Lakeside Inn and Casino in Tahoe did not survive COVID-19's economic damage. Officials with the Lakeside Inn and Casino announced it will be permanently closed after 35 years.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic Lakeside Inn and Casino took precautions and temporarily stopped its operations before Governor Steve Sisolak's order to close all non-essential businesses, schools, and casinos.
However, on Tuesday Lakeside Inn and Casino made an announcement on its website that it would have to close its doors permanently.
Officials said the closure includes all areas of the business, including the casino, restaurant and hotel.
"We hoped that we would be able to resume operations once this COVID-19 situation improved," the statement reads, "However, that's just not in the cards for us."
In a statement it also expressed gratitude for its staff, guests, and the community that kept it running.
Travelers and locals have reacted to the news and many say the loss will leave them with empty hearts.
2 News spoke with Eric Higgins, a resident of Orlando, Florida. He recalled memories of when he first traveled to Tahoe at the age of 11. Higgins said he and his family were frequent visitors of the Inn.
"It immediately became our home away from home," said Higgins. I'm 3,000 miles away and it hit me hard. So I could only imagine what all the locals are feeling now. People who could have gone there any time. People who spent. years going there. I feel for them too."
2 News also spoke with Jo Ana Scott, a California resident. She recalled a memory from her 20's. Scott said her family has property in Tahoe, and they would visit the inn frequently every year. When her father passed away she and her mother continued the tradition of staying at the Inn. She said they always enjoyed the food, and interactions with the staff.
Scott and her now 85-year-old mother were supposed to visit Tahoe on March 12, however their trip was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"I am destroyed that we did not make it up there one final time before they closed. They are a wonderful group of people and nothing and nobody can replace them," said Scott. "I will forever be grateful to the way they treated my mom, my dad, and myself. They will be sorely missed."
Many others are sharing their stories and memories too. If you would like to share your story Lakeside Inn and Casino wants to hear from you. You can click here to share your story or read guest memories.
This is a developing story. 2 News reached out to Lakeside Inn and Casino for an additional statement, however we have not heard back from them.
