John Terzian & Craig Susser

Date: 2020-12-24 | Duration: 1h 57m

Episode Overview

John Terzian and Craig Susser join Joe Rogan to discuss the devastating impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the restaurant and nightlife industries, particularly in Los Angeles. They share firsthand experiences of navigating strict and often inconsistent government mandates that have forced many venues to close or operate at minimal capacity. Both emphasize the financial strain, with Terzian revealing he has personally spent a quarter-million dollars complying with state rules, while Susser highlights how employees and small businesses are left vulnerable without clear guidance or support. They criticize local officials for what they see as arbitrary shutdowns and a lack of communication, pointing to the disproportionate targeting of their industries despite limited evidence that restaurants are major spreaders of the virus. The conversation also touches on the broader cultural and social consequences of prolonged closures. Terzian and Susser reflect on how these restrictions have fractured communities and damaged mental health, especially within the comedy and entertainment scenes that rely heavily on live venues. They recount efforts to adapt, such as expanding outdoor dining and launching new food products, but remain skeptical about the future given ongoing political challenges. Throughout, they call for smarter, science-based approaches that balance public health with economic survival, underscoring the urgent need for collaboration between business owners and policymakers to restore a sense of normalcy.

About Craig Susser

Craig Susser is a prominent restaurateur and entrepreneur, best known as the owner of the acclaimed Los Angeles eatery, Craig's. With a reputation for serving celebrity clientele and crafting a vibrant dining experience, Susser has established himself as a key figure in the city's hospitality scene. In addition to his restaurant success, he is the visionary behind Craig's Vegan, a popular non-dairy ice cream brand that caters to the growing demand for plant-based treats. Susser's innovative approach to cuisine and commitment to quality have made him a notable influencer in the culinary world, showcasing his passion for delicious food that appeals to a wide audience.

About John Terzian

John Terzian is the co-founder and co-president of The h.wood Group, a prominent hospitality and lifestyle firm based in Los Angeles, renowned for its innovative approach to dining and nightlife. Under his leadership, the firm has launched a series of successful venues that have become staples in the city’s vibrant social scene. Known for his keen eye for design and a knack for creating unforgettable experiences, Terzian has established a reputation as a trendsetter in the hospitality industry. His insights into the ever-evolving landscape of dining and entertainment make him a compelling figure, as he shares his journey and vision on platforms like the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Restaurant Industry
– COVID-19 Restrictions
– Public Health Policy
– Small Business Challenges
– Comedy Clubs
– Vegan Food Industry
– Government Corruption
– Economic Impact
– Pandemic Response
– Health Inspections
– Community Advocacy
– Mental Health
– Lockdowns
– Rapid Testing
– Social Distancing
– Food Delivery Services
– Entertainment Industry
– Political Leadership
– Social Life
– Business Adaptation
0:00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and guests
0:01:02 – Discussion on industry struggles during COVID-19
0:02:33 – Personal financial impact of abiding by state rules
0:04:29 – Criticism of ineffective task forces and officials
0:06:03 – Observations on parties continuing despite restrictions
0:09:14 – County health officials shut down restaurants
0:10:18 – Call for community unity against restrictions
0:11:58 – Implementation of 10 PM curfew
0:13:19 – Lack of representation for restaurant owners
0:16:40 – Discussion on restaurant reopening challenges
0:18:16 – Mayor targeting outspoken business owners
0:20:00 – State order supersedes county order due to ICU numbers
0:22:00 – Reports of large private gatherings violating rules
0:25:07 – Comparison of current restrictions to Prohibition era
0:26:39 – Reason for shutting down restaurants: lack of inspection manpower
0:30:12 – Increase in drug addiction during the pandemic
0:32:35 – Highlighting inefficiencies and flaws in the system
0:34:42 – Devastation of the comedy community
0:36:57 – Resignation of Supervisor Kuhl
0:38:02 – Critique of Mayor Garcetti's leadership
0:40:20 – Officials exercising newfound power
0:42:12 – Impact of food delivery services on restaurant profits
0:44:24 – Discussion on political motivations behind restrictions
0:47:07 – Loss of a friend and mentor
0:48:16 – Importance of dining out for social life
0:52:04 – Prediction of a new 'Roaring 20s' post-pandemic
0:57:09 – Reference to Alex Berenson's views on COVID measures
1:01:47 – Argument that lockdowns are the worst response
1:03:32 – Challenges in reopening and maintaining employment
1:05:06 – Perceived low regard for the restaurant industry
1:07:26 – Criticism of selective industry shutdowns
1:09:57 – Casual discussion on betting among friends
1:12:00 – Denial of anti-COVID safety stance
1:14:55 – Call for investment in rapid testing
1:18:05 – Notable figures relocating due to restrictions
1:23:18 – Efforts to navigate pandemic challenges internally
1:34:42 – Comedy community's ongoing struggles
1:41:22 – Starting a COVID testing company
1:47:32 – Concerns about California's policy direction
1:52:06 – Hope for collective recovery and resilience

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:01:02 and what this experience has been like and how poorly it's Starting point is 00:01:39 the way a lot of people in the industry feel because we're the ones that are being shut Starting point is 00:02:13 And so it's been really hard since, what, it started March 15th. Starting point is 00:02:33 I've personally spent $250,000 abiding by the rules that were set forth by the state, Starting point is 00:02:53 and the servers that live day to day Starting point is 00:03:16 employees. Starting point is 00:03:36 And living in LA, it was so frustrating. Starting point is 00:03:57 And I can't quite figure out why. Starting point is 00:04:29 put you on phony task force. They lie. They have no idea how serious this is. And I commend Starting point is 00:05:05 So how do you do it well? Starting point is 00:05:27 you're negative, Starting point is 00:05:34 and have a conversation, Starting point is 00:05:41 where Dave Chappelle Starting point is 00:05:52 Like, oh, great. Starting point is 00:06:03 So they're having parties in LA. Starting point is 00:06:19 we're living in like a dictatorship. Starting point is 00:06:46 they can just shut an industry down so easily get a name for themselves get Starting point is 00:07:13 It's pretty bad, right? Starting point is 00:07:25 going to put that genie back in the bottle now you've got they're trying to clean up because Starting point is 00:07:55 That's the hard part. Starting point is 00:08:14 I know that. Starting point is 00:08:39 But I'll give you an example. Starting point is 00:08:55 There's no evidence. Starting point is 00:09:14 So the county health officials shut us down, right, for three weeks, right around what Starting point is 00:09:33 We have six studies and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Starting point is 00:09:45 No, but now they're appealing it. Starting point is 00:09:57 This guy, Newsom wants a nam...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1583?

John Terzian & Craig Susser was the guest on JRE #1583. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1583?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1583 with John Terzian & Craig Susser, topics include Restaurant Industry, COVID-19 Restrictions, Public Health Policy, and Small Business Challenges.

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The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1583 with John Terzian & Craig Susser is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.