85 YEARS YOUNG: As El Cortez approaches a major milestone, Kenny Epstein continues to prove that honoring the past and embracing the future can be a winning hand
Opened in 1941, El Cortez has remained at the same Downtown Las Vegas location for more than eight decades, evolving alongside the city while holding onto the spirit of classic Vegas. As one of the city’s most enduring casino landmarks—and the only operating casino listed on the National Register of Historic Places—the property has witnessed nearly every chapter of Las Vegas history.
El Cortez was among the first properties to bring hotel rooms, a restaurant, a bar and casino gaming together under one roof. Its colorful history includes a brief period of ownership by Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Meyer Lansky, and later, the legendary Jackie Gaughan, who owned the property for 45 years and famously lived on its top floor with his wife. His former residence has been preserved as the iconic Jackie Gaughan Suite, while other reminders of the property’s past remain throughout the casino, including the poker room’s original stained-glass ceiling—a nod to the days when Gaughan would quietly sit down and play alongside guests.
Since purchasing El Cortez from his mentor Gaughan in 2008, Kenny Epstein has continued the property’s evolution while remaining committed to the values that have defined it for generations: gaming, value and taking care of guests. Under his leadership, El Cortez has undergone significant reinvestment, including renovations to the Original 47 rooms and Tower Premium Rooms, expanded gaming areas and upgraded amenities.
The property’s latest $20 million expansion represents another major chapter in that evolution, introducing a new high-limit lounge, two distinctive bars and a dramatically reimagined dining experience. The centerpiece of the project is a unique dual-concept restaurant that transforms throughout the day.
By morning and afternoon, Siegel’s 1941 serves classic breakfast and lunch favorites, from bagels with lox and matzoh brei to seafood Louie, Angus cheeseburgers and the return of a longtime El Cortez favorite: prime rib. At 5 p.m., the restaurant transforms into Alex Prime, an upscale steakhouse designed to bring a new level of dining to Downtown Las Vegas.
“There is nothing quite like a truly great dining experience, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing to Downtown Las Vegas with Alex Prime,” said Bart Mahoney, vice president of hospitality for El Cortez. “We have assembled an exceptional team with a singular goal in mind: to set a new benchmark for luxury dining in Downtown Las Vegas.”
The Alex Prime menu is anchored by USDA Prime cuts and slow-roasted prime rib, complemented by fresh seafood, premium shellfish, Italian-inspired pasta dishes and showstopping desserts. Executive Chef Joe Swan, whose culinary experience is rooted in East Coast kitchens, oversees the menu.
The newly remodeled dining room, designed by Kenneth Ussenko Design and Jive Architecture, seats more than 150 guests and features emerald-green banquettes, cognac leather seating, richly paneled walls with gold detailing, arched mirrored cabinetry and sweeping coffered ceilings.
The restaurant opening is a fitting milestone as El Cortez approaches its 85th anniversary on Nov. 7. Through decades of change—from Fremont Street’s earliest days to the modern downtown renaissance—El Cortez has continued to reinvent itself without losing sight of what made it special in the first place.
Today, under Epstein’s leadership, the property remains a living piece of Las Vegas history—one that continues to honor its past while confidently building its future.
Casino Player sat down with Kenny Epstein to discuss his career, his experiences and his unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of casinos.
CP: You’ve witnessed major changes in Downtown Las Vegas over the years—how has the neighborhood transformed, and where do you see it heading next?
KE: It’s getting better and better. I first came to Las Vegas in 1960 with my father, and we went straight downtown to the Golden Nugget because they had Dungeness crab flown in from San Francisco. It was a small place with a beautiful bar with pictures hanging with a real cowboy feel, like something you’d see in an old movie. Now we have the Fremont Street Experience, and right where El Cortez sits, the area is packed with great bars and restaurants, and we’re adding to that with Alex Prime Steakhouse and a new Siegel’s 1941. I have to credit Tony Hsieh and his Downtown Project for a lot of it. It’s unbelievable. A lot of the old Vegas character is still here, too. You can find that at El Cortez, which opened in 1941 and goes back to Bugsy Siegel and the Rat Pack.
