The Road to Perdition

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Trip Start Nov 01, 2008 Previous
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  Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, November 21, 2010

Seriously,  here we are 2 years after arriving in Las Vegas, and all our initial plans changed in a heartbeat. The original arrival was to bring a job search with it, but we found that after having been our own bosses for so long that we might as well just throw ourselves back into the game and open another restaurant. Who in their right mind would consider that? Especially in January 2008, height of the financial instability, economic down turn, in a city with over 14% unemployment, the highest foreclosure rates. But it is Vegas, Baby, and we both knew that if we could offer up a great location, re-interpret our value-driven menu with global twists, and search the valley for the perfect spot, we could do it again and be successfull.
With Elements Kitchen & Martini Bar now open almost 2 years, we could not have chosen better. The community of Spanish Trails/Hills and environs has not only accepted us but embraced the restaurant, and they have become our biggest supporters and marketers. Bringing a locals focused dining venue with a contemporary, yet relaxed feel, featuring 366 martinis, at reasonable prices to the corner of Rainbow and Tropicana, has been fortuitous for us. 
Ready to open on March 3, 2008 we were rear-ended by a man in a F-150 1982 Ford truck, whose brakes were not funcioning. That put a crimp in things for us, slowing the process of opening the restaurant as well as a physical and emotional toll, that we have yet to rise above. But fortitude, hard work and a 1 goal focus, open the restaurant kept us on the path to opening as soon as we were physically able, and finally on March 26, 2008 we did.
It has been a learning curve, even after 35 years in hospitality, especially in finding qualified, energetic, professional and loyal staff, who report to work on time, without a handful of baggage. But we have found some, and at this moment in time have a great team, that work hard, are enthusiastic, work together as one, and have not only our support but that of  our frequent guests as well.  
As we hit our 2 year milestone we will keep you aprised of any menu, martini and dessert changes.

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