What famous actress was the inspiration for the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign?

MGM Grand’s Avenue Café will reopen on January 12, 2026, stepping in after the brief run of Netflix BITES.

 

This eagerly awaited return comes at a tough time for Las Vegas tourism, which saw an 11% drop in visitors and a 15% fall in hotel occupancy rates over the past year.

 

International travel has declined by 13%, with factors like higher travel costs, global tensions, and stiffer competition hitting the city hard.

 

The Avenue Café, beloved for its nostalgic American dishes and lively retro vibe, is expected to help lure guests back to the Strip.

 

Major airlines, including United and American, are already planning schedule changes to meet the expected uptick in demand.

 

The LVCVA is also boosting its domestic marketing spending by $37 million, aiming to showcase Las Vegas’s broad appeal and affordability.

 

While challenges remain, this revival offers fresh hope for Vegas hospitality.

How Ya Dough’n, a beloved South Florida sourdough pizzeria, has made its Las Vegas debut at The BLVD on the Strip, situated at 3747 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Suite 310.

 

This move marks the first expansion outside Florida for founders Garett and Gabby Goodman, who launched the spot in 2020 and quickly won fans with their unique 8–12-day wild yeast fermentation process.

 

The grand opening celebrated Vegas flair with a pizza-cutting ceremony and 777 free slices, capturing the city’s lucky spirit.

 

Signature pizzas like the Spicy Goose and the Cremini headline a menu rich in flavor, complemented by appetizers such as buttery Dough Boys and the colorful HYD House Salad.

 

The pizzeria welcomes guests daily, blending local excitement with artisanal taste right on the Strip.

Salt & Straw is bringing its inventive, artisan ice cream to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip with two scoop shops opening December 31, 2025, at Paris Las Vegas and Flamingo Las Vegas.

 

Known for their community-focused approach and playful flavors, the brand’s expansion is described by CEO Kim Malek as a dream come true.

 

Visitors can look forward to the Icons Series menu, featuring favorites like Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Birthday Cakes & Blackberries, and even a decadent vegan option, Death by Chocolate Chocolate Cake.

 

A special, Strip-exclusive flavor—promised to be spicy and golden—is set to make its debut, reflecting Las Vegas’s flair for the extravagant.

 

With storefronts opening directly onto the Strip, Salt & Straw aims to foster connections and create memorable moments for locals and visitors alike.

HUDL Brewing Company, a popular name in Las Vegas’ Arts District, has teamed up with Neon Desert Brewing to keep its signature beers flowing citywide.

 

The move comes after a steep 25-30% revenue drop blamed on falling tourism, forcing HUDL’s Main Street taproom to temporarily close.

 

Thanks to the partnership, six of HUDL’s core brews—including Vanilla Oak, High Hatter, and Scorched Meadows—will continue to be poured at bars, restaurants, and retailers across Las Vegas.

 

Owner Skip Norfolk described the urgent challenges behind the decision, noting the taproom will stay closed while the team reimagines the space.

 

Jimmy Doyle, head brewer for Neon Desert, highlighted the effort’s importance in maintaining HUDL’s beloved presence in the local craft beer scene.

 

This partnership showcases the strength and unity of Las Vegas’ brewing community during difficult times.

The Kitchen Table has opened at the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, bringing a modern spin to beloved breakfast and lunch classics.

 

This inviting new eatery welcomes both locals and travelers from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, establishing itself as a fresh spot for daytime dining adventures.

 

Diners are treated to signature creations like the Crab Cake Benny, paired with golden hash browns, and decadent pancakes in flavors from red velvet to banana matcha.

 

Hearty choices such as the Carnivore Skillet satisfy bigger appetites, while lunch brings bold flavors with the indulgent Hangover Burger and sweet potato fries.

 

The brunch experience shines with crafted Bloody Marys, mimosa flights, and boozy coffees.

 

With its warm wood décor and cozy banquettes, The Kitchen Table offers a relaxing retreat at the heart of Las Vegas's evolving food scene.

&pizza will make its West Coast debut at the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas in Spring 2026, marking a bold step beyond its East Coast roots.

 

This fast-casual chain, celebrated for its creative pies and lively vibe, is rapidly growing under its new franchising strategy, with twelve openings planned in cities like Orlando and Atlanta.

 

The new Las Vegas spot will be owned and operated by the resort, underscoring Rio's commitment to reimagining its dining scene.

 

Menu standouts—like The Farmer’s Daughter and Elote Loco—highlight &pizza’s dedication to bold combinations and originality.

 

Adding to the excitement, High Steaks Vegas by Chef James Trees and Eggslut have joined Rio’s lineup, signaling new energy for local culinary experiences.

 

As Las Vegas evolves as a food hotspot, &pizza aims to capture both locals and visitors with its distinctive approach to dining on the Strip.

Caesars Entertainment is rolling out special perks for Las Vegas locals, with exclusive offers lasting through February 26, 2026.

 

Nevada residents can receive a 25% discount on food and drinks at select spots in Caesars’ eight Las Vegas resorts, available Sunday through Thursday.

 

Complimentary self-parking is also included, covering resorts as well as the Miracle Mile Shops and the Planet Hollywood garage.

 

Locals need only show a valid Nevada ID to enjoy these deals.

 

For those interested in a local getaway, Caesars is offering an extra 15% off hotel stays booked by March 31, 2026, for travel until that date.

 

These offers are designed to give Nevadans more ways to savor the city’s dining and entertainment attractions at Caesars properties.

Aritzia has arrived at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, providing a fresh destination for shoppers seeking everyday luxury apparel in the heart of the city.

 

Originating in Vancouver, this celebrated fashion house now features over 140 North American locations and is known for its sophisticated style and premium materials.

 

The new outpost in Rose Court offers a uniquely designed space, complete with curated playlists, art displays, and exclusive Styling Suites.

 

Expert Style Advisors are on hand to deliver tailored advice and help every visitor discover their ideal look.

 

Regular hours run 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with special holiday hours to better serve festive shoppers.

 

Discover timeless fashion and the art of personal styling as Aritzia introduces its renowned blend of luxury and style to Las Vegas.

No. 15 Utah and Nebraska will end their seasons at the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl in Allegiant Stadium this Wednesday.

 

This rare meeting, the fifth in their histories and first since 1992, sees Nebraska leading the all-time series 4-0.

 

Under Matt Rhule, Nebraska’s 7-5 finish marked a program high during his tenure, despite a late-season slump and a recent loss to Iowa.

 

Utah, led by veteran coach Kyle Whittingham, just missed a Big 12 title shot but secured their first 10-win campaign in two years, backed by a dynamic rushing attack that ranks second nationally.

 

With Whittingham heading to Michigan after the season, Morgan Scalley takes over for the bowl game.

 

Nebraska turns to freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, who now gets a pivotal chance to establish his future role.

 

Utah is eager to end a five-game bowl skid as kickoff approaches at 2:30 p.m. CT (12:30 p.m. PT) on ESPN.

 

Betty Willis