Jul 11 2024 29 mins
What happens when a passionate soccer player trades the field for a fine dining kitchen? Tune in to hear Joe Mikulich's incredible journey from his humble beginnings in a farmer-style household to becoming the co-owner of Anima by EDO and EDO Gastro Tapas and Wine. Hear the transformative story of how beer and wine classes at UNLV ignited Joe's passion for hospitality, leading him through early work experiences in fine dining and a significant stint at Bazaar Meats. Learn how mentorship and relationships played crucial roles in his rise within the Las Vegas culinary scene.
Discover the bold risks and rewarding successes that come with building a restaurant empire from scratch. Joe, alongside his partners, faced numerous challenges but ultimately triumphed with their Gramercy location, all while carefully choosing the perfect name—Anima. Get an insider's look at their future plans, including the exciting launch of a French and Spanish brasserie-style restaurant in Vegas. The strong bond and unified vision among these restaurateurs are key to their unique dining experiences, and we dive into their hands-on approach to crafting memorable meals.
True hospitality is more than just great food—it's about making people feel genuinely welcome. Joe shares invaluable insights into building a strong cultural foundation within a team, fostering respect and support that lead to low employee turnover. From branding and marketing strategies that prioritize organic growth to the lessons learned from entrepreneurial risks and failures, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring restaurateurs. Don't miss out on Joe's future projects, including a new Seattle venture and a potential nonprofit focused on health and fitness, promising exciting developments on the horizon.