Las Vegas Gets First Black-Led Strip Restaurant
'Maroon' under construction at the Sahara will become the first Black chef-led restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. This milestone marks a significant moment for diversity and representation in one of the world's most famous dining destinations. The opening represents a breakthrough in the Strip's culinary landscape.
The culinary direction of Maroon is in the hands of James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of his generation, Onwuachi is known for his acclaimed restaurants in New York and Washington, D.C., and for his memoir, "Notes from a Young Black Chef." Maroon is described as a Caribbean steakhouse, a concept that will introduce a new flavor profile to the Strip's dining landscape. The menu is expected to feature dishes influenced by Onwuachi's Jamaican, Trinidadian, Nigerian, and Creole heritage, with a focus on Afro-Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant's name, "Maroon," is a tribute to the historical communities of escaped slaves in the Americas who formed their own independent settlements. This choice of name reflects a theme of freedom and resilience that is central to the restaurant's identity. While Las Vegas has a number of Black-owned restaurants off the Strip, this opening marks a significant moment for representation in the city's most prominent and competitive culinary scene. The restaurant is currently under construction at the Sahara Las Vegas and is anticipated to open in late 2026.
