SAHARA Las Vegas Executive Chef Juan Villa.
(Photo Courtesy of SAHARA Las Vegas)
SAHARA LAS VEGAS ANNOUNCES
JUAN VILLA AS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF
SAHARA Las Vegas, the most iconic casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip, announces Juan Villa as its new executive chef. With a distinguished career comprised of overseeing award-winning restaurants, fine dining venues, banquets, buffets and other casino-type settings, Chef Villa brings more than 18 years of experience in the culinary arts to his new role at SAHARA Las Vegas.
“The newly remodeled SAHARA Las Vegas sets a high standard for Las Vegas and I am thrilled to provide guests with unmatched dining experiences at this world-class hotel and casino,” said Juan Villa, executive chef, SAHARA Las Vegas.
As the property’s executive chef, Villa oversees creative menu development as well as a skilled team of culinary experts. In addition, Villa manages culinary budgets, ensures food safety and sanitation and oversees other administrative functions. With a passion for creating new dishes and providing visitors with exceptional, high-quality dining experiences, Villa utilizes his well-honed culinary skills to ensure guest satisfaction.
Villa’s passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry began at an early age. In his hometown of Wendover, Nevada, he worked as a cook, server and restaurant manager before moving to Portland, Oregon, to attend Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2004.
Prior to his current role, Villa worked at a number of prestigious properties in Las Vegas, including The Westin as the property’s executive chef, the SLS Las Vegas as executive sous chef and the Tropicana Las Vegas’s Beach Café as executive chef. With experience working at remarkable restaurants across the globe, Villa also served as the senior executive chef for Veneto – A Wyndham Grand Hotel and Casino in Panama City, Panama. He also worked as the executive chef for Siena Hotel Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada.
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 95,000 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 from renowned Chef Guoming “Sam” Xin; CASBAR Lounge; Uno Más; Prendi; The Tangier; Zeffer’s and, coming soon, 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.