Delta Saloon in Virginia City under new ownership after 2019 fire led to shut down
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 05/10/2024 - 2:40pm
Originally opened during the height of the mining boom of Virginia City, Nevada, the Delta Saloon started serving in 1880. Having seen its share of history, and creating its own, the property is under new ownership with Jim Grimes, VC Delta Saloon, LLC., a fourth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.
The Delta shut down in 2019 following an explosion and fire.
“This is a pinnacle moment for me, my wife Kim and the entire Grimes family to own the Delta Saloon, and our priority is to immediately begin restoring it to its glory days,” said Grimes. “Being born and raised in the Reno-Sparks area, I’ve been coming to Virginia City all my life, so I understand the responsibility and significance of owning such a historic property and what it means to the community. It’s important and we’re proud to be part of its continuing legacy.”
In addition to the saloon, the purchase includes the Delta parking lot, located across the street to the east, and the VC Tour Trolley. The parking lot and trolley is co-owned with Marshal McBride, owner and proprietor of the Bucket of Blood Saloon; a saloon that has been in the McBride family since opening in 1876.
Grimes started the renovation immediately after signing escrow papers Thursday, May 9, 2024, and plans to open the property within the next 30 days. Renovations include repairing the outside structure and balcony as well as the bar, rebuilding the kitchen and other interior improvements.
Grimes continued, “Storey County has been phenomenal throughout the entire process and we have our sights set on opening the property as soon as possible. We’ll be looking for a tenant to lease the restaurant and plan on booking out the banquet space upstairs for groups and weddings. We’ll even have live music during many of the town’s special events. The Delta is back.”
The Delta Saloon was one of the more than 100 saloons that lined the main street of Virginia City where it was said there was one saloon for every 200 residents. It remains the largest with wood-paneled walls, Victorian architecture and lamps and a classic brass bar. It was also home to the famed Suicide Table where tales of fact and fiction talk of drunken gamblers down on their luck who would commit suicide instead of paying their heavy debts.
“The Delta Saloon is synonymous with Virginia City,” said Todd Tuttle, tourism director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission. “Jim is first class, and his renewed energy is exactly what our town needs to continue to attract visitors from all corners of the country. It’s big news and we know it will be a first-class operation.”
Grimes owns Concrete North, based in California and Nevada, which has completed projects at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, built the Sacramento Kings arena and is involved with the current Renown South Meadows Hospital expansion. He also owns Comstock Distillers, makers of Francovich Holiday Nog, NV36 Premium Blended Whiskey, Cemetery Gin, Tahoe Blue Vodka and Sierra Ice, and Grimes Rice Canyon Ranch in Susanville, California, a cattle and hay ranch operation.
The sale was managed by Deborah Hayward an Associate with RM&D Nevada Resource Management & Development and closed May 9, 2024. RM&D offers commercial real estate services for master-planned communities and commercial properties and property management services.
