Podcast
On the Corner of Main Street
Hosted by Plaza Hotel and Casino · EN
On the Corner of Main Street provides an inside scoop on downtown Las Vegas. From gaming and special events to new projects and the growing art scene, hear straight from the amazing people who are making downtown Las Vegas a unique and fast-growing destination. Recorded at the Plaza Hotel & Casino – on the corner of Main Street – Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel will be joined by special guests, including gaming industry leaders, entertainers, local officials and downtown partners, who will share their own exclusive and often entertaining perspective on where Vegas got its start and where it's going now.
Hosted by Lisa Melmed, Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Chad Jahn: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences at Oscar's
2w ago00:45:34Tap to summarizeIn 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 restaurants young, graduating from UNLV, and building his hospitality career through Steve Wynn-era properties (Golden Nugget, Mirage, Bellagio), including celebrity-service stories, before spending 11 years at Ferraro's and a stint at Emmitt's. He explains his approach to leading a veteran team, the guest journey standards he enforces, and what makes Oscar's stand out—its history, service, value, and signature dishes—plus a brief call-in from Oscar Goodman.
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Architectural Legends: The Making of Las Vegas Icons with Paul Steelman
4w ago01:08:40Tap to summarizeIn 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, Solaire (Philippines), Ho Tram (Vietnam), and casinos across Europe, plus design myths about casinos. The conversation covers Circa's design choices, Resorts World's long development and scaled-back vision, and Steelman's view that Las Vegas is losing magic through generic LED "boxes" and monetized "obstacle courses," while praising the Sphere and anticipating the Mirage guitar redevelopment.
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The Evolution of Vegas Nightlife: Insights from Jason Strauss
Apr 2300:55:40Tap to summarizeJonathan 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.
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From Entry-Level to Executive: Ronn Nicolli's Vegas Journey
Apr 901:02:44Tap to summarizeJonathan 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.
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BONUS Episode: Jonathan's Hey BigHead Show Interview
Mar 2600:46:00Tap to summarizeJonathan 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!
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The Next Big Thing in Vegas: Inside the Vegas Live Casino Network
Mar 1900:54:01Tap to summarizeJonathan 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.
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Burgers and Business: Five Guys Sets Up at The Plaza
Mar 500:54:33Tap to summarizeJonathan 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.
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Holly Madison: Reinventing Life in Las Vegas
Feb 1900:45:50Tap to summarizeJonathan, 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.
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Gambling's Most Exclusive List: Secrets of the Black Book
Feb 501:08:36Tap to summarizeJoin 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.
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Rob Goldstein: Inside the Operator Playbook of Iconic Resorts
Jan 2200:50:17Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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