After earning degrees from Los Angeles’ Pierce College and the University of Nevada Reno, Russ Sheltra inked a deal on the back of a cocktail napkin to purchase a Food King market in Reno. He went on to own and operate several neighborhood markets in the Reno area.

As one of the original founders, he opened the Bonanza Casino in 1973, which now boasts two restaurants and nearly 370 slot machines. The casino employs more than 100 employees, many of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. Now semi-retired, Sheltra owns and operates the Bonanza Casino alongside his son, Ryan, who is General Manager. Sheltra and his son proudly offer a level of service deeply rooted in Nevada-style hospitality, with the company’s tagline, “Play in the Company of Friends.”

Together with his wife, Margo, Sheltra believes in giving back to the community and is a proud supporter of many local events and organizations, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation.