Layoffs at recently opened SLS Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- The recently opened SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino laid off less than 2 percent of its workforce after evaluating its staffing needs, a spokesman for the property said Monday.

The hotel-casino, a $415 million renovation of the former Sahara, opened August 23 with some 3,400 workers for the 1,600-room hotel-casino. The property includes nine restaurants and three nightclub/entertainment venues.

SLS is majority owned by Stockbridge Real Estate of San Francisco and operated by SBE Entertainment Group, LLC of Los Angeles.

A spokesman said the workforce reduction affected positions across the board, including front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house areas. The layoffs took place over the last two months as the resort adjusted its staffing needs.

The property opened with a lavish VIP celebration attended by 3,600 invited guests and celebrities.

“While it is always difficult to part ways with our team members, these types of employment shifts are very common as new Strip resorts adjust following grand openings. We cut less than 2 percent of the staff and are well-positioned to deliver upon the SLS promise and the demand of our loyal customer base,” said Arash Azarbarzin, president of SBE Hotel Group.