Las Vegas Buffets Decline Amid Strip's Major Redevelopment and Tourism Challenges

Las Vegas is undergoing significant changes, shifting from its traditional appeal of affordable buffets and gambling to a focus on luxury and new entertainment offerings, which has contributed to a decline in visitor numbers. Iconic casinos like the Mirage and Tropicana have closed or are being transformed, making way for new developments such as a major league baseball stadium and a Hard Rock hotel with a guitar tower, signaling a move toward a sports and spectacle-driven identity. The city's buffet culture, once a staple attraction, has diminished due to pandemic impacts and changing consumer preferences, with many buffets converting into food halls offering freshly made meals at individual kiosks. Despite these reinventions, some critics argue that Las Vegas risks losing its core appeal by abandoning reasonably priced entertainment and targeting younger, more transient visitors, leading to concerns about the city's long-term brand and economic health. The rise of luxury accommodations and high-end experiences contrasts with the decline of budget-friendly options, alienating a portion of traditional visitors. This evolution reflects broader tensions between preserving Las Vegas' historic identity and adapting to new market dynamics and consumer expectations.