The Culinary Union, the largest union in Nevada, is relocating its headquarters to a new campus at 5241 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas. This move marks the end of nearly eight decades on Commerce Street and coincides with the union’s 90th anniversary. The new campus will officially open on June 5, 2025.
Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union, stated: “We are laying down a strong foundation for the next century of worker power in Nevada by expanding our headquarters at a new campus.” He emphasized that this transition is not just about moving to a new building but also about preserving their legacy and preparing for future challenges. “The new Culinary Union campus is a wise investment that makes us stronger,” he added.
The facility will provide more meeting spaces and parking availability and will be ADA accessible. It is strategically located between the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. The site will centralize various Culinary Union affiliates, including the Citizenship Project.
Diana Valles, President of the Culinary Union, reflected on their previous location: “For over six decades, our home on Commerce Street has been more than just a building; it has been the heartbeat of the Culinary Union.” She noted that while they honor their past achievements there, they remain committed to advocating for their members.
Union member Francisco Rufino Parra expressed enthusiasm about the move: “I’m excited about moving to the new campus and it’s the perfect way to celebrate our 90th anniversary.”
Gloria Valdez highlighted her excitement for additional space: “We’re going to have more space to organize…and we are going to keep fighting.”
Heather Lind acknowledged taking their history with them: “We’re taking that history with us to Spring Mountain Road.”
Kimbely Walker praised the convenience of the new location: “The new campus is between the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown…I’m proud to see us investing in a future where we can keep fighting for workers who want to join our union.”
Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 represent 60,000 workers across Las Vegas and Reno. The union also supports health insurance coverage through its Culinary Health Fund for over 145,000 Nevadans. It boasts diverse membership demographics with significant representation from Latino/a communities.
