Published on: November 14, 2025, 10:37h.
Updated on: November 14, 2025, 10:39h.
Authorities in Las Vegas have reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at Piero’s Italian Cuisine on Thursday evening. This renowned dining venue has been associated with both recent and historical criminal activities.
The restaurant was closed at the time of the explosion, which was only reported to the authorities approximately eight hours later, when a cleaning crew arrived to begin their shift.
Law enforcement is on the lookout for two male suspects, dressed in black, with one reportedly arriving at the restaurant on a scooter. Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated at a press conference that the IED ignited, burned for several minutes, and then detonated, inflicting unknown damage to the establishment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with local police’s hazards and counterterrorism units, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are currently investigating the incident.
Piero’s is owned by prominent Las Vegas businessman Stephen Siegel and his spouse, Judi Perez Siegel. The couple, who also manages the Siegel Suites extended-stay hotel chain and local eateries Bagelmania and Pinkbox Doughnuts, took over the establishment in May from its previous owner.
Disturbing Connections
The original Piero’s was established in 1982 by Freddie Glusman at 3555 S. Karen Avenue, but was relocated to its current site, the former Villa D’Este Italian Restaurant at 355 Convention Center Drive, in 1987.
Previously, when it was the Villa D‘Este, the restaurant was allegedly owned by Chicago mob affiliate Joe Pignatello and frequented by notorious mafia figures such as Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro and Herbert “Fat Herbie” Blitzstein, both of whom later met violent ends.
This notorious past contributed to Piero’s portrayal in the 1995 film “Casino.”
In a more recent event, former NYPD detectives Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa were arrested at Piero’s on March 9, 2005, while attempting to dine after being implicated for acting as secret assassins for the Lucchese crime family.
The duo was found guilty of multiple charges, including eight counts of murder and conspiracy, leading to Eppolito receiving a life sentence plus 100 years, while Caracappa was sentenced to life plus 80 years, along with individual fines of $4 million.
Unfinished Business
Earlier this April, Evan Glusman, Freddie’s son and the previous operations manager of the restaurant, was arrested for allegedly making threats to shoot the premises.
His arrest report revealed that he had fraudulently taken out a $1.5 million loan against the restaurant by claiming ownership while only serving as the operational manager. Upon discovering this, Freddie terminated Evan’s employment.
This led Evan to allegedly send a concerning text message: “I hope you realize I’m drinking and I’m going home to get a gun and fucking kill them in the middle of Piero’s,” as detailed in his arrest documentation.
Evan was arrested on suspicion of making threats and harassment. He later entered a no-contest plea to a reduced charge of harassment in Las Vegas Justice Court, receiving a stayed adjudication that means no formal conviction will be recorded, provided he meets certain court conditions.