FROM SOCCER TO SOMMELIER TO RESTAURATEUR: JOE MIKULICH’S LAS VEGAS JOURNEY

About this episode

Joe Mikulich shares his journey from food runner to restaurateur in Las Vegas, discussing the challenges and creativity in the hospitality industry.

This week, Ira welcomes Joe Mikulich, co-founder of EDO Hospitality, the restaurant group behind some of Las Vegas’ most talked-about dining destinations, including EDO Tapas, Anima by EDO, and Braseria by EDO. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Joe shares the story of how a Las Vegas native worked his way up from food runner to sommelier to restaurant entrepreneur, building a hospitality brand that celebrates bold flavors and adventurous dining. Joe explains what “EDO” really stands for—and why the concept resonates so deeply with people in the hospitality industry. He also talks about growing up in Las Vegas, the realities of entering a tough and competitive business, and why putting your ego aside is essential for success in restaurants. Joe reflects on opening his first restaurant, EDO Tapas, and how its tiny footprint created a surprising challenge—a cap on what was possible. That experience helped shape the vision behind Braseria by EDO, a restaurant intentionally designed to capture a specific market while pushing the menu in more adventurous directions. Along the way, Joe shares insights on delegation, leadership, using technology to stay organized, and…

People in this episode

Host: Ira Sternberg

Guest: Joe Mikulich

Topics covered

• restaurant entrepreneurship
• Las Vegas dining
• hospitality industry
• cooking creativity
• soccer influence

Keywords

• Joe Mikulich
• EDO Hospitality
• Las Vegas restaurants
• hospitality
• restaurant challenges
• soccer influence
• cooking

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EDO Hospitality

Books & works: EDO Tapas, Anima by EDO, Braseria by EDO

Places: Las Vegas

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