On the Corner of Main Street

In the early 2000s, nobody was going to East Fremont St. But veteran New York hospitality executive Paul Devitt saw something there, and decided to become the area's nightlife pioneer.

Devitt opened Beauty Bar, a Vegas version of his successful New York bar and music venue. Other bars followed, inspired by Beauty Bar's success.

While Beauty Bar is gone, Devitt is looking for new Las Vegas opportunities. Which brought him to town. Which inspired Jonathan to invite him on the podcast to talk about those wild early days of East Fremont.

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

Jonathan and Gary continue the "tradition" of welcoming new manager by putting them on the podcast. Christiaan Van Buuren is the new Director of Table Games, and a South African like Jonathan. Christiaan shares his journey from the casino world of South Africa to Las Vegas, a detour to South Korea, then back to Vegas. Also in this episode: Jonathan and Gary review the big events of 2023 at the Plaza, and preview/hint at new things to come.

Join host Jonathan Jossel and legendary former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman in a special edition of the “On The Corner of Main Street” podcast—recorded live at Oscar’s Steakhouse during Oscar’s famous Dinner Series! In this wide-ranging (and always entertaining) conversation, Oscar dives into unforgettable stories from his days as a high-profile attorney, his time as mayor, and the colorful characters he’s encountered along the way.

From Philadelphia roots and Las Vegas lore to brushes with the FBI, mafia defense cases, and even a cameo in Casino, Oscar pulls no punches. You’ll hear about:

His early career defending reputed mobsters and the surprising twists that led him there Tales of wiretaps, courtrooms, and the federal agents who always seemed to have him in their sights Memorable run-ins with public figures—including judges, law enforcement, and Vegas icons The (sometimes outrageous) behind-the-scenes moments that only Oscar can tell Why he loves (and occasionally “hates”) certain aspects of the city he helped shape Plus, you’ll get a taste of the camaraderie (and hilarious banter) that makes Oscar’s Dinner Series such a hit. If you’ve never been to one of these events at the Plaza, this episode will make you want to book the next date—just be sure not to talk while Oscar’s talking...or you might just “get whacked”!

Subscribe to “On The Corner of Main Street” for more fascinating deep dives into Las Vegas history, culture, and all the news around Downtown. And if you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with fellow Vegas fans!

Follow the Plaza & Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plaza Hotel & Casino: Plazahotelcasino.com Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plazahotelcasino.com/dine/oscars-steakhouse/ Podcast Page: Plazahotelcasino.com/podcast

Connect With Us: Instagram: @PlazaPod X: @PlazaPod Facebook: @Plazapodcast

00:00 Welcome to Oscar's Dinner Series 02:38 Oscar's Rules and Stories 04:45 Introducing the Family and Friends 09:05 The Philadelphia Mob Stories Begin 20:13 The Trial and Legal Battles 29:31 Bitcoin and Personal Anecdotes 33:50 Joe Louis as a Character Witness 35:58 The Prosecutor's Unexpected Job Request 36:14 The Judge's Fascination with Joe Louis 37:07 Izzy's Daughter's News 37:45 Introduction to Dave Takeda and the DEA 39:47 The Airport Incident with Dave Takeda 41:54 The Opium Perfume Mix-Up 45:40 Richard Gordon's Misstep 49:42 Oscar Goodman's Dinner Series 50:29 Q&A Session Begins 50:57 Oscar's Journey to Becoming a Mob Attorney 55:14 Reflections on Leading Las Vegas 59:28 Favorite Moments and Cases 01:07:15 Closing Remarks and Dinner Announcement

Years ago, long before Jonathan started running The Plaza, Ashley Revel sold everything he owned in his native England, flew to Las Vegas and put all that money, more than $100,000, on red at the roulette table. It as a huge deal at the time, complete with a reality TV show crew following him around and recording the event. Jonathan and Ashley relive that moment, and Ashley shares how life has worked out since then.

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Downtown Grand GM Andrew Economon has, in his words, worked "both sides of the street" in Las Vegas - for Caesars and for MGM. He's made other stops along The Strip and off The Strip, He now runs the hotel that used to be "Lady Luck." After a long closure, it came back ten years ago as The Downtown Grand. Andrew and Jonathan discuss the challenges and rewards of operating downtown, and the latest efforts to, in Andrew's words, "Make Downtown Great Again." He even has hats with that motto!