We asked 20 Las Vegas professionals, "Does las Vegas promote its restaurants?"
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“We can always do more, but I feel that Las Vegas’ world-class restaurants are very well promoted. Visitors know that the restaurant scene has become a huge part of the Vegas experience.”
Steve Benjamin, executive chef, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
“Absolutely. There has been a push to put emphasis on the tremendous dining experiences and great chefs in Vegas. People recognize their importance to the overall entertainment experience.”
Shawn McClain, executive chef, Sage
“Traditional promotions for restaurants have evolved. We actively use tools such as Twitter and Facebook to inform the public about our restaurant. The old saying that a satisfied guest will tell two to three friends about his great experience now has a different dimension.”
Ivo Agelov, general manager, Le Cirque
“You can never have too much promotion, but thanks to our celebrity chefs garnering publicity, the resorts advertising their prize eateries, the Internet and the LVCVA, word is out about our world-class restaurants.”
Jackie Brett, public relations specialist, Brett’s Vegas View
“Las Vegas has become a culinary Mecca that rivals other cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Our chefs, their restaurants and their many accolades are promoted and featured quite prominently.”
Tom Dietz, dayclub marketing manager, Marquee nightclub and dayclub
“Since Las Vegas restaurants and celebrity chefs are huge attractions, Vegas has been smart to promote them heavily. The Bon Appetit and Uncork’d events every year have also given us worldwide notoriety.
Barbra Jo Batterman, makeup artist
“Yes, I’m always pleased with the Web pages and ads.”
Bob Walters, owner, Bob’s Grill
“Absolutely. People come from all over the world just to eat in Vegas. Locals who skip the Strip are missing out.”
Brock Radke, Las Vegas food writer
“Vegas sometimes under-promotes the amazing restaurants that have sprouted up here. “
Jon Perry, sr. vp/partner, Sting Alarm, Inc.
"Between celebrity chefs having their own restaurants and opportunities to showcase the city, like the M has had on national platforms like Top Chef and Martha Stewart Radio, Las Vegas is becoming top-of-mind as a culinary destination."
Anthony Layton-Matthews, cice President of food and beverage, M Resort
“We provide fresh seafood on the Strip and I’ve noticed an increase in the promotion of restaurants here. ”
Rick Hergott, CEO, Hergott Trading Company
“Las Vegas is a great PR town. I think the reputation it has developed for dining of all types is outstanding.”
Jim Rees, owner, Hash House a Go Go
“Absolutely. Las Vegas has some of the very best PR people in the country. They see to it that high profile journalists not only visit but enjoy the best dining experiences.”
Jennifer Hansen, communications specialist, NV Energy
“The individual venues and hotels in Vegas promote themselves much better than the city itself does. Sin City’s sex and party schtick really should include the food, too.”
Jonathan Segal, CEO, The One Group
“Yes. The world-class restaurants get great publicity through food-oriented TV programing and travel reviews.”
Marc Ehrlich, president, Hi Rise Living, LLC
“I don’t think so. I think there needs to be more of a home-grown, made-in-Las Vegas atmosphere to the LVCVA’s messages. Back in the ’80s ‘Made in the USA’ was huge and it made people feel proud about buying products within this country.”
Rick Aco, owner, Samosa Factory
“I never see anything in the LVCVA’s national ads about local restaurants. They always focus on Bobby Flay or Wolfgang Puck, but I’ve never seen any spot like, ‘Check out all the great restaurants that aren’t in hotels.’”
Dwayne Dawson, Summerlin resident
“Yes. If you’re a foodie, you know great restaurants are right here in Las Vegas. If you’re not a foodie, the advertising isn’t for you anyway.”
April Corbin, web content editor, LasVegasWeekly.com
“Yes. They have their photos up on all the websites and a lot of the chefs are on the Food Newtork, which gives them exposure.”
Jason DeCroo, photographer, Red Bull