VEGAS RESTAURANT ROUNDUP: New Strip Food Court, Health Closures

Posted on: January 2, 2024, 01:43h. 

Last updated on: January 2, 2024, 05:23h.

A new food collective is coming to the Strip. Miracle Mile Shops (MMS), the indoor mall adjacent to Planet Hollywood, plans to launch Miracle Eats in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a company press release.

The new food court will replace the current one near MMS’ south entrance with as many as 11 more upscale offerings. No tenant names were announced by MMS, which usually means lease agreements haven’t yet been signed.

We are always looking for ways to elevate our offerings, and Miracle Eats is sure to be a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists,” said Miracle Mile Shops VP/GM Robert Buchanan in the release.

MMS completed its first renovation in 16 years this spring, and just opened the Rosa Mexicano restaurant in November.

Dining Ins & Outs

Paymon’s, which has served Middle Eastern cuisine in Las Vegas for 35 years, has closed its twin restaurants at 8955 S. Eastern Ave., Paymon’s Fresh Kitchen & Lounge, and its adjacent takeout business, Paymon’s Fresh Express.

Increasing rent, staffing challenges, and a 15% hike in food costs are to blame,  though operator Jeff Ecker told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that opening a separate takeout business on the same premises contributed. The move was a mistake, he said, since it confused customers, most of whom now use DoorDash and UberEats to transform any restaurant into a takeout business anyway.

Paymon Raouf, who still owns the brand, launched his first Paymon’s in 1988 as Middle Eastern Bazaar, on South Maryland Parkway at East Flamingo Road. That location closed in 2019.

The Sacramento-based Pizza Guys chain plans to operate at least four takeout-only locations in Las Vegas by year’s end. Its first, at 3950 N. Tenaya Way in Northwest Las Vegas, opened in 2020, and a second is slated to open in February at 8180 Warm Springs Road in Southwest Las Vegas. The others are planned for downtown Las Vegas and Henderson.

A new Italian-themed bar called Sala 118 has opened in the lobby of The Venetian, taking its name, ambiance, and spirit menu from the 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon. The establishment is part of a $1B reinvestment The Venetian began more than a year ago.

Nigerian Cuisine by MJ, a West African eatery at 5006 S. Maryland Parkway, was shut down by the Southern Nevada Health District on December 18 for earning 32 demerits. Likewise, La Michoacana Fresa Ice Cream, at 1923 N. Decatur Blvd. was closed on December 14 after garnering eight.