Michael Corrigan talks about his management and restaurant group’s newest American bistro in the heart of Las Vegas.

Michael Corrigan, president of Corrigan Management and Restaurant Group, is part of one of the most established families in Las Vegas. Shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California, Corrigan worked as a single-family mortgage broker and a builder of loans. In 1998, he was named vice president of development for his family’s multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, which includes shopping centers, medical complexes, self-storage units, and various other commercial properties.

Corrigan unexpectedly entered into the restaurant business in 1991 when a tenant in one of the family’s commercial properties didn’t renew the lease on their longstanding restaurant and bar. Corrigan and his brother took the opportunity to completely remodel and revitalize what would later become the first RoadRunner Restaurant. Working with his brother Sean, Corrigan developed the RoadRunner concept, which now comprises five restaurants and a casino. The restaurants offer American cuisine, integrated with a Western theme, and are among Las Vegas’ most popular dining options.

In 2004, Corrigan expanded his enterprise with the opening of Agave Comida y Tequila, a restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine and more than 80 high-end 100% blue agave tequilas. Since its opening, the restaurant has received numerous accolades for its interior design, cuisine, array of fine tequilas, and award-winning margarita recipes.

Michael Corrigan, President

New concepts
Corrigan opened an entirely new RoadRunner concept in 2006, featuring the work of noted interior designer Paul Deusing, along with more contemporary menu options. In the fall of the same year, Corrigan and Matthew Silverman, corporate executive chef, opened the company’s flagship property, Vintner Grill, in the heart of Las Vegas’ premier community, Summerlin.

“As with all of our real estate developments and restaurants, I want my guests to feel they have been stimulated and will take something positive with them from the experience,” Corrigan said of the American bistro. Vintner Grill is the only restaurant to feature the renowned Vosges Haut-Chocolat line for its desserts, as well as an exclusive retail section devoted to the highly sought-after delicacies.

The restaurant features more than 120 vintages from 10 countries, including Germany, New Zealand, and Australia. In addition, it offers a wide selection of affordable wines, half-bottles, and wines by the glass. “I think that we put out a consistently solid product, whether it is a restaurant or a building, and people respect that we took the time to think out the details and execute everything properly,” Corrigan said.

“Having been in the community so long, I’m not like many people who came in over the last few years looking to make a quick buck. I understand the culture and climate of the community and its past growth patterns. I take the time to not just provide the same old chain restaurant or boring building, but try to surround myself with cutting-edge designers and creative people who want to push the envelope on all accounts.”

Keeping the attraction
Corrigan has adopted a targeted public relations campaign that uses a combination of editorial coverage, select special events, and charity outreach. “We feel this provides better coverage about who we are and what we do, and it helps our customers connect with our restaurant concepts,” Corrigan said.

Additionally, Corrigan is co-branding with some of the liquor brands on advertising. “Our advertising strategy at the moment is to sponsor road signs in high-traffic areas as a means to remind people to stop in and visit our restaurants. Due to the locations of the restaurants, you are most likely near one anywhere you are in Las Vegas, ” he said.

Corrigan believes that by consistently sending out a solid brand message and remaining innovative, his restaurants will continue to attract and retain customers. For example, Corrigan will be launching a music competition to find the next great country star in Las Vegas and the surrounding Southwest, with the Bud Select brand.

“It’s a unique concept for our city, with a great grand prize to the winner. We feel this will excite customers and keep them interested,” he said. As part of another public relations campaign, all restaurants are promoted under the Michael Corrigan Restaurant Group brand name in hopes that customers will keep their eyes open for its other properties.

“With various central themes and target audience, my company provides a variety of options, depending on what you are seeking,” Corrigan said. “By building a central brand image that ties them together, we hope to expand the customer base.”