Herbert Cobb McDonald (March 15, 1919 – July 6, 2002) was a Las Vegas promoter and publicist who is credited with pioneering the all-you-can-eat buffet in Las Vegas casinos, bringing The Beatles to the city, leading the group that persuaded the National Finals Rodeo to relocate there, and establishing a major golf tournament.
Among his duties was booking acts for the El Rancho hotel and casino,[1] including Peggy Lee in January 1946; she invited him to her opening, where the resort's owner offered him a job as the entertainment director.
[2] According to McDonald, while working late one night, he got some food from the kitchen and laid it out on a bar to make himself a sandwich; this attracted hungry gamblers, giving rise to a Las Vegas staple: the buffet.
He booked them for two performances at the Las Vegas Convention Center in August; they stayed at the Sahara.
In March 1982, he became director of Las Vegas Events Inc.[1] As its president, he played a large role in luring the National Finals Rodeo away from its 20-year stay in Oklahoma City to attract visitors in the traditionally slow month of December;[1] the December 1984 vote was tied six to six, with Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association president Shawn Davis casting the deciding vote.