Las Vegas’ Rio Hotel and Casino has unveiled plans to open a new culinary marketplace next year, according to a local news report. The Canteen Food Hall will occupy what used to be the Carnival World Buffet.
The Rio issued a media release stating that the new dining area is scheduled to open in January. The company described the marketplace as a “dynamic lineup of first-to-market concepts and Las Vegas favorites that invite locals and visitors alike to explore, indulge and savor in a lively dining experience.”
Guests will soon have access to Tony Luke’s, which serves Philadelphia cheesesteaks and a Sonoran-style burrito restaurant.
Along with adding the Canteen Food Hall, Rio is updating its 150,000-square-foot casino floor, 220,000-square-foot-meeting space and the pool deck, as well as its 2,500 suites.
Rio Las Vegas President and CEO Trevor Scherrer shared with local news additional details behind the food hall.
He said, “When we started planning the revitalization of the resort, one of the first things we wanted to deliver was an approachable yet exciting dining destination that appealed to a wide variety of people, much like the Carnival World Buffet did back in its heyday.
“With a balanced mix of familiar favorites and some amazing first-to-market concepts, Canteen Food Hall is going to be a lively space where vibrant flavors and approachable cuisine unite. Our partners behind each of these restaurants have been nothing short of exceptional in their commitment to create food experiences that represent the future Rio, and we are excited to introduce them to our guests.”
Dreamscape acquired Rio at the end of 2019 from Caesars Entertainment for $516.3m. As part of the deal, Dreamscape leased its operations back to Caesars for a four-year term while the company prepared its renovation plans.
As part of the changes as Rio, the hotel and casino has also introduced a new Rio Rewards Program, as well as cancelled upcoming shows at its entertainment venue, The Duomo, which will close.