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 also includes La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas and One Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Its shutdown marks the second high-profile departure 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. Just days later, on May 31, MGM Grand permanently closed its long-running buffet, reflecting a Strip-wide post-pandemic shift away from traditional dining concepts.

MGM Grand has not yet announced replacement tenants for any of the three shuttered spaces, nor has the Morton Group indicated whether Crush will reopen elsewhere.

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 brand new concepts.

Two are planned to occupy each of the venue’s four counters when the food court reopens 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 early 2027.

Chef-owner Jeffrey Weiss says the expanded space will focus on wood-fire paella, charcoal-grilled seafood, vibrant vegetable dishes, a dedicated tapas bar, and Spanish cocktails.

Meanwhile, local favorite Mothership Coffee Roasters is making its Strip debut on Jan. 1, 2027. The new cafe will be located at BLVD Las Vegas, neighboring In-N-Out and Netflix House.

Health to Pay

The Southern Nevada Health District closed Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, located at 5070 Blue Diamond Road in Las Vegas, on Aug. 8, 2026, following 18 health violations during a routine inspection.