Lone Butte and Vee Quiva Casinos Now Serving O’otham Cuisine

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

Gila River hotels & casinos has opened a new restaurant, “Coverall Deli”, now open at their Lone Butte and Vee Quiva locations. Named after the bingo game term where you must cover every number on your card to win, the deli covers all types of cravings, from pizza, chicken sandwiches, ice cream and even Sonoran dogs, hence the name “Coverall.” 

Coverall Deli also showcases authentic native food. Developed and served by Gila River Indian Community members. Indian tacos, red and green chili popovers are now available for all to enjoy, with both locations open 24/7. Jamie Martinez who is currently the General Manager of the Lone Butte location, contributed his own recipes. 

“The reason why we brought back the popovers and the native food, that was a thing the casino did years ago,” said Martinez, “I just made it a point to try and bring the popovers and beans and the chili back, you know, stuff that we were used to eating when we were growing up and sharing that with the guests”. Martinez is from District 7 and has been with Gila River Hotels & Casinos for over twenty-five years.

Coverall Deli first opened at Lone Butte back in October 2019 and now has a second location open at Vee Quiva, where Carolyn Thompson from District 3, is the General Manager. Thompson has also been with the casino for twenty-five years. 

“It’s hard, you’re not going meet what everybody’s expectations are but we tried,” said Thompson. “It was a challenge but we worked together” and the response has been great, Thompson notes that popovers are a top seller next to pizza.