It’s all about adventure in life and work for Nolan Gillies, assistant general manager for Play Playground at Luxor.
“I’ve always jumped through different things in life,” Gillies says. Raised in Chicago, he went to school for entrepreneurship and finance, and out of college did some modeling and coached a boxing team. He enjoys backpacking in national parks and coaches jiu jitsu. “In 2022, I headed to Las Vegas where I worked in financial tech but eventually wanted to work on the Strip,” he says.
A colleague recruited him in 2024 to help run Play Playground, where more than 20 large-scale games, drinking and dining combine. “It’s like giant versions of ’90s board games, riffs on Bop It!, Perfection, Operation,” Gillies says. “People are obsessed with their phones today and this gets you up and moving and laughing and having a good time.”
It’s Gillies’ job to help cultivate a fun, interactive environment for families and for adults looking for a nightlife alternative (it’s 21+ after 7 p.m.). “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he says. It’s an environment that is perfect for Gillies, full of adventure, wonder and good times.
“This is, in a way, something I always wanted,” he says. “Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to go on an adventure and being in a brand-new place like this is kinda exciting. … I get to help shape the future of this company. I told them I don’t want to wonder how high I could fly, so every time there’s an opportunity presented to me, I saddle up and do it.”
Libation: Bloody Mary
Play Playground recently introduced weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday) with brunch-inspired entrées and bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas. For a savory pick-me-up, order the Bloody Mary mixed with vodka, Bloody Mary mix, lime and Tabasco; it’s garnished with bacon bits, green olives and celery.
Benefit: Group party brunch includes admission, reserved seats, one entrée each and bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys.
Luxor. playplayground.com
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