NEW YORK, NY – Mohegan, operating partner for Manhattan’s proposed East River cultural and community destination Freedom Plaza by the Soloviev Group, is introducing the Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City. The New York State Restaurant Association, a nonprofit organization that provides valuable resources and support services to hospitality members, joined Mohegan and Soloviev Group in announcing the economic development initiative.
Mohegan is offering local businesses the opportunity to participate in its Momentum Partnership Program, which would provide millions of dollars annually in flexible gaming-based rewards, incentivizing its hotel and gaming venue guests to visit and support local, New York City and Greater New York City area restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses. Restaurants that have joined the program include Il Monello, Tuscany Steakhouse, and the two Midtown Manhattan locations of Il Tinello, among others. Participating businesses will have the choice of accepting either the cash equivalent of gaming and hospitality complex rewards via reimbursement, or providing guests with special discounts and unique offers. Reimbursement will be provided by Mohegan and determined based on the partnership agreement.
“The Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City is an avant-garde approach to economic development,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Restaurant Association. “This program goes beyond traditional incentives and investments, bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the potential of socially responsible development. Local restaurants will have unprecedented access to a larger customer base, prosperous partnerships and brand awareness exceeding what many owners would be able to achieve independently. It must serve as an example for future ventures. I applaud Mohegan and the Soloviev Group for their commitment to social responsibility and championing this effort.”
“With various establishments bidding to attain a gaming facility license in New York City, it is imperative for New Yorkers to consider factors beyond just local and state tax revenue gain, but also the effort that organizations are willing and able to make to better the surrounding communities and businesses,” said Ray Pineault, CEO and President, Mohegan. “Mohegan and the Soloviev Group are two global leaders in socially and environmentally responsible development, and we are firmly committed to energizing local communities through funding infrastructure, charitable giving, sustainability initiatives, and local sourcing of vendors.”
“The enthusiasm we have received from our initial consultations with a broad range of community stakeholders regarding opportunities the Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City offers has been inspiring,” said Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group. “Our mission is to address vital community needs, which are being communicated in meaningful conversations with local stakeholders. We look forward to continuing our robust community outreach and engaging in these important discussions in the weeks and months ahead.”
“As a local business in Manhattan’s Turtle Bay neighborhood, we are very excited for the opportunity to join the Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City,” said Steve Haxihaj, veteran restaurateur and owner of Il Monello. “This new program will introduce our restaurant to Mohegan’s loyal guests, significantly expanding our marketing reach and creating new streams of revenue.”
The Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City will be an economic catalyst in New York, as it has proven to be for other locations’ neighboring markets in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Businesses and attractions partnering with Mohegan as part of ongoing Momentum Partnership Programs include Gillette Stadium, The TD Garden Proshop, Samuel Adams Brewery, and The Palace Theater.
