ideal spot to both start and also wrap up the perfect night out. Video screens surround the center of the space while twenty-one countertop slot machines encircle the bar creating a new and exciting gaming area for guests to enjoy.
Pictured above: The new Casino Bar at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
360 Sports
We’ve got your game! 360 Sports at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage surrounds guests in state-of-the-art screens perfect for catching all the games, along with a robust lineup of special events tailored especially for sports enthusiasts. Comfortable seating abounds, and a full bar including signature cocktails and a specialty dining menu, which features festive dishes such as jumbo stuffed tater tots with buttermilk dipping sauce, offer the ideal cap to an extraordinary experience. Open daily at 11 a.m. Kitchen open Sunday-Thursday until 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday until 12 a.m. Bar open daily until 2 a.m.
Pictured above: 360 Sports at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
Pívat Cigar Lounge
Pívat — named after the Cahuilla Indian word for “smoking tobacco”— offers a selection of more than 100 premium hand-rolled cigars, signature cocktail and cigar pairings, and a menu of delectable small bites and entrees in an elegantly styled lounge tucked within the award-winning Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. Perfect for pairing with a full-bodied cigar, the Pívat Old Fashioned features Woodford Reserve bourbon and a memorable presentation with an Applewood smoke infusion. Large screens for viewing sports are featured throughout the comfortably appointed cigar lounge along with patio seating; friendly and knowledgeable cigar servers; cigar accessories available for sale; a walk-in humidor; and the option to purchase yearly access to private lockers inside the humidor. A monthly e-newsletter signup option keeps guests up-to-date on cigar events and specials for the cigar aficionado and those who aspire to become one. Open daily at 11 a.m.; Sunday-Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday until 11 p.m.
Pictured above: Pívat Cigar Lounge at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
Poker Room
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage’s updated Poker Room — the only live poker room in the Coachella Valley — features 10 tables with nine player spots at each table, for a total of 90 player positions available. Video displays surround the inside perimeter of the private poker room, which offers close access to many of the Rancho Mirage resort’s additional new amenities. Offering daily, nightly and weekend tournaments.
Pictured above: The Poker Room at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
High Limit Slots and High Limit Table Games Rooms
Guests step through elegant entries into a world of luxury in the Rancho Mirage resort’s new High Limit Slots and Table Games Rooms, each dedicated to serious players who want to concentrate and enjoy their privacy. Inside the comfortable and stylishly designed rooms guests find all of the player favorites in addition to the newest and most sophisticated games.
Pictured above: The High Limit Slots Room at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
Club Mezz
Club Mezz is where the night heats up in Rancho Mirage. An exclusive lounge experience in a luxurious private suite without the cover charge, Club Mezz is located inside The Show, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage’s premier 2,100-seat theater. Club Mezz features a house DJ and specialty cocktails, such as the expertly crafted Mezz Old Fashioned made with Bulleit bourbon, orange bitters and muddled Luxardo cherry served over a large ice block and finished with a Luxardo cherry garnish. Also on the cocktail menu is the Center Stage, impeccably staged with Absolut Citron Vodka, Grand Marnier, orange bitters, orange Juice, and soda water served in a martini glass with a tajin rim; and the Desert Sunset, which, aptly named for its beautiful hue, mixes Absolut Elyx Vodka, raspberry puree, fresh mint, fresh lime juice and soda water with a lemon twist garnish. Open every Saturday, 11 p.m.-2 a.m.
Pictured above: Signature cocktails at Club Mezz at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage.
New and reimagined amenities at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs include:
Java Caliente Café
Get back to the action quickly during the day or night at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs’ newly opened Java Caliente Café. Offering downtown Palm Springs the ideal spot for late-night (or anytime!) bites, Java Caliente Café is located right off the casino floor and offers signature beverages along with a menu of made to order all-day breakfast and deli favorites as well as quick grab and go options. Open daily, 24 hours.
Pictured above: Java Caliente Café at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
Oasis Buffet
The revamped Oasis Buffet at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs allows for more space on the casino floor and features updated décor. The buffet offers an expansive international menu, including active cooking stations for custom-ordered entrees. Open for lunch Monday and Thursday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for dinner Monday and Thursday, 4-8 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 4-9 p.m. Open for breakfast Saturday and Sunday, 7-10:30 a.m. Open for Sparkling Brunch, Sundays only, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pictured above: Oasis Buffet at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage, a AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property, ranked top 10 for “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2018 travel awards, and the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs offer the hottest slots, a variety of table games, and high-limit gaming, plus fine dining and shopping, all in a gorgeous resort setting. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage is also home to the Forbes Four-Star Sunstone Spa and The Show, the premier concert theater in Southern California featuring a legendary lineup of performers. The Agua Caliente Casinos in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage are owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which also owns the world-renowned Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon hiking trails, and Indian Canyons Golf Resort.
