On the Corner of Main Street

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. He reflects on North Strip dynamics and why nearby resorts' success matters for foot traffic, then traces his path from Ohio to Vegas, early jobs, and rise from street promoter at Wynn to major nightlife projects like Tryst and XS, sharing lessons about brand identity, detail, and wow factor from Steve Wynn. He closes with advice on taking risks, hard work, and mentoring the next generation in hospitality.

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, letting guests share a QR code so friends can watch them play. Vegas Pauly C joins to discuss bringing players, his experience streaming at Venetian, why audiences watch live gambling, and the importance of engaging dealers and big swings. They also touch on Vegas economics, casino pricing, and operator-driven guest experience.

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 and extra fries. The conversation dives into the two-year process to bring the concept downtown, plans for the Plaza location near the South Tower with a patio, and even a future hot dog cart near the Carousel Bar. They also touch on new menu tests like boozy milkshakes and breakfast before wrapping up the episode with a giveaway of 10 "eat free for a year" prize.

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 about his Playboy guest-photographer shoot, plus talk on UFC fandom, Raiders pride, which demolished casino she'd bring back, and what she'd do as mayor: create more unique, iconic attractions while preserving downtown charm.

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 the legal battles surrounding the Black Book. Learn how this tool has evolved and its current role in safeguarding the integrity of Las Vegas casinos. Discover the fascinating insights and experiences from those who have dedicated their careers to maintaining order in the world of gaming.

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 forefront of the gaming industry. The conversation highlights Goldstein's instrumental role in the development of Las Vegas, including significant milestones like collaborating with Sheldon Adelson on the creation of the Venetian and Palazzo, the value of themes in hotels, outsourcing food and beverage operations, and non-gaming revenue. Goldstein also speaks about his future plans as he looks forward to new ventures after announcing his departure from Sands.

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 with a pop-up bar at the Plaza. Learn about their unique hiring process, upcoming events like the St. Patty's Day firefighter fun games, and their passion-driven journey. Don't miss their dynamic energy and plans for this thrilling Las Vegas venture!

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, and Q's extended family of guests. What was planned as a normal episode instead becomes a toast to a man who embodied hospitality and made everyone around him feel like a VIP. Before the replay begins, Jonathan and Gary talk about the last week at the Plaza and the overwhelming response from Q's players and friends around the country. They share messages from guests who still came in for planned trips, how the team rallied to make sure those visits stayed special, and why Q's presence is still felt on the casino floor. They also explain how listeners can support his family through the GoFundMe that Rachel, his wife, set up and mention future plans for a celebration of life at the Plaza in Q's honor. The episode then rolls back to April 2021, when Q first sat down with the podcast to tell his story. Listeners hear how a nineteen year old kid working in an arcade at The Lady Luck in Bettendorf, Iowa, fell in love with taking care of people and followed that feeling into security and then surveillance in St. Louis. Q explains what it was like watching the casino from a dark room, writing up errors, and realizing that he wanted to be on the floor with the energy, not behind the cameras. That decision would send him to Detroit in 1999, dealing dice at the first MGM Casino there while the action was nonstop and the line to get in wrapped around the building. From there, Q walks through his move to Las Vegas and the dream of making it on the Strip. He talks about dealing at the Suncoast, then spending six years at the Palms during its peak, with ten dollar games replaced by green and black chip action and celebrities like Ben Affleck, Jerry Rice, and Missy Elliott learning craps at his table. Eventually, Q shares why he chose to return to the Midwest, become a host, then come back to Vegas and join the Plaza just before the pandemic. He explains what "being a host" really means to him: calling guests from his "laboratory," building trust, surprising them with experiences like helicopter rides and cornhole tournaments, and making a working class player feel as special as any high roller on the Strip. The conversation also captures Q's first impressions of the Plaza and how his view of downtown shifted once he was inside the building. He talks about the family feeling under the dome, the culture Jonathan and the leadership team built, and why he preferred the closeness and honesty of Plaza guests over the flash of larger resorts. Q reflects on working through the shutdown, training in the gym during COVID, watching downtown recover, and dreaming about how to use the Plaza's unique spaces for concerts and events. Throughout, his voice is full of optimism, gratitude, and a competitive desire to outwork and out-care every other host in town. This episode is both a time capsule and a tribute. If you knew Q, it is a chance to hear his laugh, his stories, and his philosophy on hospitality one more time. If you never met him, it is a chance to understand why so many people called him their host, their friend, and their reason for coming back to the Plaza. The team shares details on how to support his family through the GoFundMe linked with the episode and invites listeners to raise a glass, share their memories, and help keep Q's spirit alive on the corner of Main Street. https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-q-helping-his-family 00:00 Introduction and Somber Mood 00:46 Remembering Aquarius Q Wilkinson 01:17 Tributes and Memories 03:46 Celebration of Life and GoFundMe 04:31 Interview with Aquarius Q Wilkinson 05:19 Q's Early Career in the Casino Industry 07:31 Transition to Surveillance and Dealing 08:22 Moving to Detroit and Becoming a Dealer 12:48 Journey to Las Vegas 14:37 Life at the Palms Casino 17:09 Switch to Casino Host and Personal Reflections 18:25 What Does a Casino Host Do? 18:54 Building Relationships with Clients 20:24 Returning to Vegas 21:05 First Impressions of the Plaza 23:53 Creating Memorable Experiences 34:50 Adapting During the Pandemic 37:42 Future Plans for the Plaza 39:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 challenges of managing a YouTube channel, memorable video experiences like the 'Cosmo Saga', and future plans. The duo shares insights into their unique approach to competition, content creation, and maintaining work-life balance as a married couple, while shedding light on the business side of being YouTube influencers. The episode also features opening collectible sports and celebrity memorabilia from Lucky Box vending machines.

