It’s over. If you were looking to grab those famous wagyu shakes or a rack of St. Louis cut ribs at the MGM Grand, you’re officially out of luck. The news that International Smoke closing MGM Grand was a reality didn't just shock foodies; it signaled a massive shift in the Las Vegas Strip’s culinary landscape. It feels like just yesterday that Ayesha Curry and Chef Michael Mina were cutting the ribbon on this high-energy wood-fire spot. Now? The space is quiet.
Vegas is a beast.
Even with the star power of a Golden State Warriors legacy and a James Beard Award-winning chef, nothing is guaranteed in the 702. International Smoke wasn't just another restaurant; it was a vibe. It brought a global perspective to American BBQ that felt fresh. But the Strip is a revolving door of concepts, and sometimes even the heavy hitters have to step aside for the next big thing.
Why International Smoke Closing MGM Grand Makes Sense Right Now
Honestly, the restaurant industry is reeling from a cocktail of high labor costs and shifting tourist habits. International Smoke first fired up its grills at MGM Grand in late 2019. Think about that timing. They had a few months of momentum before the entire world hit a literal pause button. While they bounced back, the momentum of a "celebrity restaurant" often relies on the constant presence or buzz of its founders.
MGM Resorts International is currently on a tear of "reimagining" their floor plans. We’ve seen it at the Mirage (now transitioning to Hard Rock) and we’re seeing it across their legacy properties. They want high-margin, high-volume, or ultra-exclusive. International Smoke occupied a middle ground that's becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. It was upscale but casual. It was accessible but expensive.
The Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry Partnership
The collaboration was born out of a pop-up in San Francisco. People loved it. The chemistry between Mina’s technical precision and Curry’s family-oriented, soulful flavors worked. They scaled it to San Francisco, Del Mar, and eventually Vegas.
But here is the thing: Ayesha Curry is a brand mogul now. From her "Sweet July" line to her television production deals, her focus has naturally drifted toward a broader lifestyle empire. Michael Mina, similarly, has dozens of concepts to manage. When a restaurant at a major resort like the MGM Grand closes, it’s rarely because the food sucked. It’s usually about the lease, the licensing agreement, or a strategic pivot by the landlord to bring in a new "it" chef.
What’s Replacing the Smoke?
Word on the street—and confirmed by resort filings—is that the space won't stay dark for long. MGM Grand is leaning heavily into immersive dining. The days of just sitting and eating are fading. People want a "moment" for their Instagram feed and a memory that feels like a show.
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Rumors have circulated about a more lounge-focused concept taking over. The footprint of International Smoke was massive. It had that large bar area and a sprawling dining room. If you’ve walked through the MGM Grand recently, you’ll notice the flow of the casino floor is changing. They want people moving toward the sports book and the arena.
- The venue size: Roughly 8,000 to 10,000 square feet.
- The location: Prime real estate near the District.
- The competition: Morimoto, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, and Wolfgang Puck are all within a stone's throw.
Staying relevant next to those legends requires constant reinvention. If you aren't the newest kid on the block, you're the one getting renovated.
The Reality of Celebrity Restaurants in Las Vegas
Let’s be real for a second. Las Vegas uses celebrity names like bait. Sometimes the celebrity is actually in the kitchen (rarely), and sometimes they just showed up for the grand opening and haven't been back since. Fans of Ayesha Curry frequently visited hoping for a sighting, but the reality of a multi-city chain is that the "celebrity" is more of a creative director.
The International Smoke closing MGM Grand reflects a cooling off of the 2010s-era celebrity chef boom. Today, the Strip is looking for "concepts" over "names." Look at the success of places like Best Friend by Roy Choi or the various food halls. They sell a culture, not just a person.
International Smoke tried to sell "global BBQ." It was a great pitch. You had Korean bone-in short rib next to Mexican street corn and American brisket. For some, it was a masterclass in fusion. For others, it felt a bit disjointed compared to the hyper-focused menus of nearby competitors.
The Logistics of the Closure
If you had a reservation, you probably got an automated email. The staff at these high-end spots are usually offered positions at other Mina Group or MGM properties. That’s the silver lining of these big corporate closures. The talent stays in the building; only the sign changes.
Many regulars will miss the "Fuego Fries" or the specific way they did the smoked pork ribs. But in Vegas, nostalgia is a luxury nobody can afford. The rent at MGM Grand is astronomical. If a spot isn't hitting specific revenue per square foot targets, the "closed" sign goes up faster than you can double down on an eleven.
