Derek Morishita, Vice President of Food and Beverage,
SAHARA Las Vegas.
(Photo Courtesy of SAHARA Las Vegas)
SAHARA LAS VEGAS ANNOUNCES DEREK MORISHITA AS
VICE PRESIDENT OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE
SAHARA Las Vegas announces Derek Morishita as its new vice president of food and beverage. With nearly two decades of experience in the culinary industry, Morishita is positioned to successfully lead the strategic direction and execution of day-to-day operations for all food and beverage functions at the property.
A SAHARA Las Vegas Team Member since July 2019, Morishita previously served as the casino-resort’s executive director of restaurants. In his new position, he seeks to increase total profit at Balla Italian Soul by 35 percentage points over the next five months. In addition, Morishita aims to create a succession plan for the executives of SAHARA’s food and beverage team within the next two years.
Crediting much of his success in management to his parents, brother and wife Michelle, Morishita embodies strong values of respect, positivity and staying grounded. He is also greatly inspired by Anthony Olheiser, SAHARA Las Vegas’ former vice president of food and beverage, as well as Eric Barth, former director at Hakkasan Group.
Originally from Oakland, California, Morishita moved to Las Vegas in 2005. He earned his degree in culinary arts management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In his free time, he enjoys savoring new cuisine and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
ABOUT SAHARA LAS VEGAS
SAHARA Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,613 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers – including the AAA® Four Diamond Alexandria Tower, more than 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, AZILO Ultra Pool, two rooftop pools and a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The inviting casino occupies 60,000 square feet and features approximately 600 of the latest slot and video poker machines, 50 classic table games, Infinity – a premium gaming lounge, The Poker Room at SAHARA Las Vegas and a sports book operated by global gaming leader, William Hill. An impressive selection of culinary and cocktail offerings includes Bazaar Meat by José Andrés™, named “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider; famed Philadelphia sports bar Chickie’s & Pete’s; The Noodle Den; CASBAR Lounge; Uno Más; Prendi; The Tangier; Zeffer’s and James Beard award-winning Chef Shawn McClain’s Balla. SAHARA Las Vegas is also proud to serve as home to MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas presented by Channing Tatum. SAHARA Las Vegas players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between SAHARA and its sister property Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno, which gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. SAHARA Las Vegas is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit saharalasvegas.com and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.