Tao Group Hospitality’s Iconic Restaurant Opens at Mohegan Sun, Featuring an Immersive Pawn-Shop Entrance and Elevated Dining Experience
UNCASVILLE, CT (February 11, 2025) – Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality proudly announce the grand opening of Beauty & Essex, a stunning new restaurant and lounge that fuses opulence with intrigue. The highly anticipated dining destination officially opened on Friday, February 7th, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe.
With an 11,000-square-foot footprint inside Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky, Beauty & Essex seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern luxury. Guests enter through a curated modern-day pawn shop—a signature element of the Beauty & Essex brand—before discovering a multi-room dining event featuring:
Pearl Lounge & Bar – An intimate cocktail haven
Peacock Dining Room – A stunning space with artful design
Locket Private Dining Room – An exclusive setting for private events
“Mohegan Sun has built a reputation for exceptional dining and nightlife, and Beauty & Essex takes it to the next level,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “In partnership once again with Tao Group Hospitality, we’ve blended top-tier cuisine and craft cocktails, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the property. Rockwell Group and JCJ Architecture have done an incredible job bringing this vision to life, ensuring every space – from the pawn shop entrance to the private dining room – feels captivating and inviting. We can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”
A Menu of Elevated Global Flavors
Beauty & Essex, co-founded by celebrity chef Chris Santos, has gained worldwide acclaim for its shareable plates, globally inspired flavors, and immersive dining. The Mohegan Sun location introduces a curated selection of signature dishes and shareables, with highlights like:
Wagyu Steak Tartare with mustard and chive sticky rice
Grilled Double-cut Lambchops with creamy polenta, port wine glaze.
24 oz. Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye with Beauty & Essex’s signature roasted garlic & bacon or smoked tomato glaze
Little French Dips with slow-roasted prime sirloin, gruyère cheese, horseradish-garlic aioli, house-made au jus
Gochujang Salmon with black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, ginger aioli
Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs with whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, truffle
The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu for guests seeking plant-based options, including Miso-Glazed Crispy Eggplant, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Kale & Apple Salad, and more.
“At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining,” said Chef Chris Santos. “We want our guests to feel like every meal is a discovery—whether it’s a first bite of our famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings or sipping a craft cocktail that surprises the senses. Opening at Mohegan Sun is a dream, and we’re beyond excited to share this experience with new and returning fans.”
Handcrafted Cocktails & Curated Wine Selections
The beverage program at Beauty & Essex is just as captivating as the cuisine, featuring favorites like:
Beauty Elixir – Bombay Gin, La Marca Sparkling Rosé, cucumber, strawberry
The wine list also features over 20 hand-selected labels, including Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Italy) and BenMarco Malbec (Argentina).
A Speakeasy with a Hidden Entrance
At the heart of Beauty & Essex is its pawn shop-inspired entrance, a signature feature that surprises and delights first-time visitors. Curated by Lauren Kaminsky, aka “Gold Girl,” the modern-day pawn shop showcases a stunning collection of vintage treasures, all available for purchase. Guests can browse unique items such as Fender, Ibanez, Gretsch, Gold Tone and D’Angelico guitars, classic Vox amplifiers, retro wall art, vinyl records, and rare jewelry. Among the standout pieces are Beatles memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind collectibles that make for the perfect conversation starters.
Beyond this unexpected retail experience, the restaurant unfolds into a multi-room dining and cocktail haven, where dim lighting, vintage décor, and plush seating create a transportive and unforgettable atmosphere.
A Thrilling New Chapter in Mohegan Sun’s Dining Evolution
Beauty & Essex marks another exciting chapter in Mohegan Sun’s partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, joining the highly successful TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge. As Mohegan Sun continues to expand its dining and nightlife portfolio, Beauty & Essex stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and those seeking an unforgettable night out.
Reservations at Beauty & Essex can be made by visiting taogroup.com/venues. For more information and updates on special events planned at Beauty & Essex, guests can visit mohegansun.com.
To view and download additional imagery of Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun, click HERE.
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ABOUT JCJ ARCHITECTURE
JCJ Architecture is a forward-thinking and nationally ranked planning, architecture and interior design firm offering comprehensive services to clients in the hospitality, gaming, civic, K12 and higher education sectors. Founded in 1936, the employee-owned firm’s mission is to provide innovative design solutions that enhance the environment, enrich people’s lives and help organizations succeed.
With a long-standing reputation for business acumen and project delivery excellence, JCJ focuses on bringing the qualities of adaptability, integrity, respect and collaboration to a design process that leverages the unique qualities and potential of each project. JCJ collaborates with clients across the United States from offices located in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego, Tulsa, and Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.jcj.com.
