The always beautiful and expressive Rita. She has been the symbol of the Rio since it first opened its doors as the Rio Suites Hotel and Casino.

Sited well off the Strip, Marnell and Co. led the Rio through a series of expansions until ultimately bought out by Harrahs. Through the 90's the Rio was known for the most innovative buffet in Las Vegas (and the world), the most elegantly-clad cocktail waitresses anywhere, and Rita.

I believe Rio's public stock ticker was RHC, back in the glory days when Caesar's World was the top hotel in Las Vegas and hadn't yet been bought out by a telephone company.