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 collaborative effort behind this awe-inspiring event. Plus, get insights into upcoming activities, events and exclusive stories straight from the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Don't miss out on this vibrant discussion! Get tickets and details: plazahotelcasino.com 📅 Helldorado Rodeo: November 7–8 🎧 Listen every week for new stories from On The Corner of Main Street. 00:00 Introduction and Setting 01:25 Meet the Special Guests 02:11 Rodeo Talk Begins 02:46 Core Arena and Rodeo Events 05:41 History of the Rodeo 07:10 Mutton Busting and Family Fun 08:47 Event Details and Future Plans 12:18 The Importance of Specialty Dirt 12:54 Expanding the Rodeo Event 13:23 Lucky Box Sponsorship 14:22 Working at the Plaza 16:30 Sales and Catering at the Plaza 19:34 Upcoming Events and Downtown Christmas Expo

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 to launching his own successful consulting firm, Dennis reveals the secrets behind creating compelling casino promotions, understanding player DNA, and fostering a player-first culture. Plus, get the inside scoop on the current trends at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and enjoy some fun surprises with the Plaza's unique Lucky Box vending machine. Whether you're a casino enthusiast or a marketing professional, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in now!

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 as a criminal lawyer representing reputed mobsters, and the evolution of Las Vegas as a city influenced by both its colorful past and contemporary challenges.

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 Steakhouse in January 2020. Chelsea talks about the importance of building personal connections with guests, her love for Dolly Parton, and her favorite dishes and drinks. The episode also features a segment where Chelsea unboxes a jersey from the Lucky Box. Jonathan highlights the integral role Chelsea plays in creating a welcoming atmosphere at the bar, contributing to the restaurant's considerable growth and success.

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, the financial and community impacts of stadium projects, and the excitement surrounding the A's new ballpark in Vegas. Mark also reflects on the passionate fan reactions and the collaborative efforts required to bring such large-scale projects to fruition. The episode concludes with Mark sharing his personal piece of advice on maintaining integrity in one's career.

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-breaking wing-eating contests at the Plaza to Patrick's career journey starting as a pit clerk at the Mirage. Get insights into the new developments at the Rio, including a fresh partnership with acclaimed chef James Trees for the Voodoo Lounge and plans for future property enhancements. Patrick also explains his leadership philosophy and reflects on the evolving landscape of Las Vegas entertainment and sports, addressing concerns about the current market trends. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode provides a detailed look at the exciting changes happening at the Rio and beyond. Tune in for an inside scoop on what it takes to keep Las Vegas vibrant and engaging!

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 episode highlights the importance of human connection in the restaurant industry and an unwavering dedication to customer service.

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 and FanDuel in Nevada, and Joe's new venture Boomer's Sports Book. They also explore the future of sports betting in Nevada, the importance of in-person signups, and the competitive landscape against major players like CIRCA and William Hill.