This interview podcast features Joubin Mirzadegan interviewing his second cousin, Nick Kokonas, a renowned restaurateur and entrepreneur. The conversation begins with a discussion of Kokonas's approach to risk-taking and his philosophy of diving into challenging projects despite initial skepticism. The bulk of the interview focuses on Kokonas's experiences building the Alinea restaurant group, creating the Tock reservation system (later sold for $430 million), and his current venture into vineyard ownership and a new, immersive theatrical dining experience. A specific example discussed is Kokonas's open-source approach to Alinea's business plan, which generated significant pre-opening buzz and reservations. Listeners gain insights into Kokonas's problem-solving strategies, his perspective on risk and fear, and his unique approach to business and creativity.
