LAS VEGAS, NV (May 16, 2016) — Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, host of Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible, announced today that he is teaming up with Tropicana Las Vegas to open his first signature restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. At the press conference, the exterior of the Tropicana Las Vegas came to life, where a high-energy video showed the crowd what they can expect to see from the newest chef in town. In true Robert Irvine fashion, the celebrity chef made his entrance by rappelling 22 stories (220 feet) down the exterior of the Tropicana hotel to the assembled press below.

In introducing Chef Irvine, Bob Sheldon, President of Las Vegas Operations for Tropicana’s parent company, Penn National Gaming, said: “Chef Robert Irvine has tackled some of the toughest culinary challenges around the world, and we’re excited to have him take on Las Vegas, right here at the Tropicana. We are thrilled to be the Las Vegas home to such an acclaimed world-class chef. With his unparalleled passion, energy and culinary skills, he is the perfect addition to our family.”

Commenting on his new partnership with Tropicana Las Vegas, Chef Irvine said, “From the moment I stepped foot in Las Vegas, I have been on a mission to break the barrier into the food and dining scene here. I am excited to join the city’s impeccable culinary talent and I could not be happier with my decision to embark on this journey right here at the Tropicana Las Vegas.”

Following Chef Irvine’s remarks, Eric Schippers, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs for Penn National Gaming, presented him with a $5,000 check to benefit The Robert Irvine Foundation, a not-for-profit, 501c3 organization that “honors the men and women defending our country, first responders and the many other heroes in our lives.” (www.robertirvinefoundation.org). In accepting the donation, Chef Irvine said, “I greatly appreciate the support of Penn National Gaming to help further the mission of my Foundation, which serves as the cornerstone of everything I do. All of my shows, products and partnerships help support individuals and organizations committed to enriching the lives of our heroes and their families.”

Slated to open in 2017, Chef Irvine will bring his nothing-is-impossible attitude to the all-new modern American-inspired restaurant set to debut on Tropicana’s casino floor.

With more than 25 years in the culinary profession, Chef Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. The star chef is known for his experience on the Food Network as host of Restaurant: Impossible and Dinner: Impossible, along with his appearances on All-Star Academy, Chopped: Impossible, Worst Cooks in America, Guy’s Grocery Games and many more.

For more information, visit www.troplv.com

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About Robert Irvine

With more than 25 years in the culinary profession, Chef Robert Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. As the host of one of the Food Network’s highest rated shows, Restaurant: Impossible, Irvine saves struggling restaurants across America by assessing and overhauling the restaurant’s weakest spots. Irvine was previously the host of Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible and Worst Cooks in America, has authored two cookbooks, Mission: Cook! and Impossible to Easy, and one healthy living book, Fit Fuel: A Chef’s Guide to Eating Well and Living Your Best Life. Irvine is currently on tour with his new, interactive live show Robert Irvine Live, and appears regularly as an expert guest on national morning and daytime talk shows.  In 2015, Irvine launched Robert Irvine Foods, a company that features a nutritionally improved line of food products without compromising great taste. Irvine recently established the eponymously named non-profit organization, The Robert Irvine Foundation, in an effort to support military personnel and their families. Now in operation for a few years, the foundation continues to grow and assist those in need. In recent years he was honored with two very distinguished recognitions for his dedication to the armed services and our country’s heroes. He was first designated Honorary Chief Petty Officer by the U.S. Navy, and later that year awarded the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment and Support of our Service Members – a distinguished Patriot Award bestowed upon him by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Continuing his support of the military, Irvine will soon become the first celebrity chef to open a restaurant, aptly named Chef Robert Irvine’s Fresh Kitchen, at the Pentagon in the summer of 2016. Also, Irvine just announced the launch of the Robert Irvine Magazine in May 2016. For more information on Chef Robert Irvine, visit www.ChefIrvine.com.

About Tropicana Las Vegas

Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton is a Penn National Gaming resort located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip just minutes from the airport, major convention centers and top entertainment stadiums. With a unique South Beach vibe after a $200 million complete transformation, the hotel features renovated rooms, suites and luxury villas, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a state-of-the-art race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes “Raiding the Rock Vault” in the Tropicana Theater, the world-famous Laugh Factory comedy club and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. For more information, visit www.troplv.com.

About Penn National Gaming

Penn National Gaming owns, operates or has ownership interests in gaming and racing facilities and video gaming terminal operations with a focus on slot machine entertainment.  At March 31, 2016, the Company operated twenty-seven facilities in seventeen jurisdictions, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia, and Ontario.  At March 31, 2016, in aggregate, Penn National Gaming operated approximately 33,400 gaming machines, 800 table games and 4,600 hotel rooms.

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