The Hat Announces Expansion to Las Vegas

Categories: Business NewsConstructionNewsRestaurant

The Hat is set to bring delicious pastrami dishes to Las Vegas with its new location.

News Summary

The Hat, a beloved pastrami restaurant from Southern California, is set to open its first Las Vegas location in spring 2026. Construction is underway for the new eatery located at 6239 South Rainbow Boulevard, featuring a drive-thru and outdoor patio. This expansion reflects a growing trend of regional chains entering the Las Vegas market, enhancing the city’s diverse dining scene among other upcoming restaurant openings in the area.

Las Vegas – The Hat, a well-loved pastrami restaurant chain hailing from Southern California, is set to expand to Las Vegas, with plans for a grand opening scheduled for spring 2026. The announcement, made via an Instagram teaser, marks a significant step for the popular eatery, which has been planning its Vegas debut since 2019.

Construction for the new 4,122-square-foot restaurant is currently underway at 6239 South Rainbow Boulevard. The forthcoming location will include a drive-thru and an outdoor patio, catering to both quick-service and casual dining experiences for its anticipated clientele.

The Hat has been serving a variety of pastrami dishes since its inception in California in 1951, well known for its pastrami dips, burgers, turkey sandwiches, and crispy onion rings. The expansion to Las Vegas aligns with a notable trend of regional fast food favorites establishing themselves in the city. Other notable chains like Zaxby’s and Bojangles have also made similar moves in recent years.

The decision to open at South Rainbow Boulevard was first announced in 2019, as part of a larger culinary growth spurt taking place in Las Vegas. This area has become increasingly attractive to food chains looking to capitalize on the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Additional Restaurant Developments

In addition to The Hat, several other restaurant openings are anticipated in Las Vegas. Chubby Skewers, a late-night Chinese barbecue establishment, will be making its debut on June 18, offering Dongbei-style barbecue from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Pastramen, a unique Japanese-Italian pop-up restaurant, is extending its run at Bar Zazu at Resorts World through July 12, highlighting the diverse culinary options available in the area.

Moreover, BrewDog’s UnderDog Beer Hall is set to open on June 12, located underneath its rooftop brewpub along the Strip. The recent opening of Baguette Café’s new downtown location on May 22 further emphasizes the growth of various dining concepts in Las Vegas.

This summer also marks the introduction of Cocina Leticia’s by Chef Leticia Mitchell at Boulder Station, taking the place of a previously closed Guadalajara restaurant, infusing more variety into the local dining mix. Other notable openings include New York’s Zero Bond members’ club and Sartiano’s Italian Steakhouse, which are expected to launch at Wynn Las Vegas this winter, adding a New York social scene flavor to the Strip. High-profile chef Alfred Portale is expected to take a culinary director role at Sartiano’s, further raising the profile of this new dining venue.

Expanding Food Culture in Las Vegas

The city has become a hotspot for food halls as well, with venues like Via Via in the Venetian Resort recently opening, featuring popular options such as Howlin’ Ray’s and Ivan Ramen. This wave of new restaurants and food concepts underscores Las Vegas’s emergence as a premier culinary destination, attracting both local favorites and national chains alike.

In conclusion, The Hat’s planned opening in 2026 is a reflection of the ongoing culinary evolution in Las Vegas, a city that continues to expand its dining landscape with diverse offerings from across the nation. This addition highlights the booming interest in both traditional and innovative food options, making it one of the most exciting food cities in the United States.