ABOUT TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY
Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates over 80 branded locations in over 20 markets across four continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, Crane Club, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, a global investment firm with a focus in luxury lifestyle and hospitality investments. Learn more at taogroup.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
A Major Installation Project Hits the Finish Line, Bringing 60 new Tesla Electric Vehicle Destination Chargers to Mohegan Sun
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 30, 2024) – Mohegan Sun, home to two unique casinos, an award-winning hotel and spa, top-ranking entertainment venues, 30+ dining experiences and the 130,000 square-foot Shops at Mohegan Sun which includes the only Tesla full-scale Sales & Delivery Center in the state, has rolled out 60 brand-new Destination Chargers for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. This now makes Mohegan Sun a hub for charging up, and home to the most Tesla chargers at one location in all of Connecticut.
“With this 2nd phase of our partnership with Tesla complete, Mohegan Sun now has a significant amount of EV charging capacity across our parking areas,” -said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “This EV charging roll out along with recent upgrades to our Royal Suites, the major refresh of our Sun Patio and the opening of the Shed Restaurant, with more incredible dining on the way – is all part of our goal to bring new, fresh and unique experiences and offerings to our guests.”
Available 24/7, these new self-park public Tesla Destination Chargers at Mohegan Sun are available on Level Four of the Indian Summer Garage, Level Three of the Riverview Garage and Level Two of Winter Garage. These destination chargers are popular options for charging EVs at hotels, restaurants and resorts, which is why they’re a perfect fit for Mohegan Sun, one of the largest and most impressive casino & entertainment destinations in the world. Destination Chargers at Mohegan Sun provide roughly 44 miles of range per hour.
When guests arrive at a Destination Charger at Mohegan Sun, Tesla drivers can simply plug in to activate a session. All other electric vehicle Drivers access the Tesla ecosystem by scanning the QR code on the charger and following simple instructions for payment from there. EV Drivers will also be able to monitor charging progress in real time via the Tesla app. These features make for a convenient charging experience, and with no shortage of shopping, dining, nightlife, gaming, special events, award-winning sports & entertainment and more all under one roof at Mohegan Sun, EV drivers will have plenty to do as they charge up!
Destination Chargers at Mohegan Sun are compatible with any EV offering both Tesla and Universal adapters. To stay up to date on Tesla destination charging at Mohegan Sun, guests can visit mohegansun.com/tesla
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Event to feature a special Q&A session with Boston legends Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, and more
Guests are invited to Mohegan Sun’snovelle to step back in time and relive one of the most iconic moments in baseball history at Reverse The Curse: 20 Year Anniversary! From 8:00pm – 9:00pm on November 9th, those in attendance will be able to listen in on a Q&A with Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Mike Timlin, Alan Embree, and Keith Foulke as they relive the historic and career defining 2004 post-season.
Twenty years ago on October 27, 2004, Ramirez, Damon and the rest of their team won the most prominent game of the professional baseball season and broke their team’s 86-year long curse! To get there, this team of big bats and special pitchers needed to go through rivals out of New York, and did so in unprecedented fashion coming back from an 0-3 deficit. Celebrated broadcaster Jayme Parker of Outside the Fame, will dive into it all, and help give Boston fans a glimpse into the past and present as these former champions share stories, reminisce and go behind-the-scenes!
Tickets to this event go on sale Friday, October 11th at 10:00am via Ticketmaser.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and seating is not guaranteed. Each ticket comes with a complimentary beverage.
To learn more about Reverse The Curse: 20 Year Anniversary, guests can visit mohegansun.com or click HERE.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 9, 2024) – Music icon Billy Joel is set to return to Mohegan Sun Arena for the first time since his record-breaking, sold-out, 10-show residency where he performed for 100,000 guests in 2008. Guests can check out the “Piano Man” on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 8:00pm.
Tickets to see Billy Joel go on sale Friday, September 13th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available via the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Saturday, September 14th, subject to availability. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, September 10th at 10:00am until Thursday, September 12th at 10:00pm.
Billy Joel ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist and the fourth best-selling solo artist with over 160 million records sold worldwide. His 1985 compilation album, Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2, is one of the best-selling albums in the United States.
Joel’s songs have acted as personal and cultural touchstones for millions across five decades. His string of 33 Top 40 hits, which Joel has written himself, began with 1973’s autobiographical ‘Piano Man’, a song written while Joel was playing in a Los Angeles lounge. In 2016, the Library of Congress selected ‘Piano Man’ for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its ‘cultural, historic and artistic significance’. The hits have continued for almost five decades, with three of Joel’s Top 40 songs –“It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me,” “Tell Her About It,” and “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” peaking at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, and 23 GRAMMY® nominations have been awarded to Joel since he signed his first recording contract in 1972. Joel is one of the most engaging and best-selling live performers of our time, with songs like “Uptown Girl,” “Just The Way You Are,” “The Longest Time,” and “Vienna,” among countless others.
