Rao’s returns to Super Bowl while looking for a permanent Las Vegas location: sources

Rao’s will be prominent in Las Vegas when Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl 2024.Getty Images

We hear from some reliable “sauces” that Rao’s is coming back to the Super Bowl with a pop-up – and that the famed New York City eatery is even keeping an eye out for a permanent Las Vegas location.

The iconic Italian restaurant will serve VIPs in Sin City for five nights, we’re told, leading up to the big game on Feb. 11 when the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers.

The red sauce legend has annually launched pop-ups at the Super Bowl, as well as golf’s Masters tournament, that authentically recreate the venerable East Harlem original’s interior.

Rao’s Super Bowl guests have previously included Ciara and Russell Wilson, Eli and Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Dak Prescott, CC Sabathia, Michael Strahan, Reggie Bush, Trevor Lawrence, Anthony Anderson, Rachel Lindsay, JJ Watt, Sterling Shepard, Scott Van Pelt and many more.

The famous NYC restaurant is recreated each year at the Super Bowl. Warzer Jaff

This year, we hear that Rao’s “Gridiron Club” will be popping up at an eatery on “the 50-yard-line of the Las Vegas strip.”

The spot will be presided over by Rao’s bosses Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci, as well as their meatball maestro executive chef Dino Gatto and entrepreneur Kenny Dichter.

A source said that while in town, the restaurant will also be looking for a new permanent spot after the success of its recent Miami, Fla., outpost.

Kelce’ pop star girlfriend, Taylor Swift, is expected in the stands. Getty Images The tiny NYC hotspot is known for being booked solid. Christopher Sadowski

The restaurant’s previous permanent Las Vegas location closed in 2021 after an impressive 15-year run at Caesars Palace.

Said a foodie source, “They’re looking for a new space in Sin City coming off their success of launching in Miami in November.”

We hear that the pop-up will be a strictly invite-only affair, with different hosts each night.