James Beard winner Kwame Onwuachi brings Caribbean steakhouse to SAHARA Las Vegas
Maroon will mark acclaimed chef’s first West Coast venture and first Black chef-led restaurant on the Strip
Celebrated chef Kwame Onwuachi is set to revolutionize the Las Vegas steakhouse scene with Maroon, a Caribbean-inspired concept opening at SAHARA Las Vegas in late 2025. The James Beard Award winner, known for his acclaimed restaurants Tatiana in New York and Dōgon in Washington D.C., will bring his signature blend of Afro-Caribbean cuisine and personal storytelling to the Strip.
The restaurant marks a historic milestone as the first Black chef-owned establishment on the Las Vegas Strip, though Onwuachi emphasizes the significance goes beyond symbolism. “It’s not just about being the first,” he explained. “It’s about making sure we’re not the last. It’s about opening the door and then holding it open for others.”
Honoring heritage through cuisine
Maroon takes its name from the Maroons of Jamaica—enslaved Africans who escaped captivity in the 17th century and built thriving communities in the Blue Mountains. The name reflects Onwuachi’s commitment to telling stories of resilience and cultural heritage through food.
“The Maroons didn’t just run, they thrived. They created something new, something powerful, out of pain and resistance,” Onwuachi said. “That energy—that story—is what this restaurant is about.”
The menu will showcase Onwuachi’s innovative approach to Caribbean cuisine within a steakhouse framework. Diners can expect live-fire cooking, authentic jerk rubs, dry-aged cuts, scotch bonnet-infused sauces, and grilled seafood, all rooted in West African, Jamaican, and Creole traditions.
A perfect match for SAHARA’s evolution
Maroon will occupy the space currently home to Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, which closes June 30, 2025. The partnership aligns with SAHARA Las Vegas’s ongoing transformation as it positions itself as a destination for thoughtful luxury and cultural dining experiences.
“We were intentional in selecting Kwame Onwuachi as our partner for the next chapter of SAHARA Las Vegas’ culinary journey,” said owner Alex Meruelo. “His incomparable fusion of storytelling, culture, and outstanding cuisine is uniquely captivating. Maroon will not only advance Chef Kwame’s personal vision but also revolutionize the current steakhouse experience on the Strip and beyond.”
Rising star’s expanding empire
Onwuachi’s career has been meteoric since appearing on “Top Chef” Season 13. His memoir “Notes from a Young Black Chef” is being adapted into an A24 feature film, and he recently curated the menu for the 2025 Met Gala, infusing Caribbean flavors to complement the event’s celebration of Black culture and style.
His flagship Tatiana earned the top spot on The New York Times’ list of best restaurants in New York City in both 2023 and 2024, while Dōgon was named Esquire’s Best New Restaurant in America. Netflix featured his journey in Season 7 of “Chef’s Table,” cementing his status as one of America’s most influential chefs.
Beyond his restaurants, Onwuachi serves as Food & Wine’s executive producer and hosts “The Family Reunion,” an annual event celebrating diversity in the hospitality community.
Looking ahead
“Bringing Maroon, a Caribbean Steakhouse, to SAHARA Las Vegas is an incredible opportunity for me to honor my Jamaican heritage, provide exciting flavors, and tell my story to an entirely new audience,” Onwuachi stated. “It’s beyond overdue to have more Afro-Caribbean restaurants on the Strip, and I’m grateful for the platform because this will mean so much to so many.”
As Las Vegas continues evolving from pure spectacle toward more culturally nuanced dining experiences, Maroon represents a significant shift in the culinary landscape—one where food carries deeper meaning and stories that have long deserved their place on the world’s most famous boulevard.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/chef-kwame-onwuachi-set-open-231434188.html
Category: Business
Subcategory: Restaurants & Dining
Date: 09/4/2025
