New Orleans native Noel Bowman likes to keep things chilly in Las Vegas. The president of Minus5 Ice Bar first helped Outback Steakhouse Inc. grow from two restaurants to 900 before developing the Jimmy Buffett concept Cheeseburger in Paradise in Florida, an $18 million in sales idea.
At Minus5, Bowman oversees team selection, marketing and financials of all of the concepts’ daily operations that span from Las Vegas at Monte Carlo and Mandalay Place to New York City. He has built strategic partnerships with liquor and supply vendors, instilled a policy and procedure templates for the company and has revamped all concepts to have national appeal. His creative vision and marketing skills has landed Minus5 several national TV spots including Live with Regis and Kelly, Travel Channel, National Geographic, Food Network and Animal Planet. Here’s a look at some of his favorite places in Las Vegas.
What is your full name: Noel Bowman
What is your title: President M5 Mgmt Co (Minus5 Ice Bars, 1923 Bourbon Bar, New Bohemia Sausage and Bier haus) www.M5mgmt.com
Where were you born: New Orleans, LA
How long in Las Vegas: 24 years
Favorite Part of Vegas: Southwest Las Vegas … It’s wide open and I am enjoying the all-new Downtown Summerlin area.
Occupation: F&B Entrepreneur
Favorite Restaurant: Hearthstone
Best Sushi: I Love Sushi…simple, down to earth and consistent.
Best Italian: Battista’s Hole in the Wall…love the old school vibe.
Best dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding from Gordon Ramsey Steak! Just went to his place for the 1st time (Mother-in-law wanted to go) and I didn’t have big expectations, but this dessert was very memorable.
Best place for a romantic date: OH Man…really depends on your mood. For the mega Vegas experience, I like Eiffel Tower Restaurant or Top of the World, obviously, the views are endless. If you’re in a vintage Vegas mood you have to go to Pamplemousse.
Best Sunday brunch: Lately I like Lazy Dog, spring time and open air!
Best place for a power business meeting: The ice breaker meeting rooms at the newly remodeled Minus5 Ice Bar at Mandalay Bay. Top off the day’s meeting with an ice experience!
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Mandalay Bay..It’s just close enough to get to the action, but far enough away from the static of Vegas…plus I enjoy being close to the two bars we have there.
Best Casino: Depends on who I’m with! Wynn for class (Steve just does it right), and the Cosmopolitan for guaranteed energy and hipness.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Downtown Summerlin for basics
Favorite men’s store: Stitched
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: I’m a big fan of Panerai, so I head to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace as they have a Panerai store, but I also enjoy browsing the variety of watches at Tourneau. Probably the only luxury item I afford myself…love a good watch!
Best Spa: JW Marriott…great quiet space and usually fairly empty.
Favorite Charity Event: One Night for One Drop.
Favorite Cultural Event: San Gennaro…kids love the rides.
Favorite Cultural Institution: MusiCares
Best Steakhouse: Fleming’s Summerlin…I know there are plenty of stronger notables, but it’s just great every time we go and it’s the wife and I’s go-to date night place.
Best Pizza: Dom DeMarcos…get the Big Apple!
Best Lunch: Vintner Grill (also a great power lunch alternative to the Strip)
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Lifetime
Best Massage: Massage Envy…can’t beat the price.
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Presidential…Tell Lee, Noel sent you!
Best Museum/Exhibit: Discovery Museum…what a cool place for kids and adults.
Describe your city in three words: Alive, opulent, opportunistic
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: New Orleans…If you have to ask, you wouldn’t understand.
All-around favorite spot in Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon…really keeps you grounded from being in the fast pace of owning bars in casinos, and is such a dramatic backdrop. I live out that way and find myself missing the turn to my house and taking that drive to decompress often.
Best Aspect of Las Vegas: So many reasons to love this pace but here goes for me personally… (1) I love the fact that I can do just about whatever I want whenever I want…shows, food, and activity. (2) What a great place to live and be in the Hospitality business. New opportunities and doors open all the time to create new businesses and build relationships. (3) I love to surf, so a quick drive to Orange County and I’m getting my saltwater fix.
