Johnny Z’s brings fun back to Central City

By Linda Jones

Look for a lotta’ excitement and fun on Lawrence Street when a new casino opens. Johnny Z’s  is planning on opening this week, with a Grand Opening to be scheduled later. Color Johnny Z’s Casino bright, bold, brash — orange — with a modern, sleek look.

The interior connects with America’s passion: cars. Car photos capture race cars, classic cars, vintage cars, 1950s cars, sports cars, NASCAR models, Indy 500 cars, and even Grandpa’s old Chevrolet. Chrome diamond plate behind the cashier’s cage complements the automotive theme. The sound system has 5400 watts of power and 37 televisions catch the action.

Left to right is Craig R. GM, John Z. Owner, and Johnny P.

If you’ve driven up Lawrence Street recently you’ve seen (and secretly coveted) the Camaros parked in front of Johnny Z’s. The classic 1969 Camaro SS and the 2010 Camaro SS are both “Johnny Z Editions” with 425 hp engines. Both are a sassy orange. A very lucky winner will get to choose which Camaro to drive home this year. On June 18, KBPI and Johnny Z’s will partner in giveaways this month and a race will be featured between a Johnny Z’s manager and a KBPI personality.

Central City, gambling and John Zimpel have been a working trio for several years, and Zimpel plans to bring even more excitement to the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” The slots will truly be “freer,” “less constricting” — definitely looser, for lack of a better term, than any others. 

The saying goes that “location, location, location” is everything, and Johnny Z’s has it. Free, covered parking is right across the street. The Black Hawk-Central City Tramway has a designated stop/pick-up in front. Once in, gamblers will discover more than 200 ticket-in ticket-out slots featuring both the latest hit games and classic favorites. The Z Stop pit has five black jack tables, including three-card poker and double-deck pitch, a craps table and video roulette. The bars on both floors have progressively linked poker machines.

We all get hungry and Johnny Z’s has that covered, too. Starbucks coffee will be on the second floor of this happening place and will be named “Z Bucks,” making it the first casino in Central City to proudly serve the favored brand. CR’s Restaurant is committed to “outstanding food at outstanding prices” promises Zimpel. Their 18-ounce Choice bone-in ribeye steak and Z’s Ribs anchor the menu, and the cinnamon rolls and specialty desserts promise to be popular items.

Daily gift giveaways and generous promotions will be standard fare for the new casino in town. Watch for more details.