Party comes from the top at Johnny Z's

By Sam DeLeo

Does the idea of having fun at work sound strange to you? Meet John Zimpel, owner of Johnny Z’s Casino in Central City.

“Our concept is basically to have a party every day,” said Zimpel. Of course, this work ethic does not mean Johnny Z’s employees are too busy sipping sarsaparillas and throwing confetti to meet your customer needs. On the contrary, the party they are throwing is for you.

“I’d been a part owner at another casino that just didn’t have the vibe or spark that made people happy,” explained Zimpel. “I didn’t want that to happen here. So, that’s what we try to do for our guests every day, to throw a party for them.”

When you walk into Johnny Z’s, chances are you’ll run into Zimpel – he’s there every day meeting and greeting guests. His wife also visits the casino often and knows many visitors by name.

“Typically, there’s no owner in a larger casino, it’s all a corporation run by a board, so it’s kind of faceless,” said Zimpel. “We’re not corporate. Not at all.”

The table games are located near the casino entrance and usher guests into a bit of excitement. Turquoise walls also add some spice, and a bold-colored carpet runs throughout the three-story casino, which boasts 45 flat-panel high def TVs – perfect for football viewing – 304 slot machines, three blackjack tables, one three-card poker table, a craps table, roulette wheel and a restaurant that serves breakfast all day.

Guests can enjoy some of the best food on the hill with the $7.77 special for prime rib or Z Ribs. They also can partake of the latest in new games, including Ghostbusters, Hangover and Super Star Poker, just to mention a few.

Another practice that pleases customers at Johnny Z’s is their cash giveaway drawings every day of the week, every hour beginning at noon and running till midnight. They gave away $30,000 last month and will give away that much this month, too.

“Rather than give away a car and make one person happy, we like to spread it out to several people,” said Zimpel. Johnny Z’s also gives away $500 in the pit every week, $50 every two hours in December.

Guests also enjoy complimentary, fresh appetizers every hour. During the summers, Johnny Z’s hosts barbecues on their second-floor deck, giving away about 500 burgers per Saturday, according to Zimpel.

Z-TV internal digital media runs in the casino and on the website, broadcasting specials and promotions but also photos and information about employees, as well.

“Our employees enjoy working here,” said Zimpel. “I think the fact that I’m actually here in the casino every day makes a difference. If there are problems, they know they can come to me with them. Ultimately, it comes down to employees. If you go into a place and the employees are unhappy, it shows, and it rubs off on your guests eventually. If you’re employees are happy, though, that rubs off, too.”

The approach seems to be working. A year-and-a-half after opening in Central City, Johnny Z’s still signs up 1,500 new members a month, almost all by word of mouth. Zimpel attributes some of his business philosophy to his time in the construction industry – he built the Gilded Garter, Glory Hole, Lady Luck and Century casinos. And he’s building quite a following at Johnny Z’s.

“Our philosophy is to treat people like the way you want to be treated.” It’s really a very simple message. But, it works.