Last week’s news that SBE is set to merge with Hakkasan Group truly shook up the nightlife hospitality scene in Las Vegas, but that’s nothing new for SBE.
Established in 2002 by Sam Nazarian, the privately held company known for luxury and sophistication established itself as a leader on the Strip as soon as it opened Hyde Bellagio on New Year’s Eve 2011. More recently, SBE has expanded and diversified that brand with the exclusive Hyde Lounge experience at T-Mobile Arena.
The 2014 opening of SLS Las Vegas made the biggest impact, bringing renowned SBE restaurant brands Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Katsuya, Umami Burger and Cleo to Las Vegas along with new nightlife offerings and the company’s first hotel operation on the Strip. Though SLS is now under a different operator, SBE held fast to Vegas when it acquired Morgans Hotel Group last year, a portfolio that includes the Delano Las Vegas hotel at Mandalay Bay.
The Morgans and Hakkasan deals will also spread SBE’s brand around the world. Even before adding Hakkasan’s impressive offerings to the mix, SBE has a global portfolio featuring 23 world-class lifestyle hotel properties in nine gateway markets and more than 136 hotel, entertainment and food and beverage outlets. It’s tough to argue with the claim that SBE will soon become the most dynamic hospitality, residential, restaurant and entertainment company in the industry.
