The principal and chairman of the board of JACK Entertainment is bullish on both Cleveland and the casino industry.

Matthew P. Cullen said notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19, he plans to stay in for the long term.

“The bones of the city I think are really terrific,” Cullen told the Jewish News in a Jan. 25 interview, adding that he sees an attractive business environment. “We think that we can continue to see strong growth.”

As of December, Cullen and CEO Mark Dunkeson assumed majority interest in JACK Entertainment when Dan Gilbert sold the casino developer and operator to the management team as the Cleveland Jewish News first reported Jan. 16. The company has annual revenue of $400 million.

He pointed to local investment by JACK Entertainment in both the current renovation of the former May Co. garage downtown and the planned expansion of JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall by 12,000 square feet.