Lucille's Eatery opens inside Creek Casino Montgomery

There was no door to open when Lucille's Eatery began round-the-clock service Wednesday inside the Creek Casino Montgomery. Instead, workers pulled down a black partition to let casino visitors in to the new restaurant.

Selma resident Valerie Wagner was the first in line when they did. She got a hickory burger with bacon and cheese fries for lunch and sat down to watch as more people filed in.

"It was worth the wait," Wagner said. "There was a wing joint here before, but the food wasn't like this."

At the tables around her, the first trickle of guests raved about the fried chicken, burgers, wings and salads.

General Manager Chris Riggs said Wednesday was just an appetizer.

"We're ready for this weekend to come," Riggs said. "(The crowd) is going to be out the door."

The restaurant has 30 workers and can seat 120. Still, he admitted that Lucille's is just "the small picture" considering all of the changes that are coming to the casino.

Beale Street Blues plans to build a blues club with nightly entertainment and a fine dining restaurant at the casino over the next year. Lucille's is the company's first quick-service venture.

It's all part of a $65 million expansion at the casino that will include a five-story hotel, a new gaming floor, a new events center and a full-service salon.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians also owns the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel operations in Wetumpka and Atmore as well as racetracks in Alabama and Florida. It's the only federally recognized Indian tribe in the state of Alabama operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws.

Wagner enjoyed her burger but said she's a lot more excited about plans for the new hotel.

"You can get a room and stay all weekend," Wagner said. "I'm really looking forward to it."