Abstract John Ascuaga's Nugget (originally called Dick Graves' Nugget), located in Sparks, Nevada, opened March 1955, starting as a small coffee shop with a handful of slot machines. John Ascuaga became the sole owner and operator of the Nugget until its sale (1960-2013). Over the next five decades, the Nugget experienced unprecedented growth and expansion into a 1,600-room casino-resort with more than 75,000 square feet of casino and convention space. Known for its hospitality, dining options,...