Funny business

Did you hear the one about the Laugh Factory coming to Reno?

The Los Angeles-based comedy club chain is opening a location at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino July 24. The venue will seat up to 200 customers and replaces the previous tenant Catch a Rising Star.

“Laugh Factory is the greatest brand in comedy and we are thrilled to partner with them and present their first-class comedians to our valued guests,” said General Manger Glenn Carano, in a statement.

Founded by comedy pioneer Jamie Masada over 35 years ago, the Laugh Factory will make its debut in Reno with Jamie Kennedy, the first of many big names slated to take the stage.

“We are very excited this partnership worked out for us,” said Silver Legacy spokeswoman Sara Robbins. She added that the landlord will be working with the new tenant on some renovations after the departure of the current tenant.

“It’s not a large overhaul (money wise), but a fresh look to brand it as Laugh Factory.”

Adding Laugh Factory to its list of amenities, Robbins said the property is “putting itself at the center of entertainment in this town.” Other comedy venues provide some competition, however, such as Reno-Tahoe Comedy at the Underground.

Tickets at the Laugh Factory will start at $19.95. Beverages are supplied by the Silver Legacy, which will provide an additional revenue stream for the company.

Robbins expects the new club to be a strong drawing card. “We are looking at different types of packages” for guests that would include dinner, a night of laughs and overnighting at the Silver Legacy.

“Everybody knows that Reno is the Biggest Little City in the World and Laugh Factory is coming to town with the mission of making Reno the Happiest Little City in the World,” said Masada. “To achieve this righteous goal, we will be bringing the funniest comedians to town.”

The Laugh Factory has been expanding its brand over the years. In addition to Reno, it has clubs in Las Vegas, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Chicago, San Diego, the San Manuel Indian Bingo Casino near San Bernardino and Scottsdale.

The company reportedly is eyeing other locations, including in Hawaii and Texas.