Send us a text

What happens when two successful business leaders decide to channel their skills toward helping America's military veterans? Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay reveal the powerful story behind founding Easy Day Foundation, an organization determined to make every day easier for those who've served our country.

The name "Easy Day" comes from a Navy SEAL expression, but carries a deeper meaning. As Frank explains, "The easy days should be ahead for these guys, not behind them." This sentiment drives their mission to support veterans transitioning back to civilian life—a journey that's anything but easy for many who've served.

Both founders share deeply personal connections to military service through their WWII veteran grandfathers. Frank recounts how his grandfather bombed Berlin on his 21st birthday, while Landon reflects on growing up "as far away from enemy front lines as possible" thanks to others' sacrifice. These stories, combined with alarming statistics—17 veteran suicides daily and over 35,000 homeless veterans—compelled them to act.

Rather than duplicating existing services, Easy Day Foundation focuses on what these business minds do best: creating high-impact events that raise both awareness and substantial funds. Their partnership with the American Music Awards for a Memorial Day broadcast represents this strategy in action. Every dollar donated during the telecast will flow directly to their carefully selected partner organizations, creating a comprehensive support network for veterans.

"There are days when it's a huge pain to run a 501(c)(3)," Frank admits, "but then you meet someone like Lisa Hallett—a Gold Star widow raising three children after losing her husband on a humanitarian mission—and you remember exactly why we're doing this."

Want to make a difference in veterans' lives? Join the movement by watching the American Music Awards on May 26th, visiting easydayorg to donate, or following @EasyDayFoundation to learn how you can help ensure those who served have easier days ahead.

Send us a text

Behind every successful restaurant lies a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. Zach Tolan's journey from teenage dishwasher to celebrated chef-entrepreneur perfectly captures this spirit of culinary perseverance.

The founder of Vanilla Rice Hibachi House began his culinary career at just 15 years old, washing dishes alongside his 12-year-old brother for cash under the table. What started as a simple way to earn money transformed into something much more profound when a manager's dismissive words—"dishwashers don't get raises"—lit a fire within young Zach. Those words, now the title of his forthcoming book, became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey.

As Zach developed his hibachi cooking skills, he discovered something unexpected: his natural talent for entertainment. Working at a traditional hibachi restaurant, he became so popular that he'd receive up to 30 requests per night from guests specifically asking for "that white guy" to cook for them. Yet amidst the onion volcanoes and flaming showmanship, Zach noticed something curious—his friends who visited frequently would eventually say, "Bro, just cook the food. We don't need the show." This insight sparked the innovative concept behind Vanilla Rice: delicious hibachi cuisine without forcing customers to sit with strangers or endure unwanted theatrics.

Zach's approach to business challenges reveals his fighter's mentality: "I look at business as a boxing match. Every day I wake up, I'm gonna get swung at. Have I been swung at like this before? Do I know how to counter it?" This resilient perspective, coupled with unique training methods where he teaches cooks from scratch rather than hiring experienced chefs, has propelled Vanilla Rice toward his ultimate goal—building a national brand that stands alongside giants like Chipotle and McDonald's.

What began in his mother's backyard has evolved into a thriving multimillion-dollar operation, with expansion plans already underway. As Zach says with confidence, "We've already done the hardest part." Follow @VanillaRiceLV on social media to watch this culinary underdog story continue to unfold. Are you ready to experience hibachi reimagined?

Send us a text

Visionary entrepreneur Philippe Ziade takes us deep into the revolutionary world of AI-powered hospitality with his groundbreaking Otonomus hotel concept, set to open in Las Vegas on July 1st. This episode unveils how technology is fundamentally transforming guest experiences while creating unprecedented value for real estate developers.

Philippe's journey from Lebanese immigrant studying engineering at UNLV to innovative developer illustrates the quintessential American success story. After starting with a marble company working on the Palms Casino, he navigated the 2008 financial crisis by pivoting to distressed properties, where operational challenges led him to develop technological solutions. Those early innovations eventually evolved into the sophisticated AI systems powering Otonomus.

What makes Otonomus revolutionary? Picture a property where guests specify exactly what they want—from room configuration to service preferences—and AI puzzles it together in real time. Through what Philippe calls "digital avatars," the system learns each guest's preferences, creating increasingly personalized experiences with every interaction. Imagine walking into a hotel room that already knows your preferred temperature, lighting, and amenities before you even arrive.

Despite the technological sophistication, Philippe emphasizes that Otonomus isn't about replacing humans but enhancing them. "We're in the augmented era," he explains, where digital systems extend our capabilities while preserving the irreplaceable human elements of hospitality. This philosophy extends to Otonomus dining offerings, including Nyla, an elevated Lebanese restaurant named after Philippe's mother.

Beyond Otonomus, Philippe shares his ambitious vision for Las Vegas's evolution into a true global metropolis with branded residential towers, financial districts, and cultural centers. His perspective on Vegas as a blank canvas for innovation will inspire anyone passionate about urban development and the city's unlimited potential.

Listen now to discover how the intersection of real estate, technology, and hospitality is creating the future of travel experiences. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, hospitality professional, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping our world, Philippe's insights will transform how you think about your next hotel stay.