The number 54 has multiple meanings.

There are 54 colored squares on a Rubik’s cube. A full deck of cards contains 54 — if two jokers are included. Achieving a score of 54 in golf is considered a perfect game. Former Dallas Cowboy and Hall of Famer Randy White played defense with 54 on his jersey.

The number also represents the years John Ascuaga's Nugget's owner said he hopes to attempt in the midst of a successful career.

"I'd like to give 54 more years a whirl," John Ascuaga said to chuckles Tuesday.

The number signifies the longevity in years of family-owned and operated John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, who are remembered as friends and good community and business people by Nugget regulars.

Stephen Ascuaga, CFO for the Nugget, said Tuesday’s celebration of its 54th birthday was meant to encourage staff and the community. Stephen is preceded by the Nugget by 14 years at the age of 40.

“This is a unique time and everything is so global, anyway,” he said. “We’re in entertainment. We’re here to help get people away from their problems. We’ve had a lot on the forefront (with the economy), but it’s still been a great 54 years and we’re still going strong.”

Stephen said growing up around the family business didn’t necessarily mean the quality family time was diminished.

“Part of it is just being around it,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s around business time or coming down here to work with your father on the weekend and we’d be playing around the catwalks or backstage.

“It was a unique experience,” he added. “I don’t think you realize so much of it when you’re a kid, but stepping back it was pretty unique, whether it’s the grocery store, or we just happened to be in gaming.”

Showing a large, western-themed cake with cowboy hat and boot toppers, the casino held a celebration near its cabaret area, where cowboy poet Dennis Golden recited humorous quips about cowpies and the Silver State’s western and Americana heritage.

John Ascuaga, 84, traveled back in his memory to the Nugget’s first day of business among smiles and laughs from regular customers and friends of the family.

“I look back to March 17, 1955, when we opened here at 11 in the morning,” John said. “It was a day just like today, sunny, 60-something degrees, except the street out here was U.S. 40 and the people didn’t drive 40 (mph); people were driving 60 like the people driving down Nugget Avenue today drive 60.”

Sparks’ largest employer began as a 60-seat coffee shop in 1955 with only a few slot machines. It now employs about 1,600, many of whom have remained so dedicated to the company they find it hard to believe they would be content working anywhere else.

Jackie Baker, a 28-year employee who worked her way up from being a hostess on graveyard to her current position as catering manager, has many memories of the Nugget’s milestones over the years.

“I wouldn’t work for any other family,” Baker said. “(The Ascuagas) have always been good to all their employees. I’ve had the opportunity to work in other departments. Like any other employee, you could come here and transfer from place to place and get all the experience you want.”

Baker said she most fondly remembers the opening of the casino’s convention centers, towers and the employee parade in which the staff walked down Victorian Avenue and cheered the opening of the convention centers.

Along with maintaining positive relationships with its workers, the Nugget also has a rapport with locals.

Ralph and Kathie Levenberg of Reno said they frequent the Nugget about two or three times a week.

“This is our home away from home,” Kathie said.

The couple have known the Ascuagas as friends for many years. Kathie said she once wrote an article about the family for the Sparks Tribune in the 1970s and thinks well of John and his children.

“They treat us really well,” she said. “We haven’t won a million dollars yet, but we keep trying.”

Ralph called John a marvelous guy.

“He had me lead a couple of talks here for the Rotary (Club),” he said. “He’s a good friend and he treats you that way.”

Kathie said she likes that the business is not corporate-owned.

“It’s one of the few places left owned by a family, not a corporation like most places,” she said. “So we like to support John and his family.”

Stephen Ascuaga said there’s plenty to be optimistic about in Sparks’ future as economic conditions still have yet to improve, mentioning the closure of the Silver Club and its possible impact on Victorian Square. But with the development of the Legends at Sparks Marina, more opportunities for tourism could blossom in the coming months for the hotel casino, he said.

“We’re just in a valley and coming out of it,” he said. “We’re very much encouraged by what’s going on in Reno/Sparks.”