California's Hard Rock Tejon hosts community sessions in Kern County ahead of grand opening

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon has started engaging with the Kern County community through a series of informational sessions at Bakersfield College as it moves closer to its grand opening.

The first session took place on April 4, offering local leaders and invited guests an inside look at upcoming employment and vendor opportunities in Kern County. A second session took place the following day, on April 5.

While registration was required, organizers noted that these gatherings were not job fairs but informative events aimed at sharing key developments with the community.

Job openings will be posted in May at www.gotoworkhappy.com. In summer 2025, Hard Rock will host job fairs and a table games dealer school to recruit local employees.

“We’re excited to bring Hard Rock’s world-class hospitality and entertainment to Kern County, and our success starts with the incredible talent we recruit,” said Chris Kelley, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. 

“These sessions are an important step in sharing our vision with the community, highlighting the career and business opportunities that will become available in the coming months,” he added.

The company will announce official hiring event dates soon, offering Kern County residents career opportunities in gaming, hospitality, and management.

During the April 4 session, Hard Rock and the Tejon Indian Tribe also presented a donation to The Open Door Network, a nonprofit that supports victims of domestic violence, homelessness, and human trafficking.

“The Open Door Network is deeply grateful for this generous donation, which will directly support individuals and families in Kern County facing domestic violence, homelessness, and human trafficking,” said Lauren Skidmore, CEO of The Open Door Network. 

“Hard Rock and the Tejon Indian Tribe’s commitment to community investment is truly impactful, and this support will help us continue providing critical services to those who need them most,” she added.