Foundation Gaming & Entertainment announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the Fitz Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. The property is located on more than 50 acres and includes a 38,000-square foot casino, a 500-room hotel, three restaurants, and an 8,000- square foot event center.
The company also announced that Donn Mitchell will be named Chief Financial Officer and principal, subject to regulatory approval. Mr. Mitchell has over 20 years of gaming industry experience, most of that at senior corporate finance positions, as well as extensive experience working with Foundation’s current principals. He played an integral role in completing the Fitz Casino transaction.
“We are excited about working with the great team that is in place at Fitz, which has been a solid performer in the market for many years,” Foundation Gaming Co-CEO Greg Guida said. “This transaction, coupled with Donn’s appointment, positions us for continued growth and development.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the Foundation Gaming team,” Mr. Mitchell said. “The acquisition of the Tunica property, along with Foundation’s Vicksburg property, will provide us with a firm platform for the continued development and growth of the Company.”
The company further announced the appointment of Tony Scudiero as Vice President and General Manager of Fitz Casino & Hotel and the appointment of Penny Bankston as Vice President and General Manager of WaterView Casino & Hotel in Vicksburg.
Scudiero has over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. He most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of the WaterView property and has held several general manager positions at a number of regional gaming properties, including casinos in the Tunica market.
Bankston has been active in the gaming industry for over 20 years and was the Senior Director of Casino Operations at WaterView prior to taking on her new position. A native Mississippian, she has worked in the Vicksburg market since 1994, holding several senior leadership positions during that time. Prior to joining WaterView, she served as senior operations manager at the River Walk casino in Vicksburg.
“We are excited about bringing Tony up to Tunica and having Penny lead our Vicksburg property. Penny has earned the respect of the property team, and we feel she is the ideal candidate going forward as general manager,” Guida said. “Tony was instrumental in the successful transformation of our Vicksburg property, and we are confident he will prove equally successful in his new role leading our Tunica property.”
