VEGAS DINING NEWS: Crush at MGM Grand and Circus Circus Food Court Close

Crush American Grill — the longtime modern‑American restaurant known for its steaks, woodfired pizzas and shared small plates — will shutter after more than 10 years at the MGM Grand. Its final guests will be served on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Crush opened in December 2013 as part of Michael and Jenna Morton’s Morton Group portfolio, which now also includes La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas and One Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels.

Crush marks the second high‑profile exit of an independent restaurant from MGM Grand this year. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, operated by the Jonas family, ended service on May 25 when its lease expired — a closure that coincided with the group’s broader retreat from Las Vegas.

Days later, MGM Grand permanently closed its long‑running buffet on May 31, part of a Strip‑wide post‑pandemic shift away from traditional all‑you‑can‑eat dining.

MGM Grand has not yet announced replacement tenants for Crush, Nellie’s or its shuttered buffet area, and the Morton Group has not announced whether Crush will be revived elsewhere.

The closure’s announcement comes less than two weeks after Michael and Jenna Morton told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that their 25-year-old son, Eli Morton, died in Las Vegas following a battle with addiction, though there is no indication that the closure is connected to the tragedy.

Big Topless

There is no longer a food court at Circus Circus. Big Top Eats was tossed from the tent, according to Vital Vegas, taking with it Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Pick Up Stix. The company operated the food court, FGB Big Top LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 16, 2026.

“FGB” stands for Feel Good Brands. It owes Circus Circus about $2 million in delinquent rent, Vital Vegas reports, which can’t feel too good.

The good news, according to Vital Vegas, is that a new food court operator, Tony Ravelo of Ravelo Brands — which already operates Chico’s Tacos at the property and worked out a deal to keep its Krispy Kreme stand open — plans to bring in eight new concepts. Two will occupy each of the venue’s four counters starting in mid-October 2026.

Feel Good Brands also operates the food courts at TI and Excalibur. Both of those remain open.

Dining Ins & Outs

Valencian Gold is mounting a comeback. The paella‑driven concept, which debuted on South Rainbow Boulevard in 2019 as a fast‑casual spot before evolving into a full‑service tapas and live‑fire restaurant in 2021, plans to reopen in the Arts District in 2027. Chef‑owner Jeffrey Weiss says the new version will be larger and built around wood‑fire paella, charcoal‑grilled seafood and meats, vibrant vegetables, a tapas bar, and Spanish cocktails.

Mothership Coffee Roaster, a Las Vegas brand beloved by locals, will open its first Strip location at BLVD Las Vegas, next to In-N-Out and Netflix House on Jan. 1, 2027.

Health to Pay

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill at 5070 Blue Diamond Road in Blue Diamond, was closed by the Southern Nevada Health District during a routine inspection on Aug. 8, 2026 for 18 violations.