One of the largest gluten-free expos in the country takes over the Earth Expo & Convention Center on Saturday, March 29th
WHAT: The Wicked Gluten Free Expo, a nationally recognized, premier resource for healthy gluten-free living, has arrived at Mohegan Sun.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, March 29th | 10:00am – 6:00pm | Earth Expo Center & Convention Center
IN DETAIL: The Wicked Gluten Free Expo is stopping by the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun for the first time! Known as one of the largest expos of its kind in the country, the Wicked Gluten Free Expo offers a day of discovering, shopping and sampling food items that are certified gluten-free (including vegan and allergen-free options). Guests will have the chance to interact with over 100 exhibitors and products will be available for purchase. Dr. Steve Harmon, Chef Alina Eisenhauer and Lorraine Fagela will have special demos and presentations dedicated to learning more about allergen-free living. This is a family-friendly event – Mohegan Sun’s youngest guests are encouraged check out the kids’ zone and play area. Food trucks will be on-hand serving up a variety of options, so all guests are encouraged to come hungry!
Tickets are on sale now via the Wicked Gluten Free website. Discounted tickets are offered for guests ages 6 – 12. Due to demand, admission to this event will be staggered to manage crowds. Guests can purchase tickets for their preferred entry time and stay for as long as they’d like.
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
WHAT: Guests are invited to kick off Cinco de Mayo weekend at the 6th Annual Sun Tequila Tasting on Saturday, May 3rd.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, May 3rd | 8:00pm – 11:00pm | Sun Patio
IN DETAIL: The Sun Tequila Tasting is back at Mohegan Sun, and this event is home base for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo experience! Guests are invited to step onto the Sun Patio and sample an impressive selection of top-shelf tequila and margarita samples, providing bold flavors and even spicier vibes. Fiesta del Norte is setting the tone with traditional Mariachi music and DJ D-Ave will keep the party going all night long. Plus, Niantic’s own La Mesa is serving up delicious bites.
Tickets to Sun Tequila Tasting are on sale now via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. A ticket purchase includes drink samples and bites from La Mesa. A portion of proceeds will benefit the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Young Leaders. Guests must be 21+ to attend the Sun Tequila Tasting.
Guests of the Sun Tequila Tasting are also invited to “Shoot Your Shot” with Mohegan Sun Online Casino for some great prizes, including up to $500 cash! To play, download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app and place a $10 wager on any game for three chances to land a lime in an oversized shot glass.
Those who are interested in keeping the Cinco de Mayo fiesta going after the Sun Tequila Tasting can purchase a special hotel package that includes two tickets to the event and an overnight stay at Mohegan Sun.
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Mary Wren, a 20+ year Team Member and Chris Greaney, a 10-year Team Member, Appointed to Vice President roles
UNCASVILLE, CT (February 24, 2025) – Mohegan Sun is excited to announce the promotions of Mary Wren to Vice President of Hotel Operations and Chris Greaney to Vice President of Food & Beverage. Both Wren and Greaney have enjoyed long and impactful careers at Mohegan Sun, bringing immense value, leadership and talent to their new executive positions.
“Mohegan Sun is home to one of the busiest hotels in the region in addition to being a world-class destination for exceptional dining experiences and the success we’ve seen in both of these categories isn’t possible without the expertise and drive by leaders like Mary and Chris!” -Said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “I am excited for their next chapter and very much look forward to working with them as we continue to deliver unmatched service and lasting memories for our guests.”
Mary Wren started in 2002 with Mohegan Sun’s very first hotel team, helping to welcome guests for their first overnight stays at Sky Tower. Her career in hotel operations grew from there as Wren became Front Office Manager, Hotel Manager and Director of Operations before her latest promotion to VP of Hotel Operations. Wren also played an integral role in launching Mohegan Pennsylvania’s first hotel in 2013 and was a major player in the opening Mohegan Sun’s second hotel tower, Earth Tower, in 2016. As VP of Hotel Operations, Wren will oversee hotel operations and lead strategic planning for the overall hotel team at Mohegan Sun, in addition to leading the Environmental Services (EVS) team.
