What is replacing Rao‘s at Caesars Palace?

Hey there! I‘m Lillie, a home renovation expert and gaming enthusiast. If you‘re wondering what‘s happening with the iconic Rao‘s restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, you‘ve come to the right place.

As a lover of food, design, and the Las Vegas scene, I‘ve done some deep research to give you the inside scoop. Below you‘ll find all the details, history, and analysis on Rao‘s departure and what exciting new concept is taking its place. Let‘s dive in!

The Closing of a Las Vegas Icon

Rao‘s outpost on the Las Vegas Strip first opened its red-sauced doors in 2006. Nestled inside Caesars Palace, it brought a taste of Rao‘s 115 years of history and menu to the neon lights of Sin City.

This location instantly became a hot spot for visitors looking for authentic Italian fare. Guests raved about signature dishes like Rao‘s famous lemon chicken, seafood fra diavolo, and the restaurant‘s melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.

But in October 2020, Rao‘s on the Strip shut down permanently due to insurmountable losses from COVID-19 closures. According to QSR Magazine, the pandemic dealt a final blow to this Las Vegas location after years of sliding revenue. They simply couldn‘t recover from months of government-mandated shutdowns.

By the Numbers:

• Rao‘s first opened on the Strip in December 2006
• The Las Vegas location earned $12 million in annual revenue (pre-pandemic)
• Rao‘s closed October 2020 after a 14-year run in Vegas

While this loss was felt deeply in Las Vegas, all of Rao‘s other outposts remain open, including their famed East Harlem original. But the lights have gone dark permanently on their prized Caesars Palace location.

Rao‘s Will Be Replaced by a James Beard Winner

Caesars Palace moved quickly to find a new culinary tenant for the Rao‘s vacancy. In 2021, it was announced that renowned chef and restauranteur Marcus Samuelsson would be taking over the space.

Samuelsson has an ultra-impressive resume in the food world. He‘s a James Beard Award winner, Top Chef Masters champion, and bestselling cookbook author. His Harlem restaurant Red Rooster is a legendary hot spot.

Samuelsson‘s new Caesars Palace eatery will be named Marche Bacchus. It promises to bring his skilled blend of cuisines to the Las Vegas Strip.

Marcus Samuelsson‘s Accolades:

• James Beard Foundation Best Chef Award, 2004
• Winner of Top Chef Masters, 2009
• James Beard Outstanding Chef Award, 2012
• Published 6 cookbooks, including the memoir Yes, Chef

Samuelsson‘s move into the space shows Caesars‘ commitment to securing only top-tier culinary talent. It‘s a new chapter for a restaurant space that has hosted greats like Rao‘s and Guy Savoy.

What to Expect from Marche Bacchus

So what exactly can you expect from Samuelsson‘s upcoming Marche Bacchus on the Strip? According to Eater Vegas, he plans to transform the space into a lively French-American brasserie.

The menu will feature re-imagined French classics like onion soup, trout amandine, and steak frites. But Samuelsson will also weave in American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

In terms of design, Marche Bacchus will take inspiration from bustling French cafes and bistros. Large windows look out onto the sparkling Vegas skyline – the perfect backdrop for a glass of wine at sunset.

Samuelsson says he plans to source many seasonal and local ingredients. His dishes at Red Rooster incorporate influences from all over the world, so you can count on global flavors making their way onto the Marche Bacchus plates.

The new restaurant is expected to open in early 2023. Stay tuned for more details as Samuelsson puts the final touches on this exciting new French-American eatery!

Caesars Entertainment Corporation: The Owners of Rao‘s Vegas

Rao‘s Las Vegas was one of dozens of restaurants and hospitality venues owned by Caesars Entertainment Corporation.

Caesars is the largest casino-entertainment company in the world. It owns over 50 casino properties across 5 continents, from Las Vegas to South Africa.

Some of Caesars‘ most famous casinos include:

• Caesars Palace
• Harrah‘s
• Horseshoe Casinos
• Harveys
• Bally‘s
• Paris
• Rio
• The Cromwell
• The LINQ
• Planet Hollywood

In addition to casinos, their portfolio includes hotels, dining venues, bars, pools, spas, golf courses, and concert venues.

Caesars purchased the Las Vegas property that housed Rao‘s back in 2005. For over 15 years, they welcomed diners into Rao‘s neon-lit doors – until the pandemic upended the local restaurant scene.

