Wicked Whispers + Racy Rumors: James Dean and Bettie Page restaurants
Two new themed restaurants are headed here. The first will be a James Dean-themed restaurant, and it will be followed by a Bettie Page-themed eatery. Drawings for both have been completed, with the James Dean venue targeted for this year and Bettie Page for 2018.
* Plans are afoot to open a live stage show of CW’s hit series “Masters of Illusion” at Jubilee Theater at Bally’s now that it appears that Chinese investor plans to launch a topless show there have run into difficulties.
*After five years at the head of Hakkasan Group, Neil Moffitt confirmed that he stepped down from his role as CEO on Monday. The decision follows weeks of speculation of a proposed merger with SBE (SLS Las Vegas, Hyde Bellagio, Cleo, Katsuya, Bazaar), a move that would see the two companies create one of the most powerful global players in hospitality.
Neil decided to liquidate his interests in Hakkasan before the closing, and they have been acquired by the current shareholder. Said Neil in a news release: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last five years, as we have transformed our company from the hopeful and ambitious nightlife group we once were to an extraordinary global hospitality corporation with more than 60 nightlife, daylife and dining venues spanning four continents.
“With over 6,000 extremely talented employees worldwide, the business is now primed for continued success and ready to move into its next exciting phase of development.” COO and President Nick McCabe succeeds Neil and said that he’ll continue its aggressive growth trajectory, pursue further business development and oversee the company’s portfolio of dining and nightlife. He also will lead Hakkasan Group through the proposed merger with SBE.
* 2012 Miss Nevada USA Jade Kelsall placed second in Saturday’s Jay Cutler Desert Classic at The Hard Rock Hotel.
* This year’s San Gennaro Feast will go on despite the loss of its leader, Tony Sacca, who died Jan. 30. The feast is May 10-14 at Craig Ranch Park with Kelly Clinton-Holmes, Eddie Tully Jr., Phil Battaglia, Denise Clemente, Mark Giovi, Michael Monge and The Saccettes (Amanda Kaiser, Nellie Norris and Joelle Righetti) honoring Tony with bandleader Gary Anderson. Tony was the host and main act every night for 32 years. Eddie will host the nightly DJ dance party.
* Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will be presented with new $6,500 KISS-branded carbon-fiber pro-racing bikes by Milan Skrecek of Sciacallo Bikes while in Laughlin for shows. It’s the first bike licensed by a rock group. KISS by Monster Mini Golf owner Christina Vitagliano, who runs Gene’s Axe Bass, displays GSAxe Petting Zoo on Friday ahead of the Saturday concert.
* Billy Idol has extended his run at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay through October.
