The covid pandemic led a number of Las Vegas Strip institutions to close.
In some cases, like the end of the Hawaiian Marketplace, the demise was probably just hastened as the new Las Vegas Strip probably does not have room for a kitschy business.
Other closures, like the PBR Rock Bar at the Miracle Mile Shops, are classic "we lost our lease" situations. In this case, the bar wanted to stay and the mall's owners decided it simply wasn't a good fit for what they wanted to accomplish.
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The Las Vegas Strip also lost countless shows during and after the pandemic. Some, like the iconic "Legends" impersonator show may return, but many -- including the ill-fated Meat Loaf "Bat Out of Hell" musical -- have disappeared for good.
Change on the Las Vegas Strip is inevitable, but it's also surprising when what seems like a successful venue meets a quiet ending. That's what's happening to one iconic Caesars Entertainment (CZR) eatery.
Old Homestead, a legendary New York steakhouse that has made Caesars Palace its home since 2011, is closing its doors.
Neither the restaurant's owners nor Caesars has commented on why the steakhouse, which is widely thought of as one of Las Vegas's best, will close.
What has been shared is that the celebrity chef Bobby Flay will take over the space.
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Las Vegas Becomes the Land of Celebrity Chefs
While Las Vegas used to be known for its big-name restaurants, a subtle shift has happened. Instead of an eatery being legendary, a restaurant that wants to make a mark must be tied to a celebrity chef, and that chef's name has to be on the marquee.
The loss of Old Homestead follows Caesars Palace losing another legendary New York eatery, Rao's. That's likely because few restaurants have the brand-name value of the biggest chefs.
Old Homestead has a big name. It was actually the setting of a "Seinfeld" episode, but that dated glory likely does not come close to equaling the brand-name value of Flay, who has become a key part of the Caesars empire.
Even more, than its chief rival, MGM Resorts International (MGM), Caesars seems to have bet big on Food Network's biggest personalities. Guy Fieri has multiple Caesars locations as does Gordon Ramsay.
Now, Flay is adding another signature restaurant at Caesars Palace near his Amalfi Northern Italian eatery. In addition, the celebrity chef has three Bobby's Burger Palace locations at Caesars Las Vegas Strip Locations.
Bobby Flay Goes French
Caesars has not shared when Old Homestead will close. It will, however, be replaced in late 2023 by Brasserie B by Bobby Flay. The new French-inspired eatery will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner and is slated to open in late 2023.
The menu, which will be designed by Flay, will explore the "intersection of French cuisine and Flay’s creative touches," according to a news release. That will include Flay putting his signature twists on classic frites, unique raw bar selections, a variety of starters and entrees, and decadent desserts.
“I’m thrilled to create my vision of a classic French brasserie for my longtime partners at Caesars Palace,” said Flay.
“The design of Brasserie B by Bobby Flay will entice that classic Parisian feel. The energy will be bustling with casual professionalism, and the food will be a mix of brasserie staples and, of course, some flavor surprises I’ve become known for over the years.”