International Brazilian Steakhouse Opens with Signature Churrasco Experience and Community Commitment
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — October 9, 2025
The unmistakable aroma of fire-roasted meats and the rhythm of sizzling skewers have officially arrived in Rancho Cucamonga. Fogo de Chão, the globally celebrated Brazilian steakhouse, opens its newest location at 12240 Foothill Blvd. on Monday, October 13, marking the restaurant group’s 12th location in Southern California and introducing its signature Culinary Art of Churrasco to the heart of the Inland Empire.
As part of their grand opening, Fogo is donating 10% of its first week’s sales to Patria Food Distribution Center, a local nonprofit providing food relief and hope to those in need. The Rancho Cucamonga location also brings a boost to the local economy by creating over 100 jobs and offering a fresh dining experience built on tradition, hospitality, and innovation.
A Culinary Theater
Designed in collaboration with global firm Harrison, the restaurant presents an elegant yet energetic space, centered around an open churrasco grill. Guests are immersed in the Brazilian dining ritual, watching as Gaucho Chefs butcher, season, and grill premium cuts of meat over open flame. The space also includes a Market Table featuring fresh, seasonal items, a vibrant Bar Fogo, and private dining rooms tailored for everything from business meetings to milestone celebrations.
“We’re thrilled to continue our growth in Southern California with our new location in Rancho Cucamonga,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “This is a diverse and growing community, and we look forward to welcoming both new guests and loyal Fogo Fans to experience a tradition that’s rooted in authenticity.”
The Menu: Something for Everyone
The cornerstone of the Fogo experience is the Full Churrasco Experience, a prix-fixe menu that includes a never-ending tableside rotation of flame-grilled meats like bone-in ribeye, lamb chops, and Picanha (Fogo’s house specialty), paired with Brazilian sides and the Market Table’s vibrant offerings.
Other highlights include:
- Indulgent Churrasco Experience – Adds luxury enhancements like Butter-Bathed™ Lobster Tail or Roasted Bone Marrow with dessert.
- Best of Brazil – A limited-time curated menu available for $54.
- Weekday Lunch – Starting at $18, a great entry point for new guests.
- Weekend Brazilian Brunch – Features brunch classics fused with churrasco, plus waffle and omelet stations.
- Bar Fogo – Offers all-day happy hour with $10 cocktails, $8 wines, $5 beers, and bites like the $10 Picanha Burger and Lobster & Shrimp Tacos.
- Wagyu Experiences – Including a 20 oz. New York Strip carved tableside and a dry-aged Tomahawk Ribeye.
Health-conscious and dietary-aware diners will find inclusive options like Chilean Sea Bass, Seared Tofu & Black Bean Pasta, and Cauliflower Steak—ensuring every guest, regardless of preference, has a satisfying option.
At the Helm: A Local Leader with National Roots
The new Rancho Cucamonga location is led by General Manager Jenna Peterson, a standout Fogo team member who started in 2021 as a bartender and rose through the ranks from Portland to Huntington Beach. Her leadership reflects the brand’s commitment to internal growth and exceptional service.
With over 60 locations worldwide, Fogo de Chão continues to expand its footprint while staying true to its roots—bringing authentic Brazilian hospitality and culinary artistry to every city it enters.
Family-Friendly, Business-Ready
Fogo is built for everyone—from corporate groups to families. Children under six dine free, and kids aged 7–12 eat at half price. The location also offers customizable group dining packages, dedicated event managers, and A/V-equipped private rooms, making it an ideal choice for business functions, celebrations, and special events.
Food & Lifestyle
Sanctity Hotel, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Opens in Rancho Cucamonga With City’s First Rooftop Bar and Durango-Inspired Dining
Elevating Rancho Cucamonga: Sanctity Hotel Introduces Luxurious Retreat and Premier Rooftop Dining Experience
Rancho Cucamonga is stepping into the spotlight as a premier travel and lifestyle destination with the opening of Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina & Rooftop Bar on April 3. As the city experiences rapid growth—including the upcoming Brightline West high-speed rail connecting travelers to Las Vegas—Sanctity Hotel marks a new chapter in elevated hospitality with its retreat-style accommodations, advanced wellness therapy offerings and a first-of-its-kind restaurant and rooftop dining experience.
The Five Elements
A Tapestry Collection by Hilton™ hotel, the 68-room property redefines luxury in Rancho Cucamonga with premium amenities, including a gym, sauna, and Thriv Studio —offering advanced wellness therapies. Designed to embody the five elements of life—earth, water, fire, air and space—Sanctity Hotel offers a feeling of balance and tranquility whether you are traveling for business, leisure or in groups.
