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Here we grow again: PT’s parent company acquires four more taverns

Molly Malones Irish Pub located at 11930 Southern Highlands Parkway in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 28, 2014.

Local tavern giant PT’s Entertainment Group is expanding its empire again.

Golden Gaming, which owns PT’s, plans to acquire four existing taverns: Molly Malones, Sean Patrick’s, Morrissey’s and Kavanaugh’s. Golden Gaming will operate nearly 50 taverns around the valley once the ownership officially changes hands.

The four additional taverns, all of which are Irish themed, will be rebranded as Sean Patrick’s Pub & Grill, according to a letter sent recently to select Molly Malones customers.

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The letter said Molly Malones will change owners on Oct. 1 pending regulatory approval. Presumably the same is true for the other three — the letter said all four taverns will close for remodeling from Aug. 31 until 8 a.m. Oct. 1.

Details of the acquisition weren't available. Golden Gaming representatives declined to comment.

Since opening its first location in 1982, the PT’s brand has spread throughout the valley.

When Golden Gaming bought PT’s in 2002, it had a little more than 20 locations. Today, the company operates 43 PT’s and Sierra Gold outposts.

Blake Sartini, the CEO of Golden Gaming, told VEGAS INC in February that purchasing existing properties, rather than building new ones, was the smartest way to grow his company.

“When we look at the acquire-vs.-build proposition, it is much more economical to acquire, rebrand and re-establish a brand than it is to build from the ground up,” he said at the time, adding that the company might develop other land it owns “when we think it’s appropriate to develop.”

Golden Gaming is also the largest slot operator in Nevada, with 8,500 slot and video poker machines at 650 locations statewide. Gaming has been a crucial component of PT’s success over the years.

The letter encouraged patrons to visit specific PT’s locations near the four taverns during the month they are closed for remodeling. It said there will be “welcoming parties” at those spots on Sept. 3, offering such attractions as free food and points multipliers for players' club members.

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