On the Corner of Main Street

In this episode of On the Corner of Main Street, Jonathan and Gary share property updates—including passing 500,000 podcast downloads, EDC expanding to two weekends, the return of Friday-night summer fireworks, and plans for a new high-limit slots area—before spotlighting Oscar's Steakhouse general manager Chad Jahn ("Big Bad Chad"). Chad talks about moving to Las Vegas as a child, starting in res...

In this episode, Jonathan and Gary welcome architect Paul Steelman, founder/CEO of Steelman Partners, to discuss his career shaping casino resorts worldwide. Steelman recounts starting in Atlantic City after casino gambling was approved in 1976, meeting Joel Bergman and Steve Wynn, and working on Golden Nugget Atlantic City and The Mirage. He shares major international projects such as Sands Macao...

Jonathan and Gary welcome back Tao Group co-CEO Jason Strauss. Strauss looks back on his 2021 predictions—from the Sphere to the Arts District—while breaking down why Vegas is still growing despite the noise online. He also teases what's next, including a new Omnia Dayclub opening during EDC weekend, and shares a simple rule: know every role before you lead.

Jonathan and Gary interview nightlife and marketing executive Ronn Nicolli, now leading marketing and guest experience for the Meruelo Group at Sahara. Ronn discusses his new role and efforts to add cultural relevance while leaning into Sahara's 75-year history, including work with Las Vegas archives, hosting Sammy Davis Jr.'s family, and gifting Mike Tyson a framed historic Sahara boxing photo. H...

Jonathan joins Andrew on the HeyBigHead Show  as a special guest, sharing his journey to Las Vegas, insights into running a casino, perspectives on leadership, and his vision for the future of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Tune in for an inside look at the industry—and don't forget to check out the HeyBigHead Show on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube!  

Jonathan and Gary introduce the newly launched Vegas Live Casino Network with partner Stephan Shelanski, a TV and sports-betting media veteran who helped build VSiN. They explain the concept: a smoke-free, streamer-friendly casino area with blackjack, single-zero roulette, baccarat, and about 45 slots, broadcasting six hours of live action daily on YouTube plus a 30–45 minute highlight recap, lett...

Jonathan and Gary sit down with Ed Pizzarello to announce that Five Guys is officially coming to the Plaza Hotel & Casino, bringing the first downtown location of the brand to the property. Ed shares the story behind Five Guys, which started as a family-run burger shop in 1986 in Arlington, built on simple principles like fresh ingredients, no freezers, unlimited toppings, and those famous peanuts...

Jonathan, Gary and guest co-host Chelsea welcome Holly Madison to discuss why Las Vegas became home after moving there about 17 years ago. Holly shares her path from Alaska to LA, entering the Playboy world via Hawaiian Tropic contests, and how early Vegas trips (MGM Mansions, Palms Playboy Club) shaped her love for Vegas history and classic spots. The episode includes a live call to Oscar Goodman...

Join us for a deep dive into the history and significance of the Black Book, as Jonathan and Gary host James Taylor, former Chief of Enforcement at the Nevada Gaming Control Board. They explore Taylor's 28 years of gaming enforcement, including detailed stories of organized crime, casino cheats, and notorious cases. Special guest feature by former Mayor Oscar Goodman brings a unique perspective on...

In this podcast, Jonathan and Gary sit down with Rob Goldstein, a legend in the gaming industry. Goldstein shares his remarkable journey of over 30 years, primarily with the Sands Group, starting from an unexpected childhood experience that led him to a career in gaming and hospitality. He discusses his East Coast beginnings, his father's gambling habits, and his transition from law school to the...

Join Jonathan and Gary in this exciting episode as they welcome the ladies behind the iconic Hogs and Heifers — Michelle Sandler and Michelle Dell. Discover the rich history of this famous biker bar from its origins in New York's meatpacking district to its thriving days on Downtown Las Vegas' Third Street. Despite challenges and a recent closure, Hogs and Heifers is making a spirited comeback wit...

On this special episode of On the Corner of Main Street, Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and hotel director Gary Vickery return after a brief break with heavy hearts to remember their friend and executive casino host, Aquarius "Q" Wilkinson. They open the show in a quieter, somber mood, sharing the news of Q's passing and reflecting on the shock that has rippled through the Plaza, downtown Las Vegas, an...