Chris Greaney began his career at Mohegan Sun in 2014 as the Service Manager at Bar American and from there, he became Operations Manager at Todd English’s Tuscany shortly before being named Director of Fine Dining for Mohegan Sun. As the VP of F&B, Greaney will oversee all areas of Mohegan Sun’s owned or managed restaurant, lounge and nightlife offerings. This includes guiding operations and top-notch guest service for a variety of eateries and fine dining attractions across Mohegan Sun, including the likes of: TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, novelle, Todd English’s Tuscany, Sunrise Square Food Court, Thirty-Three Lounge, The Crafty Slice and the all-new Beauty & Essex. Greaney played a key role in recent Mohegan Sun beverage partnerships with regional brands like Waypoint Spirits, Downeast Cider and Two Roads Brewing Company – which produced the popular Jackpot Juice Hazy IPA.
Chris Greaney resides in Mystic with his wife and two children and studied Civil Engineering at UConn prior transitioning into Hospitality, starting his gourmet career with Tom Colicchios Craftsteak.
Mary Wren is a graduate of UConn (School of Business) and currently resides in Waterford with her two children and their family dog, Charley.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Jeff, a member of the Mohegan Tribe, has over two decades of experience at Mohegan Sun. The alumnus of Seton Hall University and University of New Haven carries both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Prior to his current position, he worked as the Assistant General Manager and in key management roles within the Advertising and Human Resource departments. As President and General Manager, Hamilton is responsible for achieving overall business objectives, driving strategic planning, and ensuring operational success while also overseeing project development, marketing and fiscal planning, technology, and visitor experience.
Chamber staff surprised Hamilton during a Tribal Council Meeting on February 11 at the Mohegan Community and Government Center with the distinction.
“It is with great honor that we (the Chamber) present Jeff with our 74 Annual Citizen of the Year award. His unwavering commitment to both the success of the Mohegan Sun and Tribe and the betterment of our community reflects the true spirit of what it means to be a leader. Today, we celebrate not only the incredible achievements of his career but also the continuous impact he will have on our region and beyond,” states Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT President, Tony Sheridan.
Citizen of the Year is an annual award given to an extraordinary individual for their outstanding contributions to the civic and business communities of the region. The full list of past Citizens can be found here. Most recent honorees include Mike Buscetto (Filomena’s; Cactus Jack Foundation), Chief Lynn Malerba (Mohegan Tribe; Former U.S. Treasurer), and Dr. John Burkhardt (Pfizer, Retired).
Hamilton was chosen not only for his longstanding leadership at Mohegan, but for also proudly serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut – where he was awarded the Chairman’s Award of Excellence for increasing Mohegan Sun employees’ participation by 23% in the 2019-20 United Way Campaign efforts. Additionally, he is an active board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (CT Chapter), a member of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) State of CT Advisory Council, and member of the State of CT Tourism Council.
Jeff notably has also spearheaded the Tribe and Sun’s mutual efforts in supporting The Governor’s Prevention Partnership, a pivotal public-private initiative established in 1989, which combats substance and alcohol abuse among state youth through generous Casino/Tribe donations and program mentorship.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for Eastern CT as Citizen of the Year,” said Jeff Hamilton, President and General Manager of Mohegan Sun.
“I have been blessed to work alongside so many great people over the last 20 years that have assisted and guided me not only in my career journey at Mohegan Sun, but with work that I have been able to enjoy with many great philanthropic organizations in our community as well. I look forward to celebrating with many of those special people in May.”
A formal celebration is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Mohegan Sun’s Earth Ballroom, where Jeff will be honored in the company of the local business community, Council leaders, Tribal Elders, and family. Additional details to follow.
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About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
We are the region’s largest network of professionals, representing over a thousand organizations spanning eastern Connecticut and beyond. Our mission is to create and maintain a positive business climate that meets the needs of our members by supporting economic development and growth in the region. For more information, visit ChamberECT.com.
Comedians Kev Herrera, Roy Wood Jr. and Anthony Rodia join The Bacon Brothers to kick off the Revamp of the classic entertainment venue
UNCASVILLE, CT (February 19, 2025) – The Cabaret Theatre at Mohegan Sun, also now known as “The Cab,” returns with force in 2025 as big-time acts headline marquee shows inside the intimate 450-seat venue in the coming months. Starting March 8th, “The Cab” will host some of the best stand-up acts in comedy, plus Michael Bacon and Kevin Bacon will bring back the Rock, Soul and Country sound guests have come to love when The Bacon Brothers play live on September 13th!
“We are thrilled to welcome back The Cab to our acclaimed entertainment portfolio, joining Mohegan Sun Arena and The Wolf Den,” said Tom Cantone, President of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan. “The Cab is a unique and intimate venue that has hosted many memorable shows over the years. Returning to live entertainment now gives our guests more variety and diverse entertainment options in three very unique, award-winning venues.”
