Being huge fans of Japanese cuisine, Freddie Paloma and Luis De Santos often discussed bringing this concept to life after their many travels to Japan. When the pandemic hit, the need for this concept became even more apparent, leading to the launch of GYU+ in Las Vegas’ first Cloud Kitchen. With the support of social media, demand quickly outgrew the space, prompting a move to a larger shared kitchen with Italio. In October 2024, GYU+ took the next step, opening its first brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Las Vegas’ Chinatown. As part of this expansion, GYU+ Social Lounge, an intimate Japanese speakeasy, was introduced within the space, offering a unique and immersive experience alongside our signature cuisine.