The first casualty of SLS Las Vegas' identity crisis was its buffet, which was cut back to weekends-only in early October. It was closed permanently on Nov. 16, even though it supposedly "did well," according to management. "Apparently, the property plans to take advantage of the ‘slow’ winter season to revamp the space and make the buffet more attractive to locals, a demographic that SLS has struggled to resonate with since opening," reported LVA at the time. Three months later, there is no sign of a revamped buffet at SLS.
In late October, President Rob Oseland jumped ship for a project on the New Frontier site. Scott Kreeger, late of Atlantic City’s fatally troubled Revel, was whistled in to replace Oseland.
Meanwhile, near the gaming floor, other restaurants experienced a pruning of operating hours. The reputedly popular third party-owned Griddle Café found itself out entirely, replaced with 24-hour Northside Café. "While breakfast will still be served around the clock, more salads, burgers, sandwiches, street tacos, pastas, steak and seafood will be added. French-press coffee, fresh juices and cocktails remain," reported local food correspondent Susan Stapleton, who added that Ku Noodle might be next on the chopping block.
Foxtail nightclub is only open on Monday nights, not the optimal party time. "We’re offering an experience that is much more wholesome than just slot machines and table games. It’s nightlife, hospitality, spa, salon, entertainment and phenomenal food. Gaming is not the cornerstone of our financial model," said Kreeger to the Las Vegas Sun, sounding like the head of a property that hadn’t found its identity. "We think the buffet closure is going to be a temporary thing," Kreeger added, not auguring confidence.
He’s playing for time, counting on other developments at the intersection of Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard to lift his boat. Referring to MGM’s Resorts Festival Grounds, Kreeger said, "Visitor volume along the Strip is growing, and we’re very happy about our location. The ease of arrival is phenomenal. We’re happy where we are, and we think the surrounding area is going to grow and prosper in the coming years."
The Las Vegas Review-Journal has taken to routinely referring to the SLS’ casino operation as struggling. However, since the resort is privately held, there’s no telling how well – or poorly – it’s doing, except by reading the tea leaves every time a restaurant changes its schedule or by noting the sudden (and recent) appearance of SLS coupon books in local mailboxes.
