

“We’re spacing things out at first, then we’ll slowly ramp up,” McManus said.

In recent days, Tao has served Mohegan tribal members and invited guests in dry runs.Īnticipating operating at 50% capacity during its first few weeks, Tao has hired 75 employees and hopes to add about 50 more when fully open. This is a game-changer.”īrendan McManus, director of operations for Tao Group Hospitality, which operates restaurants and nightlife venues under a number of brand names, said the pandemic presented some challenges, including the need to prepare restaurant staff via virtual training sessions. “We’re trying to create reasons to come to the property,” Hamilton said of Tao’s being added to Mohegan Sun’s culinary mix. This is Tao’s sixth incarnation, the others being in downtown and midtown Manhattan locations and in Chicago and Los Angeles and at The Venetian resort casino in Las Vegas. “With the state’s restaurant restrictions lifting, we think this will help speed our recovery.” “Construction slowed and materials were scarce - at one point, glass was hard to find - but we never stopped, and I think we’re opening at the perfect time,” said Jeff Hamilton, Mohegan Sun’s president and general manager. Mohegan - While COVID-19 caused restaurants at Mohegan Sun and everywhere else to shut down and then gradually reopen over the past year, it did not significantly alter the casino’s plans for Tao, the Asian-themed restaurant set to open Tuesday just off the Sky Tower’s hotel lobby.Īll through the pandemic, work continued on the new bistro/lounge that’s been tucked into space formerly occupied by Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain. But really, you’re already playing with house money if you visit TAO at Mohegan Sun.TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, a new Asian-themed restaurant at Mohegan Sun. If you’re lucky, you’ll walk away a winner there, too. Best to come with a group, and plan on ordering standout small plates like Satay of Chilean Sea bass, terrific sushi and filet mignon.ĭining at TAO, from cocktails to dessert, is the perfect way to fuel some time in one of Mohegan Sun’s two casinos.
#Tao mohegan sun jobs upgrade#
To call it a major upgrade from your home bar cart during the pandemic is an understatement. Whiskey lovers will appreciate the Smoking Dragon, a whiskey cocktail served quite literally smoking out of a decanter tableside. “TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge is our sixth iteration of the renowned Tao Group Hospitality brand, and our new location combines cutting-edge culinary and cocktail trends with the spirited atmosphere of Mohegan Sun,” Scamardella said.ĭon’t underestimate the power of a well-made cocktail: At TAO, it’s an excellent way to kick off an evening of fun and games.

Overseen by TAO Group Hospitality Partner and Chef Ralph Scamardella, TAO’s menu is designed to meet the needs of every possible palette. Spend any time at TAO’s Mohegan Sun outpost, and it’s not hard to see why celebrities and high rollers love the TAO name. Consider this a great sign as the world returns to normal, and note that reservations at TAO are highly encouraged as TAO looks to make a major comeback. TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at Mohegan SunĪfter a year and change of pandemic restrictions, the casino and TAO in particular were bustling and energetic, even on a weeknight. The TAO experience closer to home at Mohegan Sun is unmatched, boasting an incredible selection of dishes focused on small plates from the sky, sea and land. TAO Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April, expanding the newly formed partnership’s footprint to 61 dining and nightlife venues in 22 markets across five continents. TAO opened at Mohegan Sun near the end of March, and the TAO team has been busy since then. Clocking in at 10,000 square feet, seating 300 patrons and filled with TAO’s signature Pan-Asian flair (including a 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue), TAO Mohegan Sun is a welcome respite from times that have been anything but opulent.
