First Word: Cheesecake Factory to Las Vegas Premium Outlets

Here is your first word on the big expansion upgrades you'll discover at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets North expansion when it debuts next year.

The 150,000-square-foot construction project will be completed in May 2015 after 24 months of work, bringing 34 new stores anchored by Neiman Marcus Last Call and a two-story Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. But until now, there has been no hint of new dining.

Yet to be officially announced, The Cheesecake Factory will fill a substantial part of that void with an 8,861-square-foot restaurant featuring a 1,631-square-foot outdoor patio. The location is on Bonneville, with its back to the World Market Center and adjacent to the mall's new shaded porte cochere, enhanced by plentiful trees and greenery.

Joining the Factory's three dining room spaces will be a cocktail lounge and an 11-seat bar, plus a take-out bakery station. Opening hours are currently penciled in as Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Already found locally at Boca Park, The Forum Shops at Caesars and The District at Green Valley Ranch, the company runs 170 restaurants nationwide under The Cheesecake Factory banner and 11 Grand Lux Cafes, including two on the Strip.

Also awaiting official announcement from the mall are the other new retail tenants, which will include Canali, Diane von Furstenberg, Clarins and Helmut Lang.