Grand Canyon Experience Revamps at Grand Bazaar Shops

The Grand Canyon Experience shuttered earlier this year, a familiar sight on the Strip since 2000 and conveniently located a very short walk from the MGM Grand. The closure deleted a one-stop shopping destination for souvenirs, booze and the cheap eats provided by Noble Roman’s pizza, Subway, Jumbo Dog and Dreyer’s ice cream. The food vendors won’t be returning, but the retail operators M&K Enterprise LLC now have a new, but very familiar concept aiming for a summer debut at the Grand Bazaar Shops.

Vegas Exp will be a 24-hour “digitally interactive” stretch of retail taking over an entire promenade at the outdoor mall. Expect a similar inventory of souvenirs, apparel, beer, wine, liquor and snacks found at the original Grand Canyon Experience. The Grand Canyon space is currently being converted into a 21,987-square-foot, two-story structure, already believed to have secured one tenant. American Eagle Outfitters and T-Mobile are confirmed to eventually be headed to this southern section of the Showcase Mall. Next door, sports retailer Adidas is investing $1,158,869 in estimated construction costs to create a 10,399-square-foot superstore. Permits have already been filed to install flashy LED outdoor signage.

Back at the Grand Bazaar Shops, work continues on future attractions Ben & Jerry’s, Philly Pretzel Factory, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken and Dirt Dog, all expected to arrive within the next three months. Existing tenant Island Time Floats Tiki Bar is also working on an expansion, which will add a food menu of “Caribbean island-style tacos” plus a range of breakfast items.

As a result of the upgrade, original Grand Bazaar Shops tenant Waffle Bar has now shuttered to make way for Island Time’s 1,116-square-foot addition. Waffle Bar can still be found locally at its recently upgraded location at Tivoli Village.

Bradley Martin

• All Coverage of Coming Attractions [ELV]

• All Coverage of the Grand Bazaar Shops [ELV]