Payard OUT, Pronto by Giada IN at Caesars Palace

Payard Patisserie & Bistro has finally shuttered at Caesars Palace, ready to make way for the latest venture from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.

The combination restaurant, chocolate store and pastry shop from chef Francois Payard debuted in November 2007 and had long been a resort favorite for brunch. The closing has not yet been acknowledged by the chef and his company website still lists the venue, alongside his three New York patisseries.

Pushing for an “early 2018” debut, Pronto by Giada can now remodel the 5,813-square-foot space with an estimated construction budget of $2.2 million.

Located near the entrance to Mr Chow and across from Rao’s and Bacchanal Buffet, the fast-casual concept will serve Italian fare, merged with California influences. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, customers will pick up their meals and choose seating at a counter, bar or in the casual setting from Charlotte, North Carolina-based Starr Design.

Already promised for the menu, panini, salads, a lobster roll, “gooey grilled cheese,” antipasti, and formaggi and salumi platters. A pastry case will stock lemon ricotta cookies and cakes by the slice and join a gelato and sorbetto bar serving “familiar and Giada-fied flavors.”

• Updated: Giada Confirms Her Second Las Vegas Restaurant [ELV]

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• All Coverage of Giada De Laurentiis [ELV]