A wide range of performances and concerts have taken place at the esteemed Cabaret Theatre since Kristin Chenoweth opened its doors in January 2002. Nick Carter, Linda Eder, and Nick Swardson were on The Cab’s 2024 lineup. To continue drawing the top local and traveling performers, “The Cab” will maintain its intimate atmosphere with cutting-edge sound and lighting.
Entertainment acts that kick off the return of The “Cab” include:
Kev Herrera
Saturday, March 8th | 8:00pm
Kev Herrera’s stand-up comedy is unfiltered and raw, inspired by his triumphed life experiences that may have broken many. Kevin took a focused, creative direction with his organic character and animated persona by expanding his humor to produce relatable skits on social media for the everyday married couple, parent and anyone else who can relate! Tickets to see Herrera are on sale now via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
Roy Wood Jr.
Saturday, April 5th | 8:00pm
Roy Wood Jr. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, and WGA nominated writer. He served for eight years as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy award-winning The Daily Show. In 2023, Wood Jr. guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, leading to its highest ratings since 2017. His fourth stand-up special, Lonely Flowers, premiered on Hulu earlier this year. Wood Jr. is the host of CNN’s Have I Got News for You, an American adaptation of a long-running UK comedy series, which kicked off season 2 on February 14th. Upcoming projects in 2025 include comedy film Outcome, Sundance film Love, Brooklyn and a memoir, titled The Man of Many Fathers.
Tickets to see Roy Wood Jr. go on sale Friday, February 21st at 10:00am via Ticketmaster. Guests can purchase tickets at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, February 22nd.
Anthony Rodia
Friday, May 9th & Saturday, May 10th | 7:00pm
Anthony Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20’s, he tried a few open mics but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years, Anthony has gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a very short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a social media rant.
Tickets to see Anthony Rodia go on sale Friday, February 28th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster. Guests can purchase tickets at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, March 1st.
Jason Ledanye
Friday, August 22nd & Saturday, August 23rd | 7:00pm
Jason Ledanye is an incredibly talented magician and sleight-of-hand entertainer who has lectured around the globe, published books on card magic, and has amassed a social media following of over a million. He has performed all over the world including at The World-Famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles and The Chicago Magic Lounge.
Ticket information for Jason Ledanye is forthcoming. Guests are encouraged to check out mohegansun.com/entertainment for details!
The Bacon Brothers
Saturday, September 13th | 7:00pm
For The Bacon Brothers, music is all about exploration. Michael and Kevin Bacon have spent the better part of three decades creating their own mix of Folk, Rock, Soul, and Country music. They call that diverse sound “forosoco,” and it’s taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and Gruene Hall. The two siblings may be bound together by blood and a mutual love of American Roots music, but they’ve grown into sharp songwriters and cinematic storytellers with their own distinct approaches. Ballad Of The Brothers makes room for both of those approaches, offering a mix of edgy Alt-Rock (“Take Off This Tattoo”), Motown-inspired Soul (“Put Your Hand Up”), fingerpicked Folk (“Let That Be Enough”), and everything in between.
Ticket information for The Bacon Brothers is forthcoming. Guests are encouraged to check out mohegansun.com/entertainment for details!
ABOUT THE CABARET THEATRE
The 450-seat Cabaret Theatre, known also as “The Cab”is a beautiful venue in Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky that returns in full force in 2025 hosting acts like Anthony Rodia, Roy Wood, Jr., The Bacon Brothers and more. Throughout its history, “The Cab” has showcased dynamic music, popular comedy performances and intimate special events. Opened in 2002, top performers and personalities who have had events inside The Cabaret Theatre include: Dionne Warwick, Al Jarreau, Tony Danza, Neil Sedaka, Joey McIntyre, Michael Bublé, Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Wanda Sykes, Paul Anka, Smothers Brothers, Tony Orlando, Derek Jeter, Aaron Lewis, Indigo Girls, Dave Attell, Chris Botti, Air Supply and Chelsea Handler.
Tao Group Hospitality’s Iconic Restaurant Opens at Mohegan Sun, Featuring an Immersive Pawn-Shop Entrance and Elevated Dining Experience
UNCASVILLE, CT (February 11, 2025) – Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality proudly announce the grand opening of Beauty & Essex, a stunning new restaurant and lounge that fuses opulence with intrigue. The highly anticipated dining destination officially opened on Friday, February 7th, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe.
