Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Resort

JCJ Architecture provided planning, architecture, and interior design services for a series of upgrades and renovations at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and operated by Caesars Entertainment. The work transformed existing spaces throughout the resort to introduce new gaming, sports, dining, and entertainment experiences while enhancing the property’s vibrant casino environment.

JCJ’s work included the design of a new Caesars Sportsbook, and the 34-table World Series of Poker Room, creating dedicated destinations for sports fans and poker players within the casino. The sportsbook combines technology and hospitality with a dramatic 90-foot viewing screen, elevated seating, betting kiosks, and private Fan Caves, while the dedicated WSOP room accommodates tournament and cash-game play.

The project also introduced new food and beverage experiences through the adaptive reuse of existing spaces. JCJ designed the Gordon Ramsay Food Market, transforming approximately 20,000 square feet of existing food-service space into a market-style dining destination with multiple culinary concepts, display cooking areas, bars, and updated guest seating. The Food Market marked Gordon Ramsay’s first location of its kind in the United States.

JCJ also transformed approximately 10,000 square feet of existing poker and promotional space into Wicked Weed Brewpub, creating a new restaurant, lounge, bar, and tasting experience centered around the Asheville-based craft brewery. The venue features a main bar, tasting bar, live entertainment area, and a menu designed to complement Wicked Weed’s beers and ciders.

At the heart of the casino, JCJ designed Myst Bar, creating an energetic social destination with bar and lounge seating, sports viewing, live entertainment, and an elevated stage. Together, these new and renovated venues expanded the resort’s food, beverage, sports, and entertainment offerings while creating a more diverse and engaging experience for guests