For more than two decades, Jason Guyot has built his career at Foxwoods Resort Casino, starting out as director of employment in 2007. He became president and CEO of the company in 2021 after serving as senior vice president of resort operations and leading its COVID-19 response team. Guyot is a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which owns the resort.
What were Foxwoods’ top successes in 2023?
In 2023, we had an extraordinary year marked by the introduction and unveiling of new amenities, restaurants and experiences. From the debut of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and Wahlburgers to the opening of our new state-of-the-art Pequot Woodlands Casino, along with our vibrant new bars, Drip and Truth, we have truly cemented ourselves as the leader in hospitality and gaming, providing a world-class resort destination you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
In 2022, we also had the opportunity to announce the construction of the Great Wolf Lodge, scheduled to open in 2025, adding another exciting dimension, especially for families, to the Foxwoods experience.
What is on the horizon for Foxwoods, both short- and long-term?
Exciting developments are always underway at Foxwoods. This year, we are thrilled to announce a number of property enhancements, including a few more that will be announced later in the year. We recently announced the hotel room renovations at The Fox Tower as well as the introduction of a captivating new international gaming room and slot bar within the Grand Pequot Tower. We’ll also be opening our new high limit table games room before the end of the year.
Our dining options will also be expanding this year with two new dining destinations, including Grace by Nia, a modern-day supper club offering live music and cocktail lounge vibes, and the popular Sprinkletown Donuts & Ice Cream, owned by celebrity Chef Zac Young.
While there are many more exciting additions on the horizon, this serves as a sneak peek of what’s to come at Foxwoods in 2024.
In your opinion, which features differentiate Foxwoods from its competitors?
We stand out for a number of reasons, but I believe what sets us apart is our dedication to excellence and innovation. We have a massive amount of land and space, giving us major opportunities to continue introducing cutting-edge concepts that resonate with all travel needs; this allows us to be an exciting hub for all things luxury, fun and games.
We’ve worked hard over the past few years to bring great new developments and amenities to life. Guests can indulge in offerings, including over 30 restaurants, featuring celebrity-owned establishments such as Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Wahlburgers, David Burke Prime and Cedars Steaks and Oysters. For thrill-seekers, we have a world-class indoor go-karting track and exhilarating zip-lining experiences. Additionally, our multifloor shopping outlet, spa amenities and premier gaming across seven world-class casinos ensure an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
What do you see as the greatest challenges the casino industry faces in 2024? Potential opportunities?
The entertainment and gaming landscape is constantly changing. Over the past few years, we’ve made a conscious effort to expand Foxwoods’ amenities across different areas to offer experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
From our perspective, achieving success in 2024 hinges on our ability to adapt to the continually evolving landscape of the industry. This entails not only staying up to date with the latest technological advancements, but also proactively integrating them to elevate the overall guest experience at every turn. By embracing innovation and prioritizing the enhancement of our amenities and services, we can solidify our position as industry leaders. We are nearly scratching the surface, but with this approach, the future appears promising.
How has the gaming and hotel landscape changed throughout your career? What are some of the most significant differences you’ve seen?
We’ve witnessed remarkable shifts in the gaming and hotel landscape throughout the years. One of the most significant changes has been the integration of technology into every aspect of the guest experience. From social media to immersive gaming experiences, technology has revolutionized how guests interact with our properties.
Casinos have transformed into multifaceted resort destinations, and here at Foxwoods, we are committed to leading this evolution, offering world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities that cater to every aspect of guests’ needs, making us the ultimate one-stop destination for unparalleled experiences.
Overall, the gaming and hotel landscape has become more dynamic. Our team has led with innovation and guest-centricity, exposing guests to an immersive experience that extends beyond the gaming floor.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about Foxwoods?
We are looking forward to what the future holds at Foxwoods, and rest assured, we have many more exciting announcements to come!
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