Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park has unveiled a significant expansion, solidifying its position as a leading entertainment and gaming destination in the Bay Area and Sonoma County.

Expanded Gaming and Dining

The expansion introduces 2,000 new slot machines spread across a sprawling, smoke-free gaming floor. Visitors will also find a variety of new dining options, including an artisan doughnut shop and the screen-integrated Playbook sports tavern.

A standout feature is the AYA restaurant, a new rooftop dining experience accessible through a dramatic wine tunnel showcasing hundreds of backlit bottles. The restaurant is led by Michelin-starred chef Roy Ellamar and Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar.

Phased Development and Future Plans

This expansion isn’t a one-time event, but a phased project. A 200-room hotel tower is slated for completion in 2027, and a substantial 3,800-seat entertainment venue will follow in 2028.

These developments aim to create a comprehensive resort experience, allowing visitors to enjoy gaming, dining, and entertainment without leaving the premises. An adults-only pool is also planned as part of the hotel expansion.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The expansion significantly increases Graton’s footprint, nearly doubling its gaming floor space and eventually doubling its hotel capacity to approximately 420 rooms. This will make it the largest lodging operator in Sonoma County.

Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman, emphasized the uniqueness of the resort, stating, “There’s nothing comparable in the region.” The project represents two decades of work for Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

The resort’s growth is a boon for the local economy, with the addition of 500 new employees, including 160 in culinary and food and beverage roles. Graton is now one of the largest employers in Sonoma County, with a majority of its workforce unionized.

The tribe is contributing over $117 million to Rohnert Park through 2025 to mitigate the resort’s impact on local infrastructure and services, and provides substantial payments to the county supporting parks and public amenities.

California’s Thriving Gaming Industry

The timing of the expansion coincides with a thriving period for California’s tribal gaming industry, which generates approximately $8.5 billion in annual gross revenue and supports 63,000 jobs statewide. While Graton’s specific revenue figures haven’t been publicly disclosed recently, Sarris highlights the resort’s growing contribution to Sonoma County’s tourism sector.

The resort is positioned as a key driver of tourism, retail, and visitor-serving businesses, alongside established attractions like Sonoma State University, the Green Music Center, and the broader Wine Country region.