Rio Hotel & Casino announced last week that it will join the food hall trend that has taken hold as Las Vegas’s resorts phase out their buffets. Replacing the Carnival World Buffet, Canteen Food Hall will open in January 2024, featuring a “dynamic lineup of first-to-market concepts and Las Vegas favorites.”
“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.,” Trevor Scherrer, President and C.E.O. of Rio Las Vegas, said in a press release. “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.”
In the coming weeks, What Now will take a closer look at several of the concepts opening in the new food hall.
Another new concept opening at Rio’s upcoming new food hall is Nama Nama. Nama Nama will offer street-food-style sushi choices “transport[ing] guests to the bustling streets and hidden alleyways of Tokyo.”
The new sushi concept comes from the team behind the Las Vegas Strip’s Tekka Bar, namely Oliver Wharton of A Perfect Bite Inc. and Takashi Segawa, a restaurateur famous for Monta Ramen, Kabuto, and Sushi Mon, who is bringing ramen restaurant Shogun Ramen to Canteen.
“Obsessed with providing the highest quality sushi experience, the restaurant is meant to capture the spirit of communal dining spaces and social atmosphere of street food stalls throughout Japan,” says a press release. “With a focus on fresh seafood and traditional Japanese flavors, the menu will feature made-to-order handrolls, cut rolls, poke bowls, nitro matcha and sake on-the-go.”
What Now reached out to Oliver Wharton on Tuesday to inquire further about Nama Nama’s menu offerings. Wharton was not immediately available for comment.
