Work Starts on $4.5 Million Crown Restaurant at Hard Rock

They already have Crush, La Comida and La Cave, but the next "Morton Brothers Joint" headed to Las Vegas will become their Crown. Last year, Michael and David Morton promised they would launch the "next evolution" of steakhouses in 2017 when their latest concept arrives near the HRH section of the Hard Rock Hotel.

Now under construction, all current paperwork refers to the Morton’s project as the Crown Restaurant. It will fill 7,774 square feet, including the unusual addition of a mezzanine. An impressive estimated budget of $4.5 million has been allocated for the construction alone.

Two family connections neatly tie together the inspiration for long planned project. The resort was originally built by their older brother Peter Morton and their father, Arnie Morton, was the founder of the Morton’s Steakhouse chain. An estimated debut date has yet to be revealed, but once opened, existing steakhouse 35 Steaks + Martinis will shutter.

Also on property, Chill and Dunkin’ Donuts have now opened for casual snacks, Oyster Bar is due for an imminent arrival and work continues preparing the venue for Magic Mike Live, a "360 degree dance and acrobatic strip tease spectacular" looking at a late March debut. The stand-alone, 26-year-old Hard Rock Cafe on the edge of the property will shutter Dec. 31., with a "Final Countdown" goodbye event.