Pawn Plaza, owned by Rick Harrison and located just south of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, just marked its first anniversary. The celebration is slated to continue throughout the rest of October. According to Access Vegas , Harrison was a big part of yesterday’s celebration .
Throughout the day, he was joined by Chumlee, Corey, and Antwuan. There was a special on draft beer and a local band rocked out on the patio. In addition, Rick agreed to be a surprise witness at one lucky couple’s wedding ceremony.
Solid turnout for @Chumlee_ autograph signing for one year anniversary of Pawn Plaza. @PawnStars pic.twitter.com/gIkrqRCWIw
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) October 8, 2016
Some of the other October celebration specials at Pawn Plaza include the following events.
If you’re in the mood for ice cream, stop by Rita’s Italian Ice. For $3 plus tax, you’ll get a regular cup of custard or a cone in the flavor of your choice.
As you might guess, Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ Tavern has several specials going on. Happy Hour specials are in effect every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then again from 9 p.m. until close. There are also specials on Rick’s favorite whiskey and discounts when you show your industry ID.
If you’re in the mood to sing, visit Rollin Smoke on Tuesday nights. Is comedy more your style? If so, Wednesday nights are for you. The comedy shows feature local talent and there’s no cover charge.
One of the bigger Pawn Plaza events takes place on October 18. It’s a breast cancer fundraiser for the local chapter of Making Strides. Hosted by BodySpa & Salon, haircuts, pedicures, manicures, nail art, and hair styling are all on the menu. Appointments are preferred. However, walk-ins are welcome. The fundraiser also features a fashion show by Rockabilly Girl and Pin Up Fashions, both Pawn Plaza merchants.
Hot rod lovers rejoice. So-Cal Speed Shop is having a car show on October 18 as well. Rumor has it that both Chumlee and Corey Harrison will be in attendance for a meet-and-greet.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal recently took a minute to remind readers that Pawn Plaza was constructed, in part, to generate tons of income that will hopefully outlast the History Channel’s long-running TV series . Before the retail mall opened, scores of independent businesses signed on to be part of the project. All of them hoping Pawn Plaza would attract hordes of Las Vegas tourists. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
A recently published Inquisitr report indicated that Pawn Plaza was headed for big financial trouble . It was during the last week of August that several merchants closed their doors without notice. This included Pawn Donut, Gadda di Pizza, Las Vegas Flip Flops, and Smoke’s Poutinerie.
. @PawnPlaza celebrating first anniversary https://t.co/Kx2XMIyYcE
— Positively LV (@PositivelyLV) October 6, 2016
Some of these business owners were speaking out against Rick Harrison and venting their frustrations as original tenants of the building. One anonymous tenant told a local news affiliate that he was only getting between 30 to 40 customers a day if he was lucky. In fact, earning as little as $200 each day was a struggle.
On the other hand, individuals, including the owner of Pawn Plaza Vow Renewals by Vegas Weddings, had nothing but good things to say about his rental experience. He admitted the business was slow. But, also indicated he was branching out selling snack items to make up for some of the difference.
There’s always two sides to every story. Shortly after these businesses vacated the premises, a Pawn Plaza spokesman said that these events were simply the “nature of the business.” He went on to say that he wished the parting merchants luck and looked forward to announcing new tenants in the near future.
Just like with almost everything else in life, only time will tell what’s really in store for Pawn Plaza. Answer this question. Are you making plans to visit when you to Las Vegas?
[Featured Image by Ethan Miller/Getty Images]