By the Numbers:

• Caesars employs over 65,000 team members worldwide
• Operates in 16 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Hosts more than 100 million guests each year
• Owns 9 celebrity chef restaurant concepts
• Generates $10.8 billion in annual revenue

So while it was tough to permanently close Rao‘s Las Vegas, Caesars has many other iconic restaurants, casinos, and resorts across the globe. They continue their long legacy of top-tier hospitality and entertainment.

Renovating a Las Vegas Landmark

In 2019, Caesars announced plans for a major multimillion dollar renovation of their flagship Caesars Palace property. The goal is to revitalize and modernize this legendary 50+ year old Vegas hot spot.

The ambitious renovation covers around 75 acres of property and will touch almost every area of the Caesars Palace complex. Here are some of the main updates and additions in store:

• Guest Rooms: 1,600 rooms and suites will be fully renovated.
• Gaming: Casino space will be refreshed top to bottom with new table games added.
• Lobby: The front desk and lobby areas get a stylish makeover.
• Dining: New restaurant and bar concepts will be added.
• Entertainment: Live entertainment and nightlife venues will be updated.
• Meeting Areas: Over 250,000 sq ft of convention space will be modernized.
• Conference Center: A brand new 550,000 sq ft conference center will be built.
• Guest Rooms: An additional 600 rooms will be added in an existing tower.

The phased renovations began in early 2019. Completion is slated for 2024, just in time for Caesars Palace‘s 60th anniversary!

Fun Facts About Caesars Palace:

• First opened in August 1966
• Cost $25 million to construct
• Home to the first spiral escalator in a casino
• Has hosted famous athletes like Michael Jordan and Muhammed Ali
• Houses celebrity chef restaurants from Guy Savoy, Gordon Ramsay, and Nobu Matsuhisa

Once finished, these sweeping renovations will ensure Caesars Palace maintains its reputation as a crown jewel of the Las Vegas Strip. It will continue to attract A-list performers, athletes, chefs, and millions of visitors each year.

The Allure of the Original Rao‘s in NYC

While Rao‘s Las Vegas is permanently closed, the original Rao‘s restaurant in East Harlem is still serving up classics after over 120 years.

This tiny, 10-table establishment has an aura of exclusivity and mystique. Rao‘s only offers reservations to a few select regulars. These coveted tables have been passed down through generations, almost like memberships.

According to Rao‘s website, their oldest patron has had the same table for 51 years!

Legend has it that in 1985, a customer offered owner Frank Pellegrino $1 million to permanently buy their table. Frank declined, demonstrating how priceless the Rao‘s dining experience is to long-time patrons.

Rao‘s website states that about 95% of tables are handled by Frank Pellegrino Sr. and the family‘s seventh generation owners. Very rarely is a newcomer granted access.

This creates an irresistible allure. Many celebrities and New York elite consider it the ultimate status symbol to score a table at Rao‘s East Harlem.

Rao‘s By the Numbers:

• Opened in 1896
• Only has 10 tables
• Serves around 60 guests per night
• Has a 10+ year waitlist for tables
• 95% of tables are handled by the Pellegrino family

Rao‘s New York provides an intimate, theatre-like experience unmatched anywhere else. And with so few tables, the privilege of dining there is a sign of longevity and clout.

More Celebrity Chef Restaurants on the Strip

If you love celebrity chefs, Las Vegas offers no shortage of famous names. Caesars Palace alone houses restaurants from Guy Savoy, Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa and soon Marcus Samuelsson.

Here are a few more spots to see and be seen with A-list chefs on the Strip:

• Picasso at Bellagio – Fine dining from Chef Julian Serrano with actual Picasso paintings surrounding your table.
• Wolfgang Puck at MGM Grand – Multiple dining options including upscale sushi and pizza, run by the famous chef.
• Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace – Southwest cuisine crafted by chef Bobby Flay.
• Lago by Julian Serrano at Bellagio – Small plates and magnificent Bellagio fountains views.
• Estiatorio Milos at The Cosmopolitan – High-end Greek seafood from chef Costas Spiliadis.

These are just a sample of the celebrity chef joints you‘ll find on the Strip. There‘s truly no better place to taste creations from the biggest culinary stars.

