The entrepreneur operators are what made Vegas Vegas. Special. Unique. Property developers put their own signatures on the properties they built. Kirk Kerkorian with the huge hotel/casino/resorts, Steve Wynn and the awesome theming, interiors, and service second to none did not just create hotels. He created an experience. Bill Bennett, cool themed experiences with a decent product for the every man through Circus Circus (it was once ok and well maintained), Excalibur, and Luxor. These are just a few.

What happened to you entrepreneurs who did new cool things? Where are you? I don’t want the next version of an Aria or Resorts World. the new properties are all slightly different flavors of the same ice cream. I don’t need a scoop of French Vanilla to go with my Vanilla. I need new, exciting, different – a sundae, a banana split, Rocky Road with Snickers and Butter Finger.

I hope Black Rock, or some other PE Firm, doesn’t buy out all of Wynn and decides to maximize short term profit by cutting back on service and defraying maintenance. Wynn seems to be all that is left of the great era of those cool properties built by an entrepreneur that is appropriately maintained and operated.

Well – Ok – Golden Nugget is an exception. Got to give it to Tillman Fertitta. Golden Nugget still rocks and is well maintained. They also added a super cool pool area. Tillman – I know you bought Wynn stock – have you thought about buying Wynn? That may not be such a bad idea. Just one favor – please don’t replace all the restaurants with Landry’s restaurants. While I like Claim Jumper the Wynn does not need it, or a Mortons, or a Red 8. Oh – and please keep the buffet.

Dear Santa – For my Vegas wish this year could you free up some real estate from Vici or something and bring us a visionary entrepreneur to break ground on a new Las Vegas strip property? Perhaps scrap plans for that ball park and rebuild the Tropicana – with cool tropical themes and water slides throughout? After all, the Mirage and its awesome Volcano are leaving us. I know life is hard. But does it have to be a Hard Rock? Come on Santa, give me something. Please….

Thanks! That’s an important distinction, and I’ll fix my wording in the story.