MGM Grand to Close Crush American Grill After Decade-Long Run as Circus Circus Ousts Food Court Operator

Crush American Grill will serve its final customers on September 12, 2026, ending more than 10 years at the MGM Grand. The modern-American restaurant, known for steaks, woodfired pizzas and shared small plates, opened in December 2013 in the space previously occupied by Michael Mina’s Nobu Tavern.

This marks the second high-profile independent restaurant exit from the MGM Grand this year. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen ended service on May 25 when its lease expired. Days later, the property permanently closed its long-running buffet on May 31. MGM Grand has not announced replacement tenants for any of these spaces.

Independent Restaurant and Buffet Exits at MGM Grand

Crush American Grill was part of the Morton Group portfolio developed by Michael Morton and Jenna Morton. The group also operates La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas and One Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels. The Morton Group has not announced whether Crush will be revived elsewhere. The closure announcement came less than two weeks after the couple told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that their 25-year-old son, Eli Morton, died following a battle with addiction. There is no indication the closure is connected to that event.

These departures align with a Strip-wide post-pandemic shift away from traditional all-you-can-eat dining, according to reporting by Casino.org News citing Vital Vegas.

Food Court Transition at Circus Circus

Circus Circus no longer has a food court after Big Top Eats was removed. Operator FGB Big Top LLC, also known as Feel Good Brands, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 16, 2026. The company owes Circus Circus about $2 million in delinquent rent.

Tony Ravelo of Ravelo Brands will assume food court operations. The company, which already runs Chico’s Tacos at the property and kept its Krispy Kreme stand open, plans to introduce eight new concepts starting in mid-October 2026. Two concepts will occupy each of the venue’s four counters. Feel Good Brands also operates the food courts at TI and Excalibur, both of which remain open.

Additional developments include Valencian Gold planning a larger reopening in the Arts District in 2027 focused on wood-fire paella and grilled items. Mothership Coffee Roaster will open its first Strip location at BLVD Las Vegas on January 1, 2027. Separately, Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill was closed by the Southern Nevada Health District on August 8, 2026, after a routine inspection found 18 violations.

Reporting: Casino.org News

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