The long list of accolades awarded to Joel across his career is a testament to the reverence given to him by fans, critics, and fellow musicians alike. Joel was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by his idol, Ray Charles, in 1999. He has received the RIAA’s Diamond Award twice for Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II and The Stranger, and is the recipient of six GRAMMY® Awards, including the prestigious GRAMMY® Legend Award. Joel has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award. He was inducted by Barack and Michelle Obama at the 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. Joel received a TONY AWARD for “Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on Joel’s music.
As a humanitarian, The Joel Foundation has made and pledged over $7 million in charitable donations, with a focus on music education and humanitarian aid. In addition to supporting vital global relief efforts, The Joel Foundation provides grants to organizations throughout New York City and Long Island, leveraging the power of music to enhance the lives of people of every age. Recently, The Joel Foundation announced the continuation of its long-term investment in Long Island’s only public arts high school, Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), serving student artists in a pre-conservatory model with a focus on career and technical education.
ABOUT LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world today, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for “Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America”. Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size in the world from Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently recognized among the top five venues in the United States, and also in 2021 was named “Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency during the pandemic. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been named the “World’s Best Casino Venue,” by Best of Hartford Magazine, and is a seven-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
Mohegan’s flagship property also placed within the top five for “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” and “Best Players Club”
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 5, 2024) – Renowned integrated entertainment destination, Mohegan Sun, has been voted “Best Casino Hotel” for the seventh consecutive year in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. With this distinction, Mohegan Sun retains the record for most wins in the “Best Casino Hotel” category more than any other nominee since the award program’s inception in 2013. Mohegan Sun placed within the top five in the “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” category and Momentum, Mohegan Sun’s rewards program, was ranked #2 in the “Best Players Club” category. Nominees for all categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. Voting took place over a four-week period this summer through 10Best.com, which averages 5 million visitors per month.
“For seven years in a row, Mohegan Sun has been named ‘Best Casino Hotel’ in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and this achievement continues to be a direct result of the dedication that our team members put forward every day in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun. “Our Momentum Rewards also achieved high marks, which is another tremendous honor as so much hard work goes into making this program one of the best in the industry!”
This year has been an abundant award season for Mohegan Sun. In Casino Player Magazine’s “Best of Gaming – New England” awards, Mohegan Sun snagged the top spot in categories “Best Hotel,” “Best Hotel Lobby,” “Favorite Casino Resort To Vacation At,” “Best VIP Lounge/Services,” “Best Promotions,” “Best Slot Tournaments,” “Best Craps,” “Best Video Poker,” “Best Overall Sportsbook,” and “Best Prop Bets.” The 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena was also recently recognized as “Casino of the Year – Arena” at the 17th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, and was named “Casino Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards in February.
For more information about Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Dining space offering pizza, salads, grinders, grab-and-go snacks and more is now open across from the Sun Patio in Casino of the Earth
Mohegan Sun is pleased to announce The Crafty Slice is officially open! The Crafty Slice offers freshly made pizza that is perfect for guests who are on the go and those who are looking for some late-night eats. The Crafty Slice is conveniently located at the Summer Entrance, right across from Mohegan Sun’s newly renovated outdoor entertainment venue, the Sun Patio.
“We wanted to open another quick bite option that is close to our two award-winning venues, Mohegan Sun Arena and the Wolf Den, and is also available for our late-night guests,” said Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager at Mohegan Sun. “We are thrilled that The Crafty Slice meets those goals, and it’s also convenient for guests enjoying more than 30 free shows at our new outdoor attraction, the Sun Patio!”
Pizza slices at The Crafty Slice are available starting at $5 each, and options range from vegetarian to pepperoni and a meat lover’s combo slice with pepperoni, sausage, chicken and meatballs. Guests can also snag grab-and-go options that include premade salads, grinders, snacks and the Walking Taco – a bag of Dorito or Frito chips topped with lettuce, tomato, housemade chili, queso, and sour cream. Those looking to fulfill a sweet tooth can try the specialty dessert style pizza or tasty churro bites served with a chocolate dipping sauce. Refreshing beverage options include beer, ready-to-drink cocktails, energy drinks and boozy slushies like the Casimigos Margarita. Signature, locally produced Mohegan-branded drinks, Jackpot Juice Hazy IPA, a collaboration with Two Roads Brewing Co. and All In Orange Whip, a collaboration with Waypoint Spirits, are also available.
The Crafty Slice is open Monday & Thursday from 5:00pm – Midnight, Fridays from 5:00pm – 3:00am, Saturdays from 3:00pm – 3:00am and Sundays from Noon – Midnight.
Other exciting dining additions are on the way for Mohegan Sun, including The Shed, located next to BALLO Italian Restaurant, opening this summer. Beauty & Essex, a TAO Group restaurant located in Casino of the Sky near novelle, will also open closer to this upcoming holiday season.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