“Bringing Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina to life has been a dream come true. Every detail tells a story, inviting guests to experience something truly unique to the area,” says Sachin Bhakta, Vice President of Development at Globiwest Hospitality. “Rancho Cucamonga is an incredible community, and we wanted to create a space that feels like a true retreat—where guests can unwind, experience exceptional hospitality, and enjoy amazing food and drink at Durango Cocina.”
Design Inspired by the Five Elements and Natural Craftsmanship
Sanctity Hotel’s design is a modern interpretation of the five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—woven into every detail of the property. Inspired by the palaces of India and brought to life with natural materials, the interiors are grounded in earth through the use of hand-carved Parota wood sourced from Mexico. From sculptural headboards and coffee tables to the front desk, each piece is crafted from single cuts of real wood, free of synthetic materials. Air and space are reflected in the open layouts and expansive flow of the property, including Rancho Cucamonga’s first rooftop bar. Fire comes to life through the warmth and energy of Durango Cocina, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Water is symbolized by a cascading waterfall feature in the hotel lobby, welcoming guests with a sense of movement and tranquility. Guest rooms feature 100% recycled organic textiles, while original works by Mexico City-based artist and yogi Enrique de Anda add spiritual depth—merging nature, energy, and design in harmonious balance.
For guests seeking wellness treatments, Thriv Studio offers an advanced, holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation with innovative services like Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Infrared Ozone Therapy, and BrainTap Therapy—each designed to enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Communal hotel amenities include a gym and sauna, a spacious private meeting room and function space, and indoor and outdoor event space for celebrating any occasion.
Durango-Inspired Cuisine
Led by Chef Alex Carrasco, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Durango Cocina’s menu pays tribute to the culinary heritage of Durango, Mexico, while integrating locally sourced ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Brought to life by Boulevard Hospitality Group, the dynamic new concept brings a vibrant culinary destination and the city’s first rooftop dining experience.
Set against expansive mountain views, Rancho Cucamonga’s first rooftop bar features serpentine-style seating and cabana sections surrounding cozy fire pits, and offers guests menu options like its Ceviche and an extensive mezcal and tequila selection, handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and house-made agua frescas.
Food & Lifestyle
Amazon Fresh Opens First San Bernardino County Location in Fontana, Elevating Grocery Shopping in the Inland Empire
Amazon Fresh Brings Cutting-Edge Grocery Experience to Inland Empire with New Fontana Location
Amazon continues to expand its footprint in the grocery sector with the grand opening of its first Amazon Fresh store in San Bernardino County, located in the bustling city of Fontana. The store, which opened its doors on September 12, 2024, brings Amazon’s unique combination of technology-driven convenience and high-quality products to the Inland Empire.
Situated at 16188 S. Highland Ave., the Fontana Amazon Fresh store offers customers a modern grocery shopping experience. With a vast selection of national brands, fresh produce, meats, seafood, and a variety of freshly prepared meals, the store caters to a broad spectrum of consumer needs. Amazon Fresh’s private labels, such as Aplenty, Amazon Fresh, and 365 by Whole Foods Market, are also available at competitive prices.
This new Amazon Fresh location is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing grocery shopping both online and in-store. It is designed with Amazon’s latest brick-and-mortar layout, previously introduced in select stores across Chicago and Southern California. The design focuses on convenience, value, and a diverse array of grocery items, including more than 500 regional brands such as Caulipower, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, and Rockenwagner Bakery.
Amazon Fresh’s arrival in Fontana has a broader impact on the community beyond just groceries. The store is creating dozens of jobs for local residents and is also partnering with Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino to donate surplus food. This initiative aligns with Amazon’s efforts to give back to the communities where they operate.
Prime members shopping at this location can enjoy exclusive savings, including a 10% discount on hundreds of products each week, and discounts of up to 50% on select grocery favorites. In addition to a wide selection of products, customers will find grab-and-go meals, sandwiches, and ready-to-cook options, offering convenience for busy families.
“We’re thrilled to open our newest Amazon Fresh grocery store right here in the heart of the Inland Empire,” said Kevin Johnson, Amazon Fresh Regional Manager. “This opening invites customers in Fontana to experience grocery shopping with Amazon Fresh, both in-store and online.
The store is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., providing ample time for customers to shop at their convenience. As with other Amazon Fresh locations, the Fontana store also integrates seamlessly with Amazon’s online grocery services, allowing customers to shop online for home delivery or in-store pickup, further streamlining the grocery shopping experience.
Amazon’s commitment to innovation, community, and customer satisfaction continues to reshape how Inland Empire residents experience grocery shopping. This latest opening in Fontana is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future expansions in the region.
For more information about Amazon Fresh and the products available, visit the store in Fontana or check out Amazon’s grocery services online.
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