With an 11,000-square-foot footprint inside Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky, Beauty & Essex seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern luxury. Guests enter through a curated modern-day pawn shop—a signature element of the Beauty & Essex brand—before discovering a multi-room dining event featuring:
Pearl Lounge & Bar – An intimate cocktail haven
Peacock Dining Room – A stunning space with artful design
Locket Private Dining Room – An exclusive setting for private events
“Mohegan Sun has built a reputation for exceptional dining and nightlife, and Beauty & Essex takes it to the next level,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “In partnership once again with Tao Group Hospitality, we’ve blended top-tier cuisine and craft cocktails, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the property. Rockwell Group and JCJ Architecture have done an incredible job bringing this vision to life, ensuring every space – from the pawn shop entrance to the private dining room – feels captivating and inviting. We can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”
A Menu of Elevated Global Flavors
Beauty & Essex, co-founded by celebrity chef Chris Santos, has gained worldwide acclaim for its shareable plates, globally inspired flavors, and immersive dining. The Mohegan Sun location introduces a curated selection of signature dishes and shareables, with highlights like:
Wagyu Steak Tartare with mustard and chive sticky rice
Grilled Double-cut Lambchops with creamy polenta, port wine glaze.
24 oz. Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye with Beauty & Essex’s signature roasted garlic & bacon or smoked tomato glaze
Little French Dips with slow-roasted prime sirloin, gruyère cheese, horseradish-garlic aioli, house-made au jus
Gochujang Salmon with black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, ginger aioli
Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs with whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, truffle
The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu for guests seeking plant-based options, including Miso-Glazed Crispy Eggplant, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Kale & Apple Salad, and more.
“At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining,” said Chef Chris Santos. “We want our guests to feel like every meal is a discovery—whether it’s a first bite of our famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings or sipping a craft cocktail that surprises the senses. Opening at Mohegan Sun is a dream, and we’re beyond excited to share this experience with new and returning fans.”
Handcrafted Cocktails & Curated Wine Selections
The beverage program at Beauty & Essex is just as captivating as the cuisine, featuring favorites like:
Beauty Elixir – Bombay Gin, La Marca Sparkling Rosé, cucumber, strawberry
The wine list also features over 20 hand-selected labels, including Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Italy) and BenMarco Malbec (Argentina).
A Speakeasy with a Hidden Entrance
At the heart of Beauty & Essex is its pawn shop-inspired entrance, a signature feature that surprises and delights first-time visitors. Curated by Lauren Kaminsky, aka “Gold Girl,” the modern-day pawn shop showcases a stunning collection of vintage treasures, all available for purchase. Guests can browse unique items such as Fender, Ibanez, Gretsch, Gold Tone and D’Angelico guitars, classic Vox amplifiers, retro wall art, vinyl records, and rare jewelry. Among the standout pieces are Beatles memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind collectibles that make for the perfect conversation starters.
Beyond this unexpected retail experience, the restaurant unfolds into a multi-room dining and cocktail haven, where dim lighting, vintage décor, and plush seating create a transportive and unforgettable atmosphere.
A Thrilling New Chapter in Mohegan Sun’s Dining Evolution
Beauty & Essex marks another exciting chapter in Mohegan Sun’s partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, joining the highly successful TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge. As Mohegan Sun continues to expand its dining and nightlife portfolio, Beauty & Essex stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and those seeking an unforgettable night out.
Reservations at Beauty & Essex can be made by visiting taogroup.com/venues. For more information and updates on special events planned at Beauty & Essex, guests can visit mohegansun.com.
To view and download additional imagery of Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun, click HERE.
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ABOUT JCJ ARCHITECTURE
JCJ Architecture is a forward-thinking and nationally ranked planning, architecture and interior design firm offering comprehensive services to clients in the hospitality, gaming, civic, K12 and higher education sectors. Founded in 1936, the employee-owned firm’s mission is to provide innovative design solutions that enhance the environment, enrich people’s lives and help organizations succeed.
With a long-standing reputation for business acumen and project delivery excellence, JCJ focuses on bringing the qualities of adaptability, integrity, respect and collaboration to a design process that leverages the unique qualities and potential of each project. JCJ collaborates with clients across the United States from offices located in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego, Tulsa, and Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.jcj.com.
ABOUT TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY
Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates over 80 branded locations in over 20 markets across four continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, Crane Club, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, a global investment firm with a focus in luxury lifestyle and hospitality investments. Learn more at taogroup.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
