Krispy Kreme Joins Fukuburger and Rathaus at Hawaiian Marketplace

The much-needed upgrades to the Strip's long languishing Hawaiian Marketplace are coming thick and fast and owners Metroflag have succeeded in luring another known brand to their outdoor shopping center.

Perennial favorite Krispy Kreme has taken over the shuttered Tix4Tonight discount ticket booth and filled it with their usual array of doughnuts, Seattle's Best Coffee, Tazo Tea and Fontana blended beverages. Soon, they'll be adding fruit and yogurt smoothies to the menu.

Krispy Kreme is the second recognizable name added to the outdoor mall, following the addition of a $1.25 million Chili's Grill & Bar last summer. Chili's arrival marked the slow phasing-out of the clutter of sales kiosks and bringing in new life. New dining upgrades are being spearheaded by Hig Management, who already operate the marketplace's collection of fast food outlets.

Fukuburger. Photo: Bradley Martin

Next to arrive will be local favorites Fukuburger, who have moved from their former home inside Hig's now-shuttered F.A.M.E. "Chinatown Food Experience" at The Linq to take over the shuttered Zingers bar. A neon sign as already been hoisted over the bar. The move will enable Fukuburger to offer patio seating for a very lively scene once the marketplace's center bar is remodeled by Hig later this year.

Rathaus. Photo: Bradley Martin

Underneath Chili's, construction on the new concept Rathaus is also progressing rapidly. The 6,426-square-foot German beer hall themed tavern will feature a mock stone and brick exterior with large decorative doors and colored glass windows to evoke an "oldworld European appearance." A new 1,500-square-foot patio will create room for 74 patrons to sit right on Las Vegas Boulevard with views of CityCenter.

Mark DiMartino and Hig Management are behind the tavern and just like Fukuburger, DiMartino formerly operated his Pizza Buddha concept inside F.A.M.E.

No completion timetable for the two restaurants has been announced.