Published on: September 12, 2025, at 07:09h.
Updated on: September 16, 2025, at 06:41h.
Carlos’n Charlie’s is set to close its doors at the Flamingo, making way for new slot machines in early 2026.
This vibrant Mexican restaurant welcomes approximately 1,000 visitors daily, generating around $14 million in annual revenue. However, Caesars Entertainment believes that maximizing profits through gaming options outweighs the financial benefits of leasing restaurant space.
C’nC launched in April 2012 and quickly became a popular venue for bachelorette parties, wedding celebrations, and very relaxed dining experiences.
An insider memo released by Vital Vegas — the first to report on this situation on August 30 — stated that the restaurant’s owners maintain a valid lease until 2027, which includes an option for a five-year extension.
“Regrettably, the hotel management seems determined to end the lease prematurely,” the memo revealed. “Rest assured, we are exploring every possible avenue to ensure our continued presence at the Flamingo. We have always been dedicated, compliant tenants and firmly believe that Carlos’n Charlie’s is an essential part of the resort’s charm and energy.”
New Dining Developments
The acclaimed chef Bruce Kalman, a James Beard Award nominee, is expanding his restaurant SoulBelly BBQ. In addition to its existing location downtown, it will soon debut at the Miracle Eats food hall in Miracle Mile Shops next to Planet Hollywood, anticipated to open in Spring 2026 alongside several other new culinary options.
Chef James Trees is relocating Ada’s Food + Wine from Tivoli Village in Summerlin to his first establishment Esther’s Kitchen at 1130 S. Casino Blvd. downtown. Trees is merging this former location with two additional retail spaces to create a 4,500 square-foot venue featuring a 925 square-foot terrace. Additionally, he is working on High Steaks Vegas, a new steakhouse replacing VooDoo Steak at the Rio.
Leoncito (translated as Little Lion) will say goodbye on September 28 after less than two years at the Red Rock Resort, previously occupied by Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar. The restaurant’s owners, Wish You Were Here Group, announced the closure in a joint statement with Station Casinos, citing an “ongoing culinary refresh,” without providing further details.
Sourdough & Co. is set to launch its inaugural Las Vegas Strip location this fall at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. This popular sandwich chain operates 80 establishments across the nation, including two existing locations in Las Vegas: one at 8164 Las Vegas Blvd. South (adjacent to the Town Square mall) and another at 10575 S. Eastern Ave. in Henderson.
Health Updates
The Court Café, located at 1030 E. Flamingo Road near UNLV, faced temporary closure by the Southern Nevada Health Department (SNHD) on September 10 after accumulating 20 demerits during a routine inspection. Violations included pest issues, improper food temperatures, and inadequate cleaning practices.
Bangkok Street Food, situated at 4215 Spring Mountain Road in Chinatown, was also closed temporarily on September 9 with 27 demerits for violations such as spoiled food, cross-contamination, and improper sanitization.
On the same day, SNHD shut down Sabor Latino, located at 1305 Las Vegas Valley Drive in West Las Vegas, due to 12 demerits stemming from cross-contamination and inadequate pest control.
Laos Thai Street Food, located at 860 E. Twain Ave. #121 near UNLV, faced a temporary closure on September 2 after receiving 33 demerits for issues like pest infestations and improper food storage temperatures.