Las Vegas Sets Record with 14 James Beard Award Nominations, Showcasing Its Culinary Rise

Las Vegas made history this week with 14 semifinalists in the 2026 James Beard Awards, the city’s largest showing ever and a major milestone for its dining scene. Rising star Ellie Parker, 26, executive chef of Main St. Provisions and current Hell’s Kitchen finalist, was nominated for Emerging Chef, while Elizabeth Blau of Honey Salt earned a nod for Outstanding Restaurateur. The Best Chef: Southwest category featured six local talents, including Brian Howard (Sparrow + Wolf), Jamie Tran (Black Sheep), and Yuri Szarzewski (Partage). Tamba was recognized for Best New Restaurant, Ada’s for its wine program, and Mariena Mercer Boarini of Wynn Las Vegas for Outstanding Cocktail Service. The record number of nominations underscores Las Vegas’s growing reputation as a world-class culinary capital.

Restaurant Industry Braces for Slow Growth and Uneven Recovery in 2026

Restaurant leaders are entering 2026 with cautious optimism after years of volatility, inflation, and uneven consumer confidence. Chains like TGI Fridays, which spent 2025 restructuring debt and closing underperforming stores, are now betting on expansion—if the economy stabilizes. Analysts predict modest real growth of about 1% this year, helped by stronger stock markets and larger tax returns from the Big Beautiful Bill, but spending will likely remain split between income groups. Wealthier consumers are expected to drive demand while lower-income households tighten budgets amid rising insurance costs and reduced benefits. Executives at major brands say value and affordability remain key to weathering slow traffic and shifting consumer habits. With price sensitivity still high and deep discounting continuing across the sector, operators are focused on controlling labor costs, maintaining guest loyalty, and finding steady ground in what looks to be another year of uneven recovery and cautious resilience.

Supreme Court Delays Decision on Trump Tariff Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to issue a ruling Tuesday on President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, leaving one of the administration’s most consequential economic disputes unresolved. The challenge—centered on the legality of tariffs imposed under the One Big Beautiful Bill and existing trade authorities—could have sweeping financial implications. A ruling against the president could trigger more than $130 billion in refunds for affected importers and industries. The Court’s next opportunity to issue a decision is expected in February, extending uncertainty for businesses that rely on international trade and supply chains already strained by tariff volatility.

Join us for Burgers & Blankets as we come together to provide 250 meals, blankets and beverages to those in need at The CARE Complex Downtown

🗓 January 24 | ⏰ 2PM–4PM

Meet at McDonalds at 12:30p, everyone buys a bag of burgers to handout. We kindly ask to bring blankets to donate.

Head down to The CARE Complex Downtown on Las Vegas Blvd and Foremaster Lane (Just outside downtown LV).

At the end, everyone will take a group photo with myvegas magazine, and it will be added in the magazine with all the companies that participated. 

📧 Contact: smichl@nvrestaurants.com | 702.749.6664

📦 Drop-off donations at The CARE Complex or Nevada Restaurant Association

Join Us at the 2026 Restaurants Act Public Affairs Conference

The Restaurants Act Public Affairs Conference is the restaurant industry’s largest grassroots advocacy event — uniting operators from across the country to influence policy and protect the future of foodservice. This is your chance to join Nevada’s delegation in Washington, D.C., meet directly with lawmakers, and ensure your voice is heard on the issues that impact your business every day.

Before heading to Capitol Hill, participants will receive full briefings and advocacy training. Key topics this year include:

• Swipe Fee Reform — Support the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act to lower transaction fees, enhance payment security, and save businesses and consumers an estimated $17 billion annually.
• Trade and Food Costs — Oppose new tariffs and protect trade provisions with Mexico and Canada that stabilize supply chains and prevent higher food prices.
• Workforce and Immigration — Advocate for comprehensive reform to help restaurants hire and retain the talent they need to thrive.

Learn more here and to join Nevada’s delegation, contact info@nvrestaurants.com

We're thrilled to announce that we've partnered with Human Interest, a leading 401(k) provider for small and medium-sized businesses, to enhance your benefit offerings with an affordable and accessible retirement plan.

As you may know, NEST will now require businesses with SIX employees to offer a retirement plan. This partnership ensures you have a straightforward way to stay compliant and avoid state penalties. Human Interest helps significantly reduce the burden of managing a 401(k) plan through easy setup, streamlined administration, comprehensive recordkeeping, and smooth employee onboarding.

Providing healthcare benefits to employees in the hospitality industry is difficult and expensive with high turnaround and small margins.

Offer your employees the FREE Optum Perks Pharmacy Card, a pharmacy drug savings program that offers free coupons and discounts for thousands of prescriptions at pharmacies.

Optum Perks isn’t insurance, so you can use your card each time you fill a prescription. It’s 100% free to use, and can be used instead of insurance when co-pays are too high or medications are no longer covered by insurance.

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