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A Look at the Mina Group Portfolio
Michael Mina isn't going anywhere. He still has a massive footprint in Las Vegas:
- Michael Mina at Bellagio (The seafood flagship)
- Bardot Brasserie at ARIA (Arguably one of the best French spots in the city)
- StripSteak at Mandalay Bay
- Orla at Mandalay Bay (His newer Mediterranean venture)
Closing one unit at MGM Grand is likely just a portfolio rebalance for him. It allows the group to focus on Orla or newer projects in the pipeline.
Impact on the MGM Grand Culinary Map
The MGM Grand is a city within a city. When you lose a primary dining anchor, it changes the gravity of that wing of the resort. International Smoke provided a bridge between the casual food court and the ultra-high-end steakhouse.
Now, there’s a gap.
If you are staying at the MGM Grand soon, you'll need to look elsewhere for that mid-tier dinner. You've still got Nellie’s Southern Kitchen (the Jonas Brothers' family spot) if you want that comfort food fix. Or you can head over to Grand Wok Noodle Bar for something quicker.
Misconceptions About the Closing
People love a scandal. Was there a falling out between Curry and Mina? Unlikely. Did the restaurant fail? Not necessarily in the way a small business fails. In the world of corporate Vegas, a "closure" is often just a tactical exit. If the ROI (Return on Investment) drops by even a few percentage points, these big hospitality groups look for the exit ramp.
It’s also worth noting that the San Francisco location—the original heart of the brand—remains a staple. The concept works. It just might not have been the right fit for the post-2024 Vegas traveler who is looking for either extreme budget or extreme luxury, with very little interest in the stuff in between.
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The Future of Ayesha Curry’s Food Empire
Ayesha isn't done with food. Not by a long shot. Between her cookware lines and her publishing, she's still a powerhouse. This closure feels more like a "Vegas lesson" than a brand failure. Vegas is a high-volume, high-stress environment that requires a specific kind of management that doesn't always align with a chef's original vision.
What to Do if You Loved International Smoke
If you’re mourning the loss of those ribs, you aren't totally out of options. You can still find International Smoke in:
- San Francisco (The flagship)
- Del Mar / San Diego
- Upcoming pop-ups (Mina Group loves a good temporary activation)
Alternatives on the Las Vegas Strip
Since you can't go to International Smoke at MGM anymore, where should you head for BBQ or fusion?
- Bazaar Meat by José Andrés (Sahara): If you want the "fire" element and incredible meats, this is the gold standard, though it’s much pricier.
- Mabel’s BBQ (Palms): Michael Symon’s spot offers a great high-end BBQ experience if you’re willing to head slightly off-strip.
- Gilley’s (Treasure Island): For a much more casual, old-school BBQ vibe.
Moving Forward After the Smoke Clears
The International Smoke closing MGM Grand is a reminder that the only constant in Las Vegas is change. One day you’re the hottest table in town, and the next, there’s plywood over your front door. It’s the nature of the Strip. It’s brutal, it’s fast, and it’s always looking for the next shiny object to dangle in front of tourists.
For diners, this means checking your reservations twice. Don't rely on old blog posts or outdated "Best of Vegas" lists from 2022. The 2026 landscape is different.
Actionable Next Steps for Vegas Travelers:
- Check the MGM Rewards App: If you had points or vouchers specific to International Smoke, check the app to see if they’ve been converted or if they are valid at other Mina Group restaurants like StripSteak.
- Explore Mandalay Bay: Since Michael Mina has shifted a lot of his recent energy toward Orla and StripSteak at Mandalay, head down there if you want to experience his latest culinary direction.
- Follow the Chefs, Not the Brand: If you liked the specific flair of the kitchen staff, keep an eye on LinkedIn or local Vegas food IG accounts. Many of the lead line cooks and sous chefs from International Smoke are already popping up in new kitchens at the Fountainbleau or the Venetian.
- Update Your Itinerary: If you're planning a group trip (where International Smoke excelled), look into Heritage Steak at the Mirage/Hard Rock or Tap Sports Bar at MGM for a similar large-format dining capacity.
The smoke has cleared at the MGM Grand, but the fire in Vegas's food scene is as hot as ever. Stay hungry, but stay informed.
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