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Welcome to 2017 with nine big anticipated restaurant openings all across Las Vegas. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine plans to open his restaurant this summer. Blue Ribbon converts into a new concept. The Morton brothers have a steakhouse on the horizon. Chica from 50 Eggs debuts this spring. Sugar Factory may finally open. And local’s favorites FukuBurger, Mike Minor and Bank Atcharawan have new restaurants planned. Here's a look at what's on the horizon for restaurant openings in 2017. See something missing? Drop it in the comments.
Crown Restaurant
Location: Hard Rock Hotel
The Players: Michael and David Morton
The Situation: The brothers plan to open a 7,774-square-foot restaurant with 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.
Opening: 2017
• The Hard Rock Hotel Gets a New Steakhouse in 2017 [ELV]
• Work Starts on $4.5 Million Crown Restaurant at Hard Rock [ELV]
Blue Ribbon
Location: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Players: Eric and Bruce Bromberg
The Situation: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill closed at the resort to make way for Blue Ribbon, inspired by the brothers iconic, 24-year old New York restaurant, Blue Ribbon Brasserie. Already promised, "eclectic New American fare" and dishes inspired and borrowed from the SoHo original, including pu pu platters, "bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, fried oysters, steak tartare and their famous fried chicken." They will also operate a raw bar, along with lunch, dinner, late-night options and brunch.
Opening: Spring
• New York's Blue Ribbon Confirmed for the Cosmopolitan [ELV]
Bandito Latin Kitchen & Cantina
Location: Eastside
The Players: Mike Minor and Kent Harman
The Situation: Former Border Grill chef and general manager, Mike Minor and Kent Harman, announced their solo restaurant project in 2016 and the chef has been sharing photos of the rapidly accelerating project. Bandito Latin Kitchen & Cantina had once hoped for a late 2016 arrival, but is on target for an early 2017 debut. The scratch-built, 4,000-square-foot concept will sit at the corner of Howard Hughes Pkwy. and Flamingo Road. The "Mexicue" restaurant will be open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining, built around an open kitchen to allow guests to watch all the meats be cooked and smoked.
Opening: Spring
• Bandito Latin Kitchen & Cantina Is on Its Way [ELV]
Chica
Location: Venetian
The Players: 50 Eggs’ John Kunkel and Lorena Garcia
The Situation: Chica takes over the former DB Brasserie space with a construction budget north of $3.7 million, bringing food inspired from countries throughout Latin America. Design melds contemporary and classic elements, taking elements from Colonial Spain using a variety of eclectic textures like wood, bright leather, wrought iron and ornate tile work. The kitchen will include a built-in rotisserie wall and custom Churrasco grill, as well as acold bar in the center of the restaurant where fresh ceviches and salads will be made. Guests can expect churrasco and beef tenderloin as well as traditional specialties with a twist like handmade arepas, telitas and tortillas. Brunch plans to feature huevos rancheros and a Latin play on eggs Benedict.
Opening: Spring
• $3.7 Million Makeover for Lorena Garcia's Chica [ELV]
Patio Desserts & Drinks
Location: 5255 S. Decaturs Blvd.
The Players: Bank Atcharawan
The Situation: The Patio Desserts & Drinks brings a 1,453-square-foot restaurant with a patio and garden theme, currently in the build-out stage. On the menu, Atcharawan plans to serve Thai rolled ice cream, Hong Kong waffle, honey toast and other dessert specialties. The drinks include coffee using beans from a local roaster, tea and specialty drinks.
Opening: Late February
• Bank Atcharawan’s Next Big Project — Desserts [ELV]
Sugar Factory Brasserie
Location: Fashion Show
The Situation: The restaurant and candy shop going in at the front of Fashion Show features the Chocolate Lounge on the upper level with wraparound views of the Las Vegas Strip, a sculpture garden with decorative mazes and LED displays, a confectionery with sweets and gifts and the main restaurant. The menu features salads, burgers and pizzas, as well as spiked adult beverages, including Sugar Factory’s signature 36-ounce alcohol-infused smoking candy goblets.
Opening: Feb. 15
• All Coverage of Sugar Factory [ELV]
White Castle
Location: Fremont Street Experience
The Situation: The second Las Vegas outpost of White Castle has made quick progress in preparing for a downtown debut in 2017. A local phenomena when they opened on The Strip in early 2015, the 3,428-square-foot build-out is headed to the corner of Fremont and Fourth streets and will face the downtown Denny's and the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian promenade.
Opening: 2017
• Updating the Progress of White Castle Downtown [ELV]
FukuBurger
Location: Corner of Buffalo Drive and Warm Springs Road
The Situation: FukuBurger, one of Las Vegas' most beloved casual concepts, is expanding from their first bricks and mortar location in Chinatown to a purpose built site in the southwest. Expect the full menu, including "Naga Dogs," "Jazz Fries" and burger favorites, like their namesake creation finished with wasabi mayo and Fuku sauce.
Opening: Second quarter of 2017
• FukuBurger Expanding from Chinatown to the Southwest [ELV]
Robert Irvine restaurant
Location: Tropicana
The Players: Robert Irvine
The Situation: Details of celebrity chef Robert Irvine’s first Las Vegas restaurant have been kept under wraps since his splashy announcement last May, but few details have emerged since.
Opening: Summer 2017