The Holy Cow Casino and Brewery in Las Vegas has a rich history that dates back to 1955 when it was originally opened as Foxy’s Deli, becoming the first restaurant on the Strip to openly serve Black people. The owner, Abe Fox, was a strong advocate for equality and even delivered food to famous Black entertainers who were not allowed to eat, gamble, or swim in certain establishments due to segregation.
In 1975, the deli was sold to Moe Dalitz, a well-known figure in the casino industry, who transformed it into Foxy’s Firehouse. This iteration of the venue lasted until 1988 when it closed its doors.
The next chapter in the building’s history began in 1992 when former NFL linebacker Tom “Big Dog” Wiesner opened the Holy Cow Casino on the site. Inspired by his love for the Chicago Cubs, Wiesner named the casino “Holy Cow” after legendary Cubs announcer Harry Carey’s catchphrase. The casino also featured the first legal brewery in Nevada, thanks to Wiesner’s efforts to change the state’s liquor laws.
Despite its initial success, the Holy Cow was forced to close in 2002 due to a decline in tourism following the events of 9/11. Tragically, Wiesner passed away only three months after the closure of the casino. The building was later purchased by an Austrian developer who briefly reopened it as a sales office before selling it to another company.
Eventually, the former Holy Cow building was demolished to make way for a Walgreens store. However, the iconic 14-foot-tall fiberglass Holstein cow named Alphie, which adorned the casino’s roof, was saved from destruction. Alphie now stands outside the Longstreet Inn and Casino, owned by Jim Marsh, located 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
The preservation of Alphie serves as a reminder of the storied past of the Holy Cow Casino and Brewery, a venue that played a significant role in Las Vegas history. While the physical building may be gone, the spirit of the Holy Cow lives on through its iconic mascot, continuing to capture the imagination of those who remember its glory days.