Popular Restaurant Brand Makes Ontario Debut as part of $26M Renovation

Point Edward, ON – Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited will officially launch its first Ontario MATCH Eatery & Public House July 5, 2018 at its waterfront location in Point Edward, serving up a delicious menu of contemporary pub cuisine and spectacular views of the scenic St. Clair River.

MATCH Eatery & Public House, is located at Gateway’s Starlight Casino, Point Edward just outside Sarnia in the Village of Point Edward and across the river from Port Huron, Michigan. Gateway CEO, Tony Santo celebrated the grand opening with Village of Point Edward Mayor, Bev Hand and local dignitaries and special guests, including former NHL stars Wendel Clark and Dino Ciccarelli, at a launch party on the waterfront patio of the new restaurant.

While MATCH restaurants are a popular staple in Western Canada, where Gateway operates 10 of the eateries, the opening of MATCH Point Edward marks the brand’s debut in Ontario. Gateway plans to open several more MATCH locations at its properties in Ontario over the next couple of years.

“I was here exactly a year ago to announce Gateway would be investing $26 million in renovating Point Edward and introducing our Starlight brand in Ontario. Critical to the Starlight brand and Gateway Casinos’ many amenities is the MATCH Eatery & Public House. Today we are delighted to be officially opening the doors on the first MATCH here in Ontario at Point Edward,” said Tony Santo. “The view of the riverfront here in Point Edward is fantastic, just like the menu which I urge you all to enjoy. This is the launch pad for MATCH here in Ontario and we hope it becomes as popular here as it is at our facilities in BC and Alberta.”

Gateway’s most successful signature food and beverage brand, MATCH is a family-friendly restaurant offering a casual and upbeat atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great place to enjoy the big game, a family celebration or a social evening with friends.

MATCH Point Edward was designed and built with an eye to complimenting the surrounding community - on both sides of the border – with a broad audience in mind, not just guests who enjoy gaming at the adjoining casino. Because the restaurant has a separate entrance from the casino, it’s an ideal venue for families or anyone who wants to savour a great meal or a casual drink while admiring a beautiful view of the river and the Bluewater Bridge between Canada and the US.

Floor to ceiling windows allow diners to enjoy the incredible riverfront scenery from anywhere inside the tastefully decorated restaurant. There is also an expansive patio with tables and a covered bar area for those who prefer to get even closer to the water and enjoy the fresh air.

The menu is an eclectic combination of pub classics, seasonal offerings and innovative twists on familiar comfort foods. Highlights include a Chicken & Waffle Sandwich, Oink Oink Poutine, and the Big Dipper Beef Dip. MATCH will have 12 draft taps, including local craft favorites like” Refined Fool Brewing” and “Troll’s Toll.” The bar features a wide variety of signature cocktails like Champagne Sangria, Gypsy Lemonade and launching on July 5, Hometown Red named after Dino Ciccarelli, and Rugged Blue, for Wendel Clark. A portion of the sales proceeds for these 2 signature cocktails for the rest of July will be donated to a local charity.

Adding to the local flavor, bands and performers from the area will provide live entertainment throughout the summer.

“We always try to capture the unique character and spirit of the community at each of our locations. MATCH Point Edward gives a great flavour of the community and showcases its incredible natural surroundings along the river,” added Gateway Starlight Point Edward General Manager, Linda McColl.

The 286 seat MATCH Point Edward is a key component of an ambitious $26-million redevelopment and rebrand of Gateway Casinos Point Edward to become Starlight Casino. The Starlight brand incorporates an edgy, cosmic quality to provide a powerful, exciting, and contemporary gaming and entertainment experience that sets it uniquely apart from any other entertainment facility.

The Point Edward redevelopment project is set be completed by this fall, refreshing the gaming floor and adding the MATCH restaurant, The Buffet and Nova Bar. The property has remained open for business throughout the renovation.

A commitment to responsible gambling is integral to how Gateway operates in Ontario including OLG’s PlaySmart program. All Gateway properties in BC and Ontario hold RG Check accreditation. Together with OLG and other government partners, Gateway will continue to implement responsible gambling initiatives at all properties across Canada