A Little History...

The Casino and The Village Park's earliest history dates back to the early 1800s. Recently uncovered information indicates the native American Tribes of New York State would meet in what is now where the Casino building is located and partake in much food and firewater; dancing throughout the evening and into the wee hours of the morning. By the next day the tribes would have reaffirmed their relationships for years to come.

The Village Park's and The Casino's history belonged to the Native Americans until the early 1900s when the land where The Casino is now located was purchased by a wealthy Pittsburgh steel magnate, James Selden. The building The Casino is now located in, was constructed in 1929-1930. The building opened in May of 1930. The entire first floor housed changing and dressing rooms. The second floor became famous for its Big Band Concerts and Vaudeville Acts. Many greats such as The Tommy Dorsey Band (with a new singer named Frank Sinatra!), The Glen Miller Orchestra, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Cab Calloway, and many other greats including Al Jolson, and one young Lucille Ball.

Throughout the thirties and forties many a steamship docked in Bemus and countless thousands came to enjoy the entertainment, sunshine, and camaraderie of their friends and neighbors. Throughout the fifties, sixties, and seventies, The Casino went through many changes and was utilized as a public beach facility, a bowling alley, restaurant, and pub.

The Casino was established as a casual restaurant and pub, and enterainment capital throughout the eighties and nineties. In 1985, The Casino broke The Guinness Book of World Records for the most wings served in a 24 hour period. It was also a starting point for many hugely successful groups, such as, Rusted Root and the 10,000 Maniacs. The Casino's first and second floor was extensively remodeled in 1999 and released to the current owner, the Carlson family.

We continue to commit to you the area's best food at a fair price and an environment where everyone from infants to centenarians can come relax, enjoy, make new friends, and reacquaint yourself with old friends.