Fete for a fresh look at Smith’s

Anew look, a new start.

Smith’s, at 2211 N. Rampart Blvd., held a grand reopening June 11 following a $2 million remodeling investment by Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., the grocery retailer that owns Smith’s.

Marsha Gilford, Kroger’s vice president of public relations, said remodeling began April 7 and the store remained open throughout construction.

“Most of the money was spent to bring the décor to a new level for a great customer shopping experience,” she said. “That included new colors, rich wood floors in our perishable departments, an expanded pharmacy for added customer convenience, improved customer restrooms and an additional investment in the employee break area and offices.”

This is the fourth and last Las Vegas Valley Smith’s that has been remodeled this year, Gilford said.

Kroger also donated money at the event to the Las Vegas-based Desert Torah Academy, the children’s unit at St. Rose Dominican Hospital and the United Service Organizations, a nonprofit at McCarran International Airport serving U.S. troops and their families.

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WE ALL SCREAM: It’s free ice cream for audience members at performances of “Laughternoon” starring Adam London at the D Las Vegas through Labor Day.

All paid showgoers will receive a free cup of Anderson Dairy ice cream as a nod to London’s teenage job of selling ice cream.

Before selling ice cream, London was drawn to magic by watching his grandfather perform tricks. London performs silly sleight-of-hand and humorous stunts at 4 p.m. daily in the D’s showroom.

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MERRY MILESTONE: BRAINtrust Marketing + Communications celebrated its eighth anniversary at a gathering June 25 at the firm’s office at 8948 Spanish Ridge Ave.

BRAINtrust has about 30 clients, including United Way and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

Kurt Ouchida and Michael Coldwell launched BRAINtrust in 2006.

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RIDING HIGH: U.S. Polo Assn. opened its newest Las Vegas location June 19 at the Meadows mall.

The 3,985-square-foot space, between Dillard’s and J.C. Penney, offers men’s, women’s and boys’ products and apparel.

Since 2007, U.S. Polo Assn., the officially licensed brand of the United States Polo Association, has carried sportswear including polo shirts, tees, denim and khakis, sport shirts, sweaters, dresses, jackets and swimwear. The retailer also sells hats, wallets, watches and sunglasses.

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PACKAGE DEAL? The new MGM Resorts International-AEG 20,000-seat arena behind New York-New York won’t open until 2016. But Lee Zeidman, who runs Staples Center at the LA Live entertainment district for Anschutz Entertainment Group, is already looking ahead.

Zeidman is checking out retractable seating systems arenas like Staples Center can use to transition from hockey to basketball. He might also buy a seating system for the new arena on the Strip.

“Let’s see if we can bundle the deal together and get some purchasing power out of it,” Zeidman said recently.

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FARE DEAL: Mercadito, a Mexican restaurant, debuted June 23 at Red Rock Resort.

Mercadito offers a variety of tacos made with handmade corn masa tortillas, five guacamoles, three ceviches and classic dishes such as enchiladas and chili rellenos.

Mercadito Red Rock will spotlight new items crafted specifically for the Las Vegas location including nachos, ensalada verde and the Mercadito mac and cheese.

The Tippling Bros., Mercadito’s beverage partner, designed a drink menu featuring “on draft” cocktails such as margaritas, sangria and signature drinks along with frozen libations, a tequila list and nonalcoholic beverages.

Mercadito will be open for dinner and late-night dining beginning at 4 p.m.; brunch and lunch opening times will be announced later.

Mercadito is the flagship concept of Chicago-based Mercadito Hospitality.

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EXPLORING NEVADA: Nevadans still have time to post pictures, videos or a text description of their favorite in-state adventure.

The Nevada Tourism Commission launched a twist in its “Discover Your Nevada” contest this year by asking the public to submit examples of their good times in the state instead of just nominating a favorite place to visit.

Nevadans have until July 9 to send adventures to discoveryournevada.com.

Submissions can include tales of memorable visits, reasons others should consider visiting or other insights. The more outrageous and interesting the better.

Voting for favorite adventures will run July 14-18. Top submissions will earn prizes.

All entrants will be eligible for a drawing for a Reno-Lake Tahoe getaway and a hot-air balloon ride at the Great American Balloon Race in September.