Most people know him for his mind- freaking level of magic, but in the quiet community of Overton, about 60 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Criss Angel is the major domo of Cablp, which stands for “Criss Angel’s breakfast, lunch and pizza,” and which is, yes, a restaurant (also known for its Italian ices).
Angel is engulfed in his magic show and other projects, but even he likes to relax occasionally. While he and his family were scouting dirt-biking destinations a few years ago for his elder son, Johnny Crisstopher, they became taken with this remote corner of Clark County.
“In 45 minutes, you’re transported from the stress to an entirely different way of life,” he says. He invested in the area and, as part of that, bought the former Sugar’s Home Plate. Cablp was born in July 2021. So, how does his rural restaurant coexist with the glamorous Las Vegas Strip? Read on.
Has the experience of owning a restaurant been much like you expected it to be?
The experience of owning a restaurant is what I expected, because I grew up in this business. My dad and uncle owned many coffee shops, and as a kid I worked in them to make money to buy magic.
What sort of things have surprised you?
It’s very challenging to find help. Since COVID, food prices have increased astronomically, and it’s become even more challenging for any small business. My situation is unique because I didn’t open the restaurant as a standalone business or to make a career out of, but with the intention that it would be one component to an escape camp for children with childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Still, waiting years and years later for the county and Bureau of Land Management. Bureaucracy is bliss …
The restaurant has a secret door, which opens to reveal a room displaying some of your magic memorabilia. Has that feature been popular with kids?
And adults. It a fun, clean place to eat with a great environment. If it was closer to where I reside I would probably eat there every day!