Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. has launched a $45 million renovation of Grand Casino Tunica that includes a new gaming floor, a Paula Deen Buffet and a Jillian's-style bowling alley.

The first phase of the renovation is slated for completion in late spring 2008. Following an upgrade of the property's 1,356 hotel rooms, the casino will be rebranded into Harrah's Tunica, MS.

William Wright, general manager of Grand Casino, says the renovation and rebranding have been in the works since June 2005, when Harrah's bought Caeser's Entertainment.

"We looked at a lot of things and it just made sense to transition to the more national brand," Wright says. "The Grand brand has a great local reputation, but Harrah's is understood all over the country."

Of the three hotels on the property, the Grand and Veranda hotels currently are undergoing renovations; the Terrace hotel will begin renovations starting next year.