Terrible’s Saves Primm Valley Casino Resorts From Closing

^{Terrible's Hotel & Casino once called Jean, Nevada, home. Now the Las Vegas-based company is bringing its brand to Primm Valley Casino Resorts just down the road. (Photo: Newscom / Alamy)}

Las Vegas-based Terrible’s has prevented the Primm Valley Casino Resorts from permanently closing after coming to an agreement with the founding family. Terrible’s, well-known in Sin City for its popular chain of gas stations, car washes, and convenience stores, will operate the property while saving hundreds of local jobs.

On Tuesday, the partnership between the Herbst family, which owns Terrible’s, and the Primm family was announced following rumors that a new “well-respected gaming operator” would take over and prevent the July 4 closing. Cory Clemetson, the grandson of Primm founder Ernie Primm and president of the Primm South Real Estate Company, said they chose Terrible's despite how many "highly qualified operators" wanted to partner with them.

“We were impressed with how the team at Terrible’s shared our goals and confidence in the long-term success of Primm,” Clemetson said in the statement. “We believe Primm has a bright future and look forward to working together for years to come to modernize, energize, and enhance our properties there.”

Two Families Come Together to Save a Community

Affinity Gaming and Z Capital had run the Primm Valley Casino Resorts for 15 years, but financial difficulties forced the companies to make the difficult decision to close the property. They notified employees and nearby residents of the scheduled closure on May 5, leaving many to quickly figure out what to do next, without jobs or homes.

Fortunately, Terrible’s stepped up and helped save the border community built on the state line between California and Nevada. Clemetson said in the statement that he was happy things came together so quickly, nearly a month before July 4.

“We’re pleased that we were able to secure such a qualified and like-minded partner for our properties at Primm in just over a month after that unfortunate and poorly timed announcement,” Clemetson said.

The feeling was obviously very mutual between the Primm and Herbst families, with the latter looking to significantly upgrade the property for visitors as part of the partnership.

"Primm has long been one of Nevada's most recognizable destinations," Terrible's President Tim Herbst said in a statement. "This partnership reflects our commitment to preserving that legacy while creating new opportunities for growth, investment, and tourism for decades to come. We believe Primm's best days are still ahead."

What Does the Future Hold for Primm?

Last Thursday, Howard Stutz of The Nevada Independent reported that Primm would “not be going dark on July 4,” with the businesses there likely staying open and approximately 300 jobs possibly preserved. Clemetson had expressed hope that a deal would eventually get done, and it appears everything has now fallen into place for those things to happen.

"We're obviously very concerned, first and foremost, about the 300 Nevadans who are potentially going to be displaced on July 4," Clemetson said in the article. "So the primary thing has been getting a management agreement with a particular group."

Clemetson went on to discuss how his family specifically plans to be more involved in the future of the development. According to the KLAS-TV, those future plans will include “upgraded traveler amenities, enhanced food and beverage offerings, infrastructure improvements, and other investments designed to improve the visitor experience.”