Kaw Nation Announces New Rock & Brews Casino

Kaw Nation (Braman, OK) –  Kaw Gaming, Inc. (KGI), owner and operator of Southwind Casinos in Braman, Kanza, and Newkirk, announced that it has closed a loan with Western Alliance Bank to construct its new Rock & Brews Casino at its Braman location.

“Western Alliance Bank is dedicated to finding the financial solutions required by tribal gaming entities, and many others in the casino gaming industry,” said Ashan Perera, Managing Director of the Gaming group for Western Alliance Bank. “The successful completion of this financing plan offers significant benefits to Kaw Nation and KGI in its pursuit to launch its new Rock & Brews Casino. We are exceedingly proud to be part of the Tribe’s continued success.”

Tribal Chairwoman Lynn Williams stated, “This is wonderful for Kaw Nation, I am so proud of all the work put together by the KGI Board members and associates, as well as the combined effort of the Tribal Council.”

This deal was initiated in 2019 but was sidetracked due to the pandemic. However, due to its ability to operate safely and successfully, KGI has been able to attract financing in the fulfillment of the Tribe and Casino Board’s collective vision. Other factors contributing to this result include:

• Best in class team and workforce

• Development of a modern casino with state-of-the-art amenities

• Strategic location in high traffic area off of I-35

• Impressive player development growth with strong trends

“It’s very rewarding to see the casino’s success and continued growth, said Tammy Cassiday, Property Operations Manager. “Our employees are very excited by the opportunity to be part of our new Rock & Brews Casino which will offer a new and improved gaming floor, off-track betting area and Rock & Brews restaurant.” Currently, the three Southwind Casino locations provide jobs to over 150 individuals. When the Rock & Brews Casino expansion is complete, KGI expects to add an additional 75 new jobs to the area.

Adam Goldberg, CEO of Rock & Brews, says, “We are very honored to be a part of Kaw Nation’s expansion plan. The Rock & Brews Casino and Restaurant centers around an expertly curated interactive rock experience that we know Oklahoma will love.”

“We are excited to secure this financing and look forward to the years ahead with our new facility.” said Ken Bellmard, President of Kaw Gaming, Inc. “We know how important our facilities are to the families of our community and we are proud of their continuing contribution to growing our local economy.”

Tiger Law, Hogen Adams, and Connors & Winters provided legal counsel for the Nation and KGI, and FSA Investment Group acted as KGI’s financial advisor. Connect Advisors is owner’s representative, HBG Design is the architect, and Flintco is general contractor for the project.

About Kaw Nation of Oklahoma

Formerly known as the Kanza (or Kansa) people, the Kaw Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe headquartered in Kaw City, Oklahoma. Presently, there are 3,667 enrolled members of the Kaw Nation. The Kaw Nation Tribal Council includes the Chair, Lynn Williams Vice-Chair, James Pepper Henry, Secretary, Kim Jenkins, and four council members, Debbie Lewman, Wes Pappan, Robert Allen and Cheri Dunn. Executive functions are reserved for the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, while legislative action is reserved for the Tribal Council as well as the General Council. The Chair oversees day-to-day operations of the Tribal Council, Tribal employees, and General Council (all members of the Kaw Nation, age 18 and above). Recognizing the growing regional competition and the need for improved efficiencies and stronger leadership, the Kaw Nation created Kaw Gaming Incorporated in February of 2014 to provide complete management services for all casino facilities owned by the Kaw Nation.

About Kaw Gaming Corporation

Kaw Gaming Incorporated is a component unit of the Kaw Nation formed to operate gaming facilities on tribal land in Braman and Newkirk, Oklahoma. KGI began operations on May 1, 2014, at which time KGI assumed all assets and liabilities of the Southwind Casino entity that was previously operated as an enterprise fund under the Kaw Enterprise Development Authority (“KEDA”). KGI’s operations include the following:

• Southwind Casino – Braman: Gaming facility operated on tribal land in Braman, Oklahoma. Operations include gaming machines, pari-mutuel wagering, and food and beverage services.

• Southwind Casino – Newkirk: Gaming facility operated on tribal land in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Operations include gaming machines, bingo, and food and beverage services.

• Southwind Casino – Kanza: Gaming facility operated inside the Kanza Travel Plaza on tribal land in Braman, Oklahoma. Operations include gaming machines.

• Kanza Travel Plaza: Travel stop facility operated on tribal land in Braman, Oklahoma. Operations include fuel sales, tobacco sales, and food and beverage services.

KGI is governed by KGI’s Board of Directors, KGI President, Ken Bellmard, Vice President, Terry Pepper, Secretary, Terri Humble, Jim Lessert, Director, Bill Shutte, Director, and Lynn Williams, Ad Hoc. The Casinos operate Class II and Class III gaming activities, as defined by federal regulations. In 2006, the Nation entered into a compact with the State of Oklahoma, which allowed the Casinos to utilize “compacted” gaming machines, as defined in the compact, and card-based table games in their operations in return for an exclusivity fee paid to the State, based on revenue generated by the machines and card-based table games, if applicable.

About Rock and Brews

Rock & Brews is a one-of-a-kind, rock-inspired hospitality group offerings restaurants, hotels, and casinos and entertainment concept designed to engage people of all ages. The restaurants serve quality handcrafted American food and local favorites, a second to none selection of craft and international beers. Founded by rock icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, along with partners, restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert industry veterans Dave and Dell Furano, the first Rock & Brews opened Southern California in 2010 and currently has 22 locations across the country. From restaurants to casinos to hotels, Rock & Brews immerses the guests in a concert style environment of high-quality audio and visual experiences taking them back to the defining moments of rock n’ roll. The Rock & Brews Restaurant, Casino, and Hotel is where the power of rock fuels the fun of gaming and hospitality.