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Charles Barkley Brings Star Power to Valley Forge Casino’s Big Makeover

NBA legend Charles Barkley has partnered with Valley Forge Casino to open a new steakhouse and cigar lounge as part of major upgrades
Charles Barkley has teamed up with Valley Forge Casino to open new steakhouse and cigar bar.
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Corey Sharp Avatar
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NBA legend Charles Barkley is teaming up with Valley Forge Casino Resort on a new steakhouse and cigar lounge.

The project marks Barkley’s return to the Philadelphia area, where he starred for the 76ers and became a local icon. The venue will showcase his larger-than-life personality through its design, menu, and atmosphere.

Features of new steakhouse

The steakhouse will feature modern décor and touches inspired by Barkley’s basketball career. Next door, the cigar lounge will include a walk-in humidor, private lockers, and a bar with high-end spirits. Boyd Gaming, which owns Valley Forge Casino, said the spaces will offer a mix of “contemporary elegance and comfort.”

Barkley said the steakhouse and lounge reflect his character.

“Philadelphia has always felt like home to me. We’re creating a spot that’s fun, comfortable, and full of personality. It’s a place where people can relax, enjoy a great meal, and feel connected to the community.”

Valley Forge VP and GM Martha Morales said Barkley’s involvement adds energy to the property’s next chapter.

“We’re honored to bring his vision to life. This will be a one-of-a-kind dining and social experience.”

The restaurant and lounge will also feature Barkley’s Redmont Distilling Co. spirits. Boyd Gaming plans to serve the brand’s products across all its casino properties nationwide.

As part of the partnership, Boyd Gaming will make yearly donations to the Charles Barkley Foundation. The nonprofit supports education initiatives and historically Black colleges and universities.

An opening date has not been announced. Design plans and menu previews are expected to be shared in the coming months.

The Barkley partnership signals Boyd Gaming’s intent to boost Valley Forge’s visibility and attract a wider audience. With star power, high-end dining, and a social lounge, the resort is betting big on local appeal.

Latest enhancements

The new additions are part of a major redevelopment at Valley Forge Casino Resort. The property already offers 850 slot machines, 50 table games, and two hotel towers with more than 400 rooms. It also has 100,000 square feet of event and meeting space.

The casino’s expansion aims to position it as a premier destination for dining, entertainment, and gaming in the Philadelphia suburbs.

In July, Valley Forge made sweeping renovations to the Stardust Tower to enhance the overall customer experience. The project also added 250 guest rooms.

Valley Forge also recently opened the Stress Factory Comedy Club, which has brought in multiple high-level comedy performers.

In May, Valley Forge also opened three new food options:

  • Cafe Primo: Offers breakfast options such as La Colombe coffee, sandwiches, flatbreads, and pastries.
  • American’s Grill: Serves smash burgers, cheesesteaks, and chicken tenders.
  • Peng Zu Express: Chinese cuisine that features wok dishes, fried rice, dim sum, General Tso’s chicken, and pho.

Valley Forge Casino’s overhaul has made it one of the premier destinations not only in the greater Philadelphia area but across the state.

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Corey Sharp

Lead Writer

Corey Sharp joined Catena Media in 2022 and is the go-to expert for Pennsylvania gambling. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC Sports Philadelphia as a sports journalist and content producer. In Corey’s role as Lead Writer for PlayPA, he works alongside a talented team of experts to bring you the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of gambling news in Pennsylvania. Corey’s contacts around the industry makes him a trusted source. Corey produces daily stories and features about the gambling space. Corey graduated from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

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