‘Rick the Bartender’ might be worthy of ‘Pawn Stars’ spinoff

By John Katsilometes

Friday, Aug. 14, 2015 | 5:10 p.m.

The Kats Report Bureau swung through Pawn Plaza earlier today, and brother that was time well spent. We always like to check out these types of projects in their larval stages.

The retail and entertainment fortress is being developed by Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars,” who owns the land on which Gold & Silver Pawn sits and the lots just to the north and south (stopping at the pink-painted bail bonds business, sitting on land owned by the Stupak family).

What I gleaned today from Harrison earlier today, other than his latest ribald joke (he’s something of a collector of jokes), was he will be bartending Fridays and Saturdays at the top-level bar at Rick’s Rollin’ Smoke Barbecue & Tavern when the complex opens Oct. 1. He won’t develop any “flair” bartending skills, so don’t expect the juggling of flaming bottles, dancing or acrobatics of any sort. He’s pretty much a beer-and-shot guy.

The one rule for Harrison’s bartending shifts we discussed today was any order he takes needs to be a drink where all the ingredients are specified. As in rum and Coke, gin and tonic, scotch and soda, whiskey and granola … anything beyond that might require some backup.

But Harrison has actually trained and has earned a TAM card to work as a professional bartender.

In the offing, too, is a wedding chapel at the site where Harrison hopes to one day perform ceremonies. If he follows through and becomes an ordained minister (which is likely a lot easier than gaining a TAM card), he would join such Las Vegas newsmakers as Danny “The Count” Koker of “Counting Cars,” Paul Shortino of “Raiding the Rock Vault” and Brian Thomas, who portrays Lucky the Leprechaun at O’Sheas and has performed services as the “Mini-Ster” at KISS by Monster Mini Golf.

“Remember, Danny actually performed our service,” Harrison said during a tour of the plaza. “This has precedence.” Coker did officiate the ceremony for Harrison and DeAnna Burditt in July 2013.

The businesses already formally contracted to open at Pawn Plaza are Rita’s Italian Ice, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Rick’s Rollin’ Smoke, Vegas Flip Flops, So-Cal Speed Shop, Inna Gadda di Pizza and Pawn Donut & Coffee.

As part of his business license at the Rollin’ smoke restaurant and tavern, Harrison must provide live entertainment. Terrific news, this. The musicians are to perform on the second-level terrace with their backs to the Gold & Silver Pawn sign, which has become one of the city’s more recognizable and photographed landmarks.

Any band or singer would do well to be booked at Palm Plaza. All we ask is that you tip your bartender — but be patient. He’s new.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.