Revitalizing Rio: Patrick Miller's Vision for a Las Vegas Icon
Release Date: 08/14/2025
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...
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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!
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineThis 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!