In a significant shift at the MGM Grand, the celebrity-backed barbecue restaurant International Smoke has announced its closure after five years of operation. The eatery, known for its innovative take on global barbecue flavors, first opened its doors in December 2019. Chef Michael Mina and television personality Ayesha Curry collaborated to bring this culinary concept from San Francisco to Las Vegas. The restaurant will serve its final dinner on January 19th, marking the end of an era for wood-fired steaks, seafood, and ribs that delighted patrons with their international flair.

The Journey of International Smoke at MGM Grand

During the vibrant holiday season of 2019, Ayesha Curry, alongside renowned chef Michael Mina, introduced International Smoke to the bustling MGM Grand. This venture transformed Mina’s former Pub 1842 space into a hub of culinary innovation. The restaurant embraced a “more is more” philosophy, offering an eclectic menu that featured smoked Peri-Peri chicken, Korean-style pork ribs, and bone-in cowboy ribeye, among other dishes. In conjunction with the release of Mina’s cookbook My Egypt, the restaurant also introduced a prix fixe menu with Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like babaganoush, saffron-infused salmon, and cinnamon-spiced rice pudding.

The closure of International Smoke follows a series of changes at MGM Grand. Earlier, the resort announced the closing of Avenue Cafe to make room for Netflix Bites, a pop-up restaurant inspired by popular Netflix titles, set to open in early 2025. Despite this loss, fans of Mina’s cuisine can still enjoy his offerings at Bourbon Steak, which recently debuted at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, featuring dry-aged tomahawk steaks and duck-fat fries.

For now, the future plans for the International Smoke space remain undisclosed, leaving many to speculate about what exciting new culinary experiences might soon grace the MGM Grand dining scene.

Reflections on the Closure

From a journalist's perspective, the closure of International Smoke highlights the ever-evolving nature of the hospitality industry, especially in a dynamic city like Las Vegas. It serves as a reminder that even successful ventures must adapt to changing trends and market demands. For food enthusiasts, it underscores the importance of cherishing unique dining experiences while they last. While the departure of International Smoke may be bittersweet, it opens the door for new and exciting culinary adventures at MGM Grand, ensuring that the resort continues to offer world-class dining options for its visitors.