Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group Plans To Rebrand

PALAZZO and VENETIAN — Now disgraced chef Mario Batali and his business partner Joe Bastianich plan to rebrand their group of restaurants under the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group umbrella. Eater NY reports that employees learned about the changes in a letter emailed on Dec. 22 that a new company, with a new name, will be created “whose structure will better reflect that our restaurants’ success is built on the contributions of many, not just one or two.” In Las Vegas, the duo have B&B Ristorante at the Venetian, Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at the Palazzo, and Otto Pizzeria at the Grand Canal Shoppes. While Batali’s name has somewhat been scrubbed from the Venetian website, text still references Batali’s food, such as “Mario’s signature dishes appeal to all personalities, from the classic to the adventurous,” on the B&B page, and “Carnevino opened in January 2008, the third restaurant from Mario and Joe in Las Vegas,” on the Palazzo’s Carnevino page. Batali stepped down from day-to-day operations of the restaurant group after four women came forward and accused the chef of inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct. Since, accusations claim that Bastianich was one of “the architects of a male-dominated ‘boys’ club’ environment. In the meantime, the massive Eataly food hall from the duo, still plans to open at the Monte Carlo. [ENY]

NEVADA — Shark fin soup is now banned in the state after a new law went into effect on Jan. 1. Sharks are typically caught, their fin removed and then released back in the ocean, where they can no longer swim properly. SB 194 makes it illegal to sell the soup, along with other endangered species such as rays and sea turtles, with a fine of up to $6,500 or four times the market value of the product, whichever is greater. According to The Class Project, 14 Las Vegas restaurants served the soup, including Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace, Jasmine at the Bellagio, Blossom at Aria, Fin at the Mirage and the Paiza Club, the high-roller restaurant at the top of the Venetian. Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast and Chinatown restaurants Capital Seafood, Harbor Place and Joyful House were also among the known purveyors. [The Class Project]

EASTSIDE — Heavy rains on Tuesday caused Havana Express Kitchen & Bakery near Tropicana and Eastern to close after water came in through a leaky roof. Restaurant owner Sergio Perez, who also owns Florida Cafe, says the restaurant only opened two weeks ago. [KTNV]

NORTHWEST — The Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop near Cheyenne Avenue and the 215 Beltway now has a drive-through pick-up window, a first for the restaurant chain. Customers can place their orders online or on their mobile devices and have their orders ready at the window. [EaterWire]