Second-generation restaurateur Penny Chutima and hospitality veteran Lou Abin have joined forces to launch Bua Food Group, a hospitality group that will develop and operate restaurants and other food and beverage concepts.
Chutima has grown up in the restaurant industry, learning the ins and outs from her mother, James Beard Award-winning chef Saipin Chutima, since she started their family restaurant in 1999. In 2017, she took over ownership of the second Lotus of Siam location, which continues to be a celebrity and foodie mecca, earning praise from a parade of respected food critics and industry leaders with original recipes, quality sourcing and responsible practices.
Abin brings more than 20 years of experience with the acclaimed Tao Group, where he oversaw the team and operations of their restaurants and nightlife properties across the globe including Avra, Beauty & Essex, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub and TAO Beach. He also previously worked with world-renowned restaurateur Joe Bastianich and chefs Lidia Bastianich and Mark Strausman.
The group’s first venture will be opening the third location of world-renowned restaurant Lotus of Siam inside of Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Q4 2022, creating an authentic, high-energy atmosphere while upholding the hospitality fundamentals and food integrity rooted in a family legacy and tradition. They will also open Naxos Taverna, serving traditional Greek seafood-focused cuisine, as well as Kallisto Oyster Bar at Naxos, both at Red Rock. The additions are part of a casino-wide transformation at the luxury resort in Summerlin.
“Penny and I have been friends for many years, and I’ve always admired her and her family’s commitment to excellence,” Abin said. “This partnership was a natural fit and we’ve assembled a powerhouse team of top industry professionals who bring years of experience as we work together to create something truly special.”
“Lotus of Siam is a huge family accomplishment and achievement for my mother, and now I have the honor and privilege to take the reins in this next chapter of our familial brand while continuing on my own path as a restaurateur,” said Chutima.
Abin added, “Red Rock is a homegrown brand, so this partnership between family-run businesses is a natural fit. Lotus of Siam has been an institution for over 20 years and I’m honored to be a part of their brand progression. Additionally, we look forward to introducing Naxos Taverna and Kallisto Oyster Bar at Naxos, and are excited to deliver an excellent experience to the community with all three of these concepts.”
About Red Rock Resort
Located 10 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Resort is a four diamond AAA-rated luxury resort that features more than 800 guest rooms and suites, a 25,000 square foot spa, multiple restaurants and a food court, a spectacular pool area, movie theatres, bowling at Red Rock Lanes and a full array of gaming. The resort is located at 11011 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nev., 89135.
To learn more about Red Rock Resort, please call (702) 797-7777 or visit www.redrock.sclv.com, facebook.com/redrock or twitter.com/redrockcasino.
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