What role has El Cortez played in the revitalization of Fremont Street and the surrounding area?
We’ve invested millions of dollars to upgrade the property, and when you put money into your neighborhood, it makes the neighborhood better. We certainly contributed to the neighborhood with modernizing El Cortez, while keeping a piece of national history alive.
How do you differentiate El Cortez from newer properties entering the market?
The history. Las Vegas started on Fremont Street in 1905, gambling was legalized in 1931, and the El Cortez opened in 1941. Jackie Gaughan bought El Cortez in 1963, and I learned everything from him. Everything we do today is rooted in what Jackie taught us. You can build something new anywhere, but you can’t re-create history. What we have here is the real thing.
El Cortez has a reputation for its vintage charm—how do you maintain that authenticity while meeting modern guest expectations?
El Cortez was established in 1941, the same year I was born. We have made so many improvements to the place, but we never want to lose its character. It’s what makes El Cortez feel so special to our guests. We’re trying to improve El Cortez, and I’m trying to improve myself, too. I’m not giving up, and neither is El Cortez.
What types of guests are you seeing today compared to a decade ago?
Well, a younger clientele. The average age of our guests was 55 years old when I first took over El Cortez, and now it’s 34. We’ve got a younger generation coming here.
Are there any traditions or experiences at El Cortez that have remained unchanged since the early days?
Service. The guest is the most important part of El Cortez’s success. If you don’t treat them properly, they’re not going to stay, and you’re not going to get new ones.
How is El Cortez commemorating its 85th anniversary? Are there any special events, promotions or surprises guests can look forward to?
Alex Prime Steakhouse opens just before the anniversary. We’re also putting on a drone show that honors El Cortez’s history, plus a big tournament, and drawings and promotions throughout the casino, with cake for everyone. The whole place is going to feel like something special.
Why was it important to celebrate this milestone in a meaningful way?
We want to honor everyone who has contributed to the success of El Cortez. That includes our staff, guests, and all the key people from our past, present and future. We’re opening our new restaurant, Alex Prime, named in honor of my daughter, Alex, who was a big part of turning El Cortez into what it is today. We’re very proud of it. I think it’s the perfect time for our 85th anniversary to share everything that makes this place unlike anywhere else and to really show Las Vegas what we are.
Are there any partnerships or collaborations tied to the anniversary that you’re especially excited about?
We have recruited people from one of the top restaurants on the Strip to work at Alex Prime. They’re going to ensure an incredible experience and service for our guests, adding a special feeling to the restaurant. It’s going to be an exceptional steakhouse. We modeled it after the best New York and Las Vegas steakhouses, and we want to improve on those experiences.
As you look ahead, what’s your vision for the next chapter of El Cortez?
Just get bigger and better. That’s all we can do is continue to improve all the time. That’s what everybody has to do if they want to get ahead. To try to get better every day.
How do you plan to continue balancing historic preservation with innovation?
I have to say we’ve done a hell of a job so far, and we’re just going to stay true to ourselves while making sure we keep up with the times and with what guests want. We’ve got the original sign out in front of the building and on top of it, and we’re keeping that part of the past. We’re still reinvesting into this place, and it still holds the same magic.
What do you hope guests will say about El Cortez 10 years from now, at its 95th anniversary?
They can’t believe this place. That it’s been here all these years, and it’s really kept up with the times, and we like this place. It has an identity of the past, but it’s also part of the future.
Do you have a favorite memory or story tied to El Cortez over the years?
I have so many of them. It would take me a long time to tell you about that. Jackie Gaughan was a legend and he owned El Cortez for 45 years, and he was our mentor. Now, we’re just following in his footsteps.