Old School Steakhouses of Las Vegas

In addition to flashy celebrity spots, Las Vegas has a number of historic steakhouses that have stood the test of time:

• Golden Steer – This iconic steakhouse first fired up its grills in 1958. Enjoys a longtime local following.
• Hugo‘s Cellar – Serving from-scratch meals and tableside salad service since 1969.
• Lawry‘s The Prime Rib – Carving juicy prime rib for locals and celebs since 1974.
• Glittering Lights at Circus Circus – Located right on the Strip, they‘ve been grilling steaks for 50+ years.
• Austins Steakhouse at Texas Station – Family-run with an old Vegas vibe since 1995.

These beloved spots offer a taste of classic Las Vegas dining. In a city where everything seems to come and go, these steakhouses have staying power thanks to loyal customers and timeless menus.

The Story of Circus Circus on the Strip

When it debuted in 1968, Circus Circus offered a whole new kind of Vegas experience. Unlike other swanky spots like Caesars Palace, it catered to middle-class families versus high-rolling gamblers.

The kitschy Circus Circus was the brainchild of Jay Sarno – the same man who conceived Caesars Palace just two years prior. It featured circus performers, arcade games, affordable buffets, and circus-themed architecture.

At the time, Las Vegas lounges and restaurants were legally required to have gaming tables. So Circus Circus had a casino, but heavily promoted its family fun over gambling.

For years, the casino‘s big top tent sat right on the Strip and hosted trapeze artists, acrobats, tightrope walkers – true circus acts that delighted audiences. That original circus tent was replaced in 1993 by a permanent performance space known as the Adventuredome.

Today, this classic casino and hotel is still in operation. It offers affordable room rates, dining, carnival games and entertainment for all ages. For over 50 years, it‘s given budget-conscious families a way to enjoy Vegas.

Circus Circus Timeline:

• October 1968 – Circus Circus opens on Las Vegas Boulevard
• 1990 – Circus Circus renovates its facade and adds the Lucky The Clown sign
• 1993 – The permanent Adventuredome indoor theme park opens
• 1997 – Circus Circus expands with new hotel towers and casino space
• 2017 – Major renovations include the casino and guest rooms

For a blast from the past, Circus Circus lets you experience a retro side of Vegas. Try your hand at carnival midway games, watch acrobats fly through the air, and chow down on a hot dog – just as visitors did 50+ years ago.

Longest Running Restaurants in Vegas

From steakhouses to diners, here are the restaurants with the most consecutive years dishing up meals in Las Vegas:

The Golden Steer: Serving juicy steaks and fresh seafood since 1958 – the longest running eatery in town.

Hugo‘s Cellar: Their recipe for tableside salad and steak Diane has attracted locals since 1969.

Lawry‘s The Prime Rib: Carving generous cuts of prime rib alongside classic creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding since 1974.

The Peppermill Restaurant & Lounge: This neon-lit coffee shop on the Strip has been a go-to 24/7 diner since 1972.

Hofbrauhaus: Offering beer hall-style dining for groups large and small since 2004. Popular for special occasions.

Vickie‘s Diner: A no-frills, all-American diner slinging omelets, pancakes, and club sandwiches since 1964.

These beloved eateries show that老 Las Vegas favorites can offer comfort, nostalgia, and reliable flavors for generations of diners.

The Future of the Las Vegas Strip

Change is inevitable on the Las Vegas Strip, even for stalwarts like Rao‘s. While some cannot survive tough times like the pandemic, others are able to adapt and thrive decade after decade.

What remains constant is Las Vegas‘ reputation as an unmatched restaurant city. There is no shortage of celebrity chefs and acclaimed eateries vying for a spot in this competitive culinary arena.

Each year seems to bring exciting openings from both established names like Nobu and Bobby Flay, as well as rising star chefs. Not to mention the classic steakhouses and diners that retain devoted patrons even as the Strip evolves.

The lights may have gone dark at Rao‘s Caesars Palace location after a great 14-year run. But with visionaries like Marcus Samuelsson moving in, the restaurant scene here continues to glow bright. We can‘t wait to see what opens next!

I hope this rundown helps explain the history behind Rao‘s exit and reveals what lies ahead for Caesars Palace. If you have any other questions about restaurants or renovations happening in Las Vegas, let me know in the comments. I‘m always happy to dig into the details on this dynamic city!