Chili's Grill & Bar Doubles Down on Las Vegas

If you miss your chance to partake in some Chili's baby back ribs when you hit the Strip later this year, you'll still have a second shot as you fly home. Chili's Grill & Bar is currently spending an estimated $1.25 million on construction to help revive the struggling Hawaiian Marketplace outdoor mall. Already gone from the construction site is a stature of Hawaiian King Kamehameha and the rock plinth where he once proudly stood. The statue was the one remaining notable features for the open air shopping precinct that once attempted to maintain a Hawaiian theme to match its name. A 204-square-foot adverting tower topped by Chili's iconic "pepper" logo, lit up in neon, will take its place. In the interim, huge wrap-around banners promoting the forthcoming arrival will be mounted soon.

The newly reinvigorated land owners of the Marketplace have also been plugging away at reviving their long-time dream for attracting investors for their London Thrill Theme Park theme park they want to surround the outdoor mall. It would come complete with 13 rides including a zip line, a Ferris wheel named the London Wheel, a water ride named the Thames Splash, and a swing ride named the Tower of London. That plan has been in the proposal stage for many years.

Chili's, however, will be expanding on their Las Vegas investment with another new, full bar and grill, but this time at McCarran International Airport. The chain previously hosted a small "to go" outpost at Terminal D, but the forthcoming 2,152-square-foot project is a full-sized restaurant with an adult-sized $580,000 estimated construction cost. These will mark the eight and ninth Chili's branches in Las Vegas.
· All Coverage of Hawaiian Marketplace [~ELV~]