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| Celebrity chef Mario Batali’s Las Vegas restaurants will close in July, affecting almost 300 employees who work at Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, B&B Ristorante and Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria, all located in The Venetian and Palazzo resorts. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo |
By Susan McFarland, UPI
Celebrity chef Mario Batali's Las Vegas restaurants will close in July, affecting almost 300 employees who work at Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, B&B Ristorante and Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria, all located in The Venetian and Palazzo resorts.
The announcement comes just days after new sexual misconduct allegations against the celebrity chef were made public on a 60 Minutes report.
In December, ABC fired Batali from his role as host of ABC's The Chew after four women told Eater New York he touched them inappropriately during the past two decades.
Batali issued an apology and didn't deny any of the allegations while stepping away from The Chew and the day-to-day operations of his restaurant empire.
Employees were informed of the decision Friday morning via a letter from B&B Hospitality Group partner Joe Bastianich.
"These restaurants have continued to succeed, and they are a tribute to every one of you who works in them and brings great dining experiences to our guests," according to the letter. "Unfortunately, our partner in these restaurants, Las Vegas Sands Corp., has decided to end our relationship."
Las Vegas Sands Corp., which owns The Venetian and Palazzo but does not operate the restaurants, issued a statement thanking team members of B&B Restaurant Group and saying there are no other plans for the space at this time.
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