SOL Mexican Cocina, an upscale restaurant that quickly gained a reputation for its Baja-inspired cuisine, is closing its doors at Caesars Palace on September 30, less than two years after opening. Located in the prestigious Forum Shops, the spot had previously housed a Border Grill until May 2018. The closure, which leaves 70 employees in limbo, was formally announced through a document submitted to the state of Nevada by FM Restaurants HQ, LLC. This move complies with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which mandates a 90-day notice for significant layoffs.
Despite the impending closure, there has been no public announcement or explanation for the decision on the eatery’s social media channels, managed by the Xperience Restaurant Group. However, common wisdom around Las Vegas suggests that such shutdowns are usually the result of underperforming business. The Xperience Restaurant Group, which operates other SOL locations, maintains a presence in Playa Vista, Newport Beach, Denver, Scottsdale, Irvine, and New York. Additionally, a new Boston location is on the horizon.
In related news, Il Toro E La Capra, a MexItalian fusion restaurant owned by Javier Barajas, is set to host an event that will draw national attention. Located at 6435 South Decatur Blvd., the eatery will serve as the venue for a noon-time speaking engagement by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on August 23. Trump is expected to discuss his “no taxes on tips” policy during the event, although public attendance appears restricted, as it is not listed among the campaign’s scheduled rallies.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas dining scene is experiencing several changes. Gjelina, lauded for its farm-to-table cuisine in Manhattan and LA, is reportedly establishing a new location at the Venetian as part of the resort’s $1.5 billion renovation. Wynn’s La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway will reopen on August 21 following a three-month refurbishment, with reservations now being accepted. Vice Versa Patio & Lounge at Vdara is slated for future renovations. The Boathouse Asian Eatery at Palace Station casino will serve its last meal on September 1, to be replaced by Chinatown favorite China Mama.
Adding to the industry’s shifts, The Donut Hole, which had briefly set up shop at 124 S. 6th Street downtown earlier this year, has closed. The space had formerly housed the Donut Bar from 2016 to 2023. Despite its short tenure, the parent company, Carl’s Donuts and Pastries, continues its longstanding operation at 3170 Sunset Road. In a similar vein, the Chicken Shack at 4412 N. Rancho Drive was shut down by the Southern Nevada Health District on August 12 due to accumulating 30 demerits.
