New NvRA Chair John Iannucci Named One of 2025’s “Fascinating Faces” | | The Nevada Restaurant Association has appointed John Iannucci, CEO of Mas Mex Restaurants, as its new Board Chair, marking a pivotal moment for Nevada’s hospitality industry. Officially appointed last week, Iannucci brings over 20 years of executive experience leading major brands including Logan’s Roadhouse, Max Brenner, Carmine’s, BJ’s, and The Cheesecake Factory, and currently serves as COO of Shari’s, Coco’s, and Carrows Restaurants. Known for his results-driven leadership and focus on people development, Iannucci has built a reputation for driving growth through culture, innovation, and mentorship. He was recently elected to the Restaurant Leadership Advisory Council and named a brand ambassador for Winsight, where he’ll advocate nationally for restaurant leaders and policy progress. Featured in Glancer Magazine’s “15 Fascinating Faces of the Year,” his rise from bussing tables to leading multistate restaurant groups embodies his philosophy: “Go do it. Every act of kindness matters.” | | Thanksgiving Restaurant Reservations Surge 13% | |
Rising grocery prices and supply disruptions are changing how Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. With food costs up due to tariffs and extreme weather, many households are finding restaurant dining a simpler—and increasingly competitive—option. OpenTable reports Thanksgiving reservations up 13% from last year, while catering platform Olo saw nearly double the number of large orders. Families are trading hours in the kitchen for stress-free dining, as restaurants respond with special prix fixe menus, takeout feasts, and flexible pricing that appeal to both convenience seekers and cost-conscious diners.
Although dining out remains more expensive than cooking at home, the gap is narrowing as grocery inflation outpaces restaurant price growth. Chains and independents alike are leveraging this shift, positioning holiday dining as both a treat and a practical choice. For operators, the trend signals an opportunity to capture new guests and showcase hospitality at a time when consumers are rethinking traditions. Whether dining in or taking out, more Americans are letting restaurants take the lead in setting the holiday table.
| | Calling All Culinary & Hospitality Professionals! | | |
The Nevada Restaurant Association is recruiting judges for the 2026 Nevada ProStart State Invitational taking place on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, where high school culinary and management students showcase their skills in real-world competition. We’re seeking chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, educators, and industry professionals to provide meaningful feedback and help inspire the next generation of talent.
If you’re interested in serving as a judge, please complete our short interest form: here
| | AI Is Redefining the Restaurant Labor Model | | At a Las Vegas industry panel, executives from Taco Bell and Jack in the Box described how artificial intelligence is transforming restaurant operations — from scheduling and inventory management to food ordering and late-night staffing. Leaders said AI’s greatest potential lies in optimizing labor efficiency, reducing burnout, and improving guest service. “We’re not cutting people; we’re using data to put the right person in the right place,” said Jack in the Box CTO Doug Cook. Taco Bell executives added that AI is already helping general managers anticipate staffing needs, predict rushes, and adjust menus in real time. Both chains said the technology could soon enable one-click scheduling and personalized labor models for every store — reshaping how restaurants balance costs with service in a tight labor market. | | |
Allegiant Named Top-Grossing U.S. Venue
Allegiant Stadium topped Billboard’s list of U.S. stadiums for gross event revenue in 2025, earning an impressive $281 million from concerts, sports, and live entertainment. The venue hosted major acts such as Beyoncé, Coldplay, Post Malone, and Billy Joel, alongside record-breaking events like WrestleMania 41 and the Canelo–Crawford championship fight. Stadium and tourism officials said the milestone reflects Las Vegas’ growing dominance in large-scale entertainment, with Allegiant now ranked second worldwide behind London’s O2 Arena. The success underscores how the stadium has become a cornerstone of Las Vegas’ economy—boosting tourism, creating jobs, and drawing millions of visitors for live experiences that blend sports, music, and spectacle. With another packed lineup slated for 2026, Allegiant continues to reinforce Las Vegas’ reputation as the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.
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F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Exceeds Expectations
The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix drew record attendance and a surge in global viewership, with 1.5 million U.S. TV viewers—up 68% from last year, according to ESPN. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) credited the event’s success to international exposure, high-profile sponsorships, and a star-studded guest list of celebrities who shared race moments with a combined social media reach of nearly 2 billion followers. LVCVA President Steve Hill called the race’s second year “a breakthrough moment” that exceeded expectations and fast-tracked talks for a long-term extension through 2032. Officials are already exploring infrastructure upgrades to reduce disruption, including a permanent pedestrian bridge at Flamingo and Koval and new lighting systems to streamline race prep. The Grand Prix’s success cements Las Vegas as a premier stop on the global F1 circuit and a critical driver of tourism during a challenging economic year.
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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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Optimize your management and staff performance
Make your team members' jobs more meaningful and rewarding by building their confidence and improving their skills
- Dozens of courses and micro-training videos for managers and staff
- Hundreds of templates & checklists to standardize your systems
- Learn best practices from other successful independent owners
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Train With Us: ServSafe
Nevada requires one person on each shift to be certified for answer questions from an inspector. A ServSafe certification is recommended for managers, cooks, front-line employees or the shift PIC (designated person in charge). NvRA has best-in-class training online or in the classroom. The program is ANSI-certified and available in multiple languages. Sign up for one of our next classes.
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Restaurant Law Center: Advocating for Your Business
The Restaurant Law Center provides legal advocacy and resources to help restaurants navigate complex regulations and protect their operations. From labor laws to compliance guidance, they ensure our industry’s voice is heard in the courts and beyond. NvRA members can access expert resources, legal insights, and updates to stay informed and empowered.
📞 Phone: (202) 331-5913
📧 Email: aamador@restaurant.org
Learn more at RestaurantLawCenter.org.
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Please note, the NvRA does not render, imply or offer legal advice at any time. Nothing on this page should be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. Information and resources are provided as communication for our members to help keep them apprised of issues and to help them make their own informed decisions. We strongly recommend members seek legal advice from their company representatives when needed.
Nevada Restaurant Association
www.nvrestaurants.com
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