Locks Changed at Emmitt Smith’s Vegas Restaurant Due to Unpaid Rent

Las Vegas, Nevada — Emmitt’s Vegas, a restaurant owned by NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, has been locked out due to over $400,000 in unpaid rent. The restaurant, located at the Fashion Show Mall, has not paid a total of $407,730.88, according to a notice posted on its front door on September 23.

The notice, issued by Brookfield Properties, the restaurant’s landlord, stated that a new key will only be given once the entire delinquent amount is paid. Efforts to reach Brookfield Properties for comments were unsuccessful.

This closure marks a significant setback for Smith, whose restaurant opened in March 2024 after delays that lasted nearly two years. Emmitt’s Vegas showcased a menu focused on steaks and seafood and aimed to create a vibrant dining experience on the Las Vegas Strip.

Smith’s restaurant aimed to capitalize on high-profile football events, especially with the upcoming game where his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, is set to play against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17 at Allegiant Stadium. This match is expected to attract many Cowboys fans and sports media, making the closure particularly unfortunate.

The restaurant was initially slated to open in 2022 but faced numerous challenges, including legal disputes that delayed its launch. Chef Rainer Schwarz, a partner in the project, filed a lawsuit claiming he was excluded from key decisions, which impacted the restaurant’s progress.

In its brief operational period, Emmitt’s Vegas had aspirations of becoming a cultural hotspot, highlighted by its first anniversary party that featured innovative dishes and a celebrity status. Observers noted that success in Las Vegas dining heavily relies on high customer volumes.

As of now, it remains unclear if Emmitt’s Vegas will reopen after paying its dues or if further developments may unfold, leaving Smith’s ambitious venture hanging in the balance.