Justin Armstrong, left, and Julie Kellar
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana looking for local vendors
Contributed By:The 411 News
Local businesses have a part to play in state’s highest grossing casino
At least one small business owner left happy from Hard Rock Casino's Vendor Fair, Thursday.
Justin Armstrong, the purchasing director for Hard Rock North America didn't identify the business by name, but said the food company's product was in line with Hard Rock's retail goals. "At the morning session, a food vendor came in with a food product that might work with our retail. Our director of retail is going to go back and try to work with them; maybe fine tune their packaging so we can put it into the retail store," Armstrong said.
Opened in May of last year, Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana said the casino in Gary is already the state's highest grossing casino. Hard Rock will continue its growth, Schuffert said, and local businesses have a part to play in sustaining that growth.
Nearly 50 local businesses attended Thursday's vendor sessions to learn how to grow their businesses by becoming a preferred provider of services in food and beverage, maintenance, general supplies, and more.
Schuffert said the casino is meeting the state’s goals for including minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.
Julie Kellar, from the Gary casino’s procurement team, named more opportunities for local businesses. “We are looking for vendors to light up Lake Etta,” Kellar said. Lake Etta is a county park east of the casino, along 29th Avenue. “We are looking for people that do concrete work to add curbs. We are shopping for a space for our facilities workshops. And we are working in the community with the YMCA to install a bathroom and partitions.”
Hopeful vendors got one-on-one time with decision-makers from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and Hard Rock International’s procurement teams. Hopeful vendors should get an answer in about two weeks, Armstrong said.
Vendor hopeful Angel Knight came to offer products from her company, My Trail Mix. Ava Green operates Iconic Popcorn and Lemonade in Merrillville, and was offering a popcorn concession for events and promotions held at the casino. Kiara Young offered products for the gift shop.
Ava Green, left, and Angel Knight
Story Posted:04/08/2022
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