When visiting the Las Vegas Strip, guests usually gravitate toward the various casinos or one of the many headliner shows offered.
The hotel-casinos also offer a variety of casual diners and fine restaurants, including ones operated by celebrity chefs.
💸💰 Don’t miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet’s free daily newsletter 💰💸
The Las Vegas Strip culinary scene was disrupted in 2024 by a series of restaurant closures that led to several favorite dining choices permanently disappearing.
Related: Health officials close Las Vegas Strip celebrity chef restaurant
Hotels and casino operators on the Strip closed a couple of longtime restaurants that debuted on the Strip over 10 years ago.
MGM Resorts International (MGM) on Oct. 30 closed one of its limited-hours restaurants, Della’s Kitchen at Delano Las Vegas, which originally opened in September 2014.
Della’s Kitchen’s website described the restaurant as “historic farmhouse meets urban kitchen,” serving breakfast and lunch with a combination of classics, comfort food, and seasonal specialties.
Della’s closing coincided with MGM’s closing of Delano in October for renovations and reflagging to a W Hotel, which opened on the property in December.
MGM closed another restaurant that had operated since June 2013 when it shut down Avenue Café at the MGM Grand on Nov. 17. The restaurant is expected to be replaced with a new concept in February 2025.
More bankruptcy stories:
Another major trucking company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcyDisasters force key energy company to file Chapter 11 bankruptcyEmbattled home goods retailer plans to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Popular affordable restaurant Ocean One Bar and Grille at Caesars Entertainment’s (CZR) Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Hotel and Casino’s Miracle Mile Shops also closed down in November after posting a message to customers.
“Thank you for allowing us to serve you for the last twenty years. With your support, we will continue serving the Las Vegas community as we search for a new location. Lease has expired,” the message read.
The restaurant was known as one of the most affordable establishments on the Strip, as its lunch menu was priced at $5.99 for all of its items, and its happy hour special featured three cocktails for $12.
And now, two restaurants operated by celebrity chefs are shutting down.
International Smoke closes at MGM Grand
International Smoke, a barbecue restaurant at the MGM Grand Las Vegas which is operated by celebrity chef Michael Mina and Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry’s wife Ayesha Curry, will permanently close following business on Jan. 19, MGM Resorts International revealed.
Related: Formerly bankrupt burger chain rescued by fast-food rival
The restaurant, which opened in 2019 after the success of the chefs’ San Francisco location, features wood-fired steaks, seafood, ribs, and vegetarian entrees.
MGM Grand did not say what new concept will replace International Smoke but asserted that details of the new restaurant will be revealed at a later date.
Julian Serrano Tapas is closing at Aria Casino & Resort in Las Vegas.
Shutterstock
Julian Serrano Tapas closes at Aria
International Smoke isn’t the only MGM Resorts International restaurant that will permanently close its doors. The Las Vegas Strip casino operator also revealed that celebrity chef restaurant Julian Serrano Tapas at Aria Las Vegas will close on Feb. 1 after over 15 years in business.
The award-winning restaurant, which opened in 2009, has won several awards, including Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine in 2011, and Esquire magazine named the restaurant one of its Best New Restaurants of the Year in 2010, according to Serrano’s website.
The Julian Serrano Tapas Spanish cuisine menu includes various paella dishes, ceviche, beef tenderloin, lamb chops, chicken breast, lobster, Spanish pork chorizo, and various other items.
The restaurant’s closure comes after Serrano, who has appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef” cooking show, in May announced his pending retirement, closed his Picasso at Bellagio Resort & Casino, and stepped away from his Lago by Julian Serrano Italian restaurant also at Bellagio.
Related: Veteran fund manager issues dire S&P 500 warning for 2025