Jonathan and Gary welcome popular Las Vegas YouTubers Christopher Pomparelli and Greta Sereni, known as Pompsie and Greta, respectively. They discuss their rise to fame through their channels, Pompsie Slots, amassing over 276 million combined views by offering authentic perspectives on experiencing Las Vegas. The conversation spans various topics, including the appeal of slot machine content, the...

Description: Join us for an exciting episode of our podcast recorded from Oscar's office! This episode features special guests Natashia White, Director of Marketing, and Michele Evans, VP of Sales, Catering and Core Arena. We dive into the transformative journey of Core Arena, the significance of rodeos, and the history of Helldorado Days. Discover the world of rodeos, mutton bustin', and the coll...

In this special episode, Jonathan and Gary are joined by casino marketing legend Dennis Conrad, who brings over four decades of experience to the table. Dive deep into the exciting world of casino marketing, where Dennis shares his vast insights on player engagement, the role of social media, and the evolving nature of the gambling industry. From his early days as a dealer at the mob-run Stardust...

At the latest Oscar's Dinner Series, Oscar shares a variety of anecdotes, ranging from humorous tales about local legends to the rich history of Las Vegas, including its connections to organized crime. Guests, including Las Vegas icons and regular supporters of the series, participated in a Q&A session while enjoying a curated dinner. The event highlighted Goodman's personal experiences, his stint...

In this episode, Jonathan and Gary welcome special guest Chelsea from Oscar's Steakhouse. Chelsea shares her background, from growing up in a small town in Tennessee and working in her family's restaurants to moving to Las Vegas to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. She discusses her experiences working at various venues such as Bally's and the Luxor before finding her place at Oscar's S...

In this episode Jonathan and Gary welcome Mark Badain, President of the Oakland Athletics. Mark shares his journey from starting as an intern with the Raiders to becoming the team president, overseeing their move to Allegiant Stadium, and now working on building a world-class ballpark on the Las Vegas strip. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of relocating sports franchises,...

This episode, Jonathan and Gary dive straight into a special discussion with Patrick Miller, President and CEO of the Rio Hotel and Casino. Patrick discusses the revitalization of one of Las Vegas' most iconic resorts, sharing his extensive experience from properties like Park MGM and New York-New York to now leading the transformation of the Rio. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, from record-br...

In this episode Jonathan and Gary welcome Oscar Goodman and long-time server Nick Ziai. The discussion spans a variety of topics including life at the Plaza, the evolution of downtown Las Vegas, and the unique charm of classic Vegas hospitality. Nick shares his experiences working in renowned restaurants like Golden Steer and MGM Grand, while Oscar reminisces about the old Las Vegas days. The epis...

In this episode, Jonathan and Gary are joined by Joe Asher, a seasoned expert in the sports betting industry, making his third appearance on the podcast. They delve into Joe's extensive career, including his experiences running Brandywine Bookmaking, the US expansion of William Hill, and his tenure at IGT. The discussion covers significant regulatory challenges, reasons for the lack of DraftKings...

Join us at Oscar's Steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a captivating Dinner Series event. Hosted by Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and featuring legendary former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, this episode delves into various entertaining stories from Vegas history, notable legal cases, and personal anecdotes. Goodman shares his experiences with prominent figures like Tony Spi...

Join Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery in a fascinating conversation with Michael Kaplan, author of 'Advantage Players: Inside the Winning World of Casino'. They delve into the intriguing world of gamblers who legally outsmart casinos, including card counters, slot hustlers, and other savvy players. Kaplan shares stories about notable figures like Anthony Curtis, Kelly Sun, and sports bettor Don Jo...

In this latest episode, Jonathan and Gary welcome back Scott Roeben of Vital Vegas. They delve into various Las Vegas-related topics, starting with the use of AI in hospitality and entertainment. Scott discusses his experience with AI for research and story writing, highlighting its increasingly significant role. The conversation shifts to recent changes and potential developments in downtown Las...

Join us for an insightful episode of the Las Vegas Advisor interview series featuring Jonathan Jossel, the visionary CEO of the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Jonathan shares his journey from South Africa to Las Vegas, navigating through the Great Recession, and becoming one of the youngest licensees in Nevada at 29. We delve into the Plaza's unique strategies like looser games, single zero roulette, and...