Cubellis, an international architecture, engineering, and interior design firm, has been selected by Mohegan Sun to manage the documentation and construction of two new restaurants and a food court. Cubellis will provide pre-design and construction administration services for two restaurants of critically acclaimed Chef Bobby Flay: Bar Americain and Bobby's Burger Palace, both opening this year.
Cubellis was the architect for Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant at the casino, which opened in September 2008. The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), which owns and operates Mohegan Sun, engaged Cubellis based on its exceptional results with the Margaritaville project, a 16,000 s/f, two-story eatery located in their new Casino of the Wind.
"Mohegan Sun has a well-earned reputation for high standards," said Steve Leone, AIA, principal, director of sustainable design at Cubellis.
"They award projects based on trust and respect, so we are particularly honored that they chose Cubellis."

In addition to these two restaurants, Cubellis is providing demolition documentation services for the existing Casino of the Earth Food Court which is currently being revamped. In addition to work at this quick service eatery, they will also be involved in modifications to Birches to allow for space for Bobby's Burger Palace, which will be located adjacent to the restaurant.
Working with a sovereign nation presents challenges and delivers rewards
The MTGA presents some unique challenges and opportunities for A/E/I firms. The casino is located on federally recognized tribal land, which is a sovereign nation within the U.S. The tribe, a self-governing entity, adheres to all U.S. and local codes. In addition, they have created their own guidelines for codes and regulations to be met on their land, both environmentally and structurally.

"The tribal leadership is stringent on what will and will not be allowed. Through our past experience with the Gaming Authority, we have learned how to work well with the jurisdictional authorities to ensure smooth, effective results," explains Leone.

He cites the liquor license regulation as an example. The State of Connecticut and the MTGA are vigilant about preventing under-age drinking, a policy that impacts design. Physical controls must be vetted so as to mitigate under-age drinking, with particular emphasis on areas with family dining.

While the rules are tighter, the rewards are greater, according to Alberto Penna, Project Manager for the Cubellis assignments at Mohegan Sun. He says the MTGA maintains a smooth process for reviewing and accepting design. "They are quite thorough but manage to do so expeditiously," praises Penna. "Even though the process requires more effort to execute, the result is a streamlined one."

Mohegan Sun expands its dining options
Mohegan Sun presently features 30 restaurants, food, and beverage outlets. Bar Americain and Bobby's Burger Palace are both owned by Bold Food, which acts as the management company for these restaurants at Mohegan Sun.

An American brasserie, Bar Americain celebrates the foods of America with a healthy dose of bold flavors that Flay is most known for. Cubellis is providing pre-design, construction documentation and construction administration services for the 12,000 square-foot restaurant, which is scheduled to open in July 2009.

Bobby's Burger Palace features ten signature burgers inspired by Chef Bobby Flay's extensive travels throughout America and his love of the grill in a convenient casual setting. Construction for the 4,000 square-foot restaurant is scheduled to begin in February 2009, with the opening targeted for late spring. Cubellis is providing pre-design, construction documentation and construction administration services.