The owner of Bully's Sports Bar & Grill is stepping down after 25 years and is selling the company.
Jo Lown is stepping down to spend more time with her family and is selling Bully’s to Ron Winchell, owner of Las Vegas-based ECL Gaming.
Lown will continue to remain at the helm until the Nevada Gaming Control Board approves the relicensing of Bully’s gaming licenses to Winchell.
Bully’s will become Winchell’s and ECL Gaming’s first entry into northern Nevada. ECL Gaming operates 35 tavern locations in southern Nevada, including the Winchell’s Pub & Grill chain, Jackpot Joanies, Lucky 7’s, along with six casinos in Kentucky and New Hampshire.
Winchell’s father, Verne, founded the Winchell’s Donut franchise.
“This was not a decision I came to lightly. I’ve decided now is the right time for me to transition away from my day-to-day role to spend more time with my family and help position Bully’s, and my Bully’s family for the next best chapter,” said Lown. “Ron has the vision, energy and expertise to build on our (Bully’s) success and culture, expand the company, create opportunities for the team and continue to provide an excellent experience for our customers.”
Bully’s employs 300 people across 11 locations throughout Reno, Sparks and Carson City, including four Smokin’ locations in Reno, Sparks and Spanish Springs for patrons who enjoy smoking indoors.
