Published on: January 4, 2025, 06:28h. 

Last updated on: January 4, 2025, 06:36h.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand, the eponymous establishment of one of the world’s most renowned chefs, has been shuttered following a routine inspection conducted by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) on Jan 2 that revealed multiple concerning findings.

The hot line (where hot food is cooked) and prep kitchen (where ingredients are prepared) were the main areas of concern, receiving 16 and 15 demerits, respectively, while all other units received 0-3 demerits.

Both units were cited for lack of “effective pest control measures” and failure to “protect food from potential cross-contamination by employees and consumers.”

The hot line was docked points for not maintaining “food at proper temperatures,” while the prep kitchen was faulted for improper handling of food thawing and cooling, washing fruits and vegetables prior to preparation, appropriate identification, storage, and use of chemicals, and adequate cleaning and sanitization of food contact surfaces of equipment.

The restaurant, along with four other related food service operations including the bar, server station, butcher shop, and exhibition kitchen, also received violations.

Altogether, the SNHD assigned 42 demerits to the Wolfgang Puck’s MGM Grand establishment. The SNHD mandates closure of facilities with 41 demerits or more, or if an imminent health hazard is observed during inspection.

What the Puck?

Puck, aged 75, was the pioneer celebrity chef to establish a restaurant in Las Vegas. His renowned Spago at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in 1992 marked a turning point when the Strip was known for inexpensive buffets.

Puck’s MGM Grand eatery, launched in July 2023, became the fifth addition to his Vegas culinary empire, following Spago (relocated to Bellagio in 2018), Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Crystals at CityCenter in 2010, Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina at Crystals at CityCenter in 2011, and Lupo by Wolfgang Puck at Mandalay Bay in 2013.

Typically, SNHD’s record of restaurant closures includes lesser-known establishments patronized mainly by locals. However, occasionally a prominent Strip property is listed like in this case.

In a previous incident in September, a room service kitchen at Bellagio, also an MGM Resorts property, faced closure due to violations such as inappropriate disposal of “sewage or liquid waste.”

For a major casino entity like MGM Resorts — which co-owns the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill with the chef — a shutdown by the health department is as humiliating as one imposed by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Resolving all infractions becomes a top priority, staff changes occur discreetly, and a follow-up inspection by SNHD within 1-2 days usually results in an “A” rating, removing the stain from the establishment’s reputation on the SNHD’s website.

The MGM Grand’s website advertises reservations available at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill starting 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6.

A public relations representative for MGM Grand did not respond to inquiries from Casino.org.