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 why Spanish cuisine offers a “silver lining” of creativity and versatility in the kitchen.
Plus, he reveals how soccer—his childhood passion—instilled the drive, discipline, and work ethic that still fuels his career today.
It’s a candid conversation about building restaurants, embracing creativity, and chasing big ideas in the ever-evolving Las Vegas dining scene.
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ABOUT JOE:
Joe Mikulich is the Co-Founder of EDO Hospitality, which has restaurants EDO, Anima, and Braseria in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as La Loba in Seattle, Washington. Mikulich oversees operations of all concepts alongside his business partner, as well as controlling each concept’s wine programs.
Mikulich started his culinary career at Holsteins in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He later moved on to work at Bazaar Meat by José Andrés for 10 years until meeting his business partners and opening EDO Tapas in 2018.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Mikulich graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2013. When he isn’t working, he loves to find time to stay active, whether it’s working out or playing soccer, his childhood pastime.