Freddie Glusman, the iconic figure behind Piero’s Italian Cuisine, watches over his dinner guests with an eye on the details, particularly a fedora worn by one patron.
His discomfort with the hat isn’t just a personal preference—it’s a reflection of his desire to maintain the restaurant’s traditional atmosphere.
“Take it off! We’re gonna eat,” he barks, the tone as sharp as his impeccably manicured fingernails, responding to a compliment with an equally curt, “A lady, you can’t get in.”
As the owner of Piero’s since 1982, Glusman has cultivated a reputation as an essential part of Las Vegas’ dining scene, yet at 88, he is ceding ownership of the restaurant to family friend Steve Siegel.
While Glusman retains ownership of the land, Siegel now runs the establishment, which remains a quintessential piece of Las Vegas history. Soon, an official announcement regarding the change in ownership is expected.
However, the essence of Piero’s will not undergo a radical transformation.
“Freddie is still here, and he will be here,” Siegel affirms, sitting beside Glusman in a booth familiar to loyal patrons.
“You’ll see me at the restaurant, absolutely,” Glusman adds, promising his enduring presence.
The restaurant is now part of Siegel’s Amazing Brands, which encompasses ventures like Siegel Suites and Siegel’s Bagelmania, as well as Pinkbox Doughnuts—entities that locals will likely recognize.
Though Siegel has not disclosed the terms of the acquisition finalized about four weeks ago, he has indicated that his involvement with Piero’s is more than just a business venture; it’s a passion project fostered over years of friendship with Glusman.
“I met Freddie 21 years ago when I first moved to town,” Siegel reminisces, recalling how Glusman imparted his knowledge about the restaurant business.
Glusman’s guidance has been instrumental in Siegel’s journey in the culinary world, including personal touches like a matzo ball soup recipe inspired by Glusman’s mother.
Siegel is enhancing Piero’s with personal touches to its decor, amenities, and menu.
A reintroduction of kosher chicken to the menu—once a staple—is now planned for a weekly return at diners’ requests.
Other enhancements include adding lavatory attendants and a shoeshiner, with Siegel aiming to expand live entertainment in the lounge, seeking musicians who embody the old-Vegas, jazz vibe.
Plans are underway to rename the main dining room in Glusman’s honor, alongside other areas to preserve the restaurant’s personable atmosphere.
Siegel has made it clear that while enhancements are welcomed, changing the name or fundamentally altering Piero’s identity is out of the question.
“There’s not a lot of businesses that stay around this long in Vegas and keep this kind of glamour,” he states, contrasting his approach with others who trend toward modernization.
Piero’s has garnered a reputation for hosting an array of celebrities and dignitaries over its storied history.
Glusman reminisces about the restaurant’s heyday, buoyed by support from prominent figures like Jerry Tarkanian and Jerry Lewis, with a VIP room dedicated to Tarkanian.
Among the luminaries who have graced Piero’s are former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and icons such as Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, Mick Jagger, and Michael Jordan.
On any given night, the unique blend of patrons has included various celebrities, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Raiders owner Mark Davis.
Yet, the timing for the change of ownership comes with challenges, particularly the absence of Glusman’s son, Evan, who previously held the general manager role.
Evan Glusman faced legal troubles earlier this year, leading to his departure from the restaurant, which left a significant impact on the family business.
Despite the turmoil, the focus remains on creating an excellent dining experience for patrons, as Siegel reassures staff and guests alike that the restaurant’s success is paramount.
“Great hospitality, great customer service, and great food,” is how Siegel frames the new chapter for Piero’s, suggesting that they will not dwell on the family’s recent challenges.
Freddie Glusman’s longtime attorney, Jim Jimmerson, reflects on the situation, noting that Glusman sought Siegel’s partnership after Evan exited the business, indicating a natural evolution given Glusman’s age and desire to step back from daily operations.
Through it all, Piero’s remains a testament to Las Vegas’ rich history.
“What you can get anywhere is a veal chop, but you can’t get this atmosphere,” Siegel states passionately, emphasizing the restaurant’s unique standing in the culinary landscape.
Freddie Glusman’s mark on Piero’s is defined by “good food and a good time,” he simplifies, encapsulating the ethos that has made the restaurant beloved.
When pressed about his decision to hand operations over to Siegel, Glusman initially deflects, joking about his partner’s experience.
But in a rare moment of sincerity, he admits, “I love him. I wouldn’t want to partner with anyone else. He’s the best,” adding a wink that illustrates the bond between the two.
Glusman himself is a living piece of Las Vegas history, having moved to the city at 20 in 1957.
Beginning his journey in the hospitality industry, he sold carpeting to the Dunes, then ventured into boutique retail at multiple renowned resorts in the 1960s and ’70s.
He transitioned into the fitness industry with the Las Vegas Sporting House in partnership with Allen Glick, a casino owner linked to organized crime.
However, it was in 1982 that he opened Piero’s, which initially began on Karen Avenue before relocating to its current site five years later, near Convention Center Drive.
Piero’s past is steeped in intrigue, having taken over from Villa d’Este, a restaurant known for its mob connections that famously featured in the film ‘Casino.’
The unique aura of Piero’s has long captivated guests, highlighted by a legendary tale of an unforgettable night filled with characters from all walks of life, from potential mobsters to undercover agents.
As the restaurant navigates this transition, the saga of Piero’s remains a reflection of the colorful history that is Las Vegas itself.
With the new era now unfolding, both Freddie Glusman and Steve Siegel stand poised to honor the legacy of Piero’s while embracing a revitalized future.
image source from：https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/new-pieros-partnership-dedicated-to-preserving-restaurants-legacy-3315236/
