“I still believe that the buffet idea is still alive and well in the gaming facility,” Viviani said. Jean told the chef about the space, Viviani started drawing up concepts on pieces of paper that would strike a balance between fans of traditional buffets and sit-down restaurants. His inspiration came from other food halls, such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Foodlife in Chicago and Liberty Station in San Diego. Jean said the restaurant is more focused on the quality of the food rather than the quantity. It lets customers pick and choose from various dishes and charges guests an entrance fee. Subscribe here.Īlthough The Marketplace isn’t exactly a buffet, it still has some of the same spirit. Sign up for our Casino Insider newsletter and get the week’s best bets for food, entertainment and fun at Southern California’s casinos.

“I thought, ‘Shall we do one or two different stations, or how about eight since we have the space,’” Viviani said. Viviani said he’s had experience managing standalone restaurants, but he hasn’t had the same space and freedom he did with The Marketplace. The Marketplace is unique in that it is the first to replace a buffet space with a celebrity kitchen concept at a Southern California casino. Some buffets have shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic, while others have reopened or have been replaced entirely. The new concept marks the fourth new restaurant the casino has opened within the last couple of years, including Mozen, Good Times Café and Pink Coffee. The new restaurant, which seats up to 380 guests, will allow diners to choose from dishes that draw inspiration from Asia, South America, and roadside restaurants found along the highways in the Southern U.S. The Marketplace by Fabio Viviani at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa will officially replace the Potrero Canyon Buffet with its new food hall concept on Wednesday, May 4. After brainstorming, they decided to create a space that houses a journey of flavors from around the world. Jean, chief executive officer of Morongo and former “Top Chef” contestant Fabio Viviani had a 40-minute phone call about what would replace buffets post-pandemic.

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