Long-time owner of Bully’s Sports Bar & Grill set to sell company

Jo Lown， the President and CEO of Bully’s Sports Bar & Grill， an establishment in northern Nevada， has announced plans to sell the company after 25 years of ownership.

Lown's decision to step down from her role comes as she seeks to prioritise spending more time with her family.

The buyer， Ron Winchell， owner of Las Vegas-based ECL Gaming， is set to take over operations pending approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board for the transfer of Bully’s gaming licences.

Bully’s， known for its food， beverages and screening of sporting events on large screens， will mark Winchell's and ECL Gaming's inaugural venture into northern Nevada.

ECL Gaming currently operates 35 tavern locations in southern Nevada， including Winchell’s Pub & Grill chain，Online Casino Games for Real Money Jackpot Joanies and Lucky 7’s， along with six casinos in Kentucky and New Hampshire.

Lown commented: “Ron has the vision， energy and expertise to build on our (Bully’s) success and culture， expand the company， create opportunities for the team and continue to provide an excellent experience for our customers. We have tremendous employees who have been with us from one year to 25 years. Our team and our customers make Bully’s what it is and people and culture are a priority for Ron and ECL Gaming.”

Winchell added: “Jo and her team have created something great. Culture is key to what we do. We’re looking to add to the employee base and enhance the employee and customer experience by maintaining the Bully’s brand and refreshing the locations. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the gaming/entertainment industry in Reno， Sparks and Carson City.”

Bully’s， with 11 locations across Reno， Sparks and Carson City， employs approximately 300 individuals， including establishments catering to patrons who prefer indoor smoking.

This development in the northern Nevada dining and entertainment scene coincides with recent figures released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for February 2024.