Kerry Simon Shuttering Two of His Las Vegas Restaurants

Rock and roll chef Kerry Simon plans to close two of his Vegas restaurants. Robin Leach reports that the chef fighting Multiple System Atrophy is shutting down KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas and Simon Restaurant & Lounge inside Palms Place.

Simon, which has a pajama-clad brunch and the chef’s junk food platter with his versions of Ho Ho’s and housemade cotton candy, closes on May 22. A Palms spokesperson tells Leach that the  resort and Simon agreed not to renew his seven-year contract, and a new casual restaurant will open in its place on May 23.

Over at Harrah’s, Simon’s burger outlet also ends its five-year lease. No new plans are in place.

Leach poignantly points out: "Kerry is now wheelchair bound in the final ravages of the disease making it necessary for him to have 24/7 assistance. Now unable to speak or eat normally, it is a heart-wrenching and highly emotional situation, yet also a story of his extraordinary courage and bravery under the worst of medical circumstances."

His new Downtown Las Vegas restaurant Carson Kitchen will remain open.