I see that the Hawaiian Marketplace and surrounding facilities – the motel to its north and the strip mall to its south – are permanently closed. Any idea what's going on?
You’re correct: The ill-conceived and, ultimately, ill-fated Hawaiian Marketplace, along with the adjacent Cable Center gift shops, Boulevard Food Court, and Travelodge motel are all closed (Smokey’s Bistro & Bar remains in business, at least it was the last time we checked).
A New York investment company, Gindi Capital, purchased Hawaiian Marketplace, Cable Center, and some adjacent property, just under 10 acres in all, for $172 million in 2019. At the time, Gindi announced plans to develop a “retail, entertainment, and dining” property — in other words, more of the same, though presumably in a newer setting.
Of course, the pandemic intervened, but Gindi seems to fly far below the radar; the first indication that anything was happening was when the whole place shut down and the investment firm has so far declined to comment.
The 60-year-old Travelodge was bought in late April by Tilman Fertitta, of Landry’s and Golden Nugget fame, a portion of six acres he picked up for $270 million (a mere $45 million per acre). The Travelodge closed less than 10 weeks later, perhaps indicating that Fertitta plans to move a little more quickly than Gindi with his announced plans to build an “upscale” hotel-casino.
Hear what Anthony has to say on the subject by clicking on the arrow below; it's at the 6:58 mark. But if you haven't seen this week's YouTube update, you can also hear Anthony and Andrew discuss the World Series of Poker, including the (ignominious) story of A.C.'s single appearance at the Main Event, along with news about a big new arcade (dubbed, creatively, Arcade) at Bally's, the Bellagio Buffet lowering prices, and much much more.
