The Joe Rogan ExperienceJoe Rogan Experience #1583 - John Terzian & Craig Susser
CHAPTERS
Meet the restaurateurs: H. Wood Group and Craig’s Restaurant
Joe brings on John Terzian and Craig Susser, two prominent LA hospitality operators, to talk about the pandemic’s impact on restaurants. They quickly frame the episode as a firsthand account from business owners rather than pundits.
Rule-followers getting crushed: costs, retrofits, and employee fallout
Craig details how restaurants complied with evolving mandates—only to be shut down again. The guests emphasize that the true damage lands on employees and the broader economic ecosystem restaurants support.
No communication, last-minute orders, and fear of speaking out
John argues the biggest operational issue is the lack of direct dialogue with government decision-makers. They describe learning rules from the news and making expensive changes within 24 hours, while many owners stay silent to avoid backlash.
Rapid testing as a workable alternative (restaurants, shows, private events)
The group explores rapid testing as a practical mitigation strategy that could keep venues operating safely. Joe shares examples from Austin (shows with testing), and Craig notes LA private events already use this model.
LA’s broader deterioration: homelessness, encampments, and enforcement threats
Conversation widens to LA’s visible decline—Venice Beach and downtown encampments—and how shutdowns may amplify social breakdown. They also react to aggressive enforcement threats like cutting water/power to parties.
Outdoor dining shutdowns and the courtroom: “no evidence” and the appeal
They argue LA County couldn’t substantiate outdoor dining as a spread driver, including an alleged admission in court. Frustration rises as the county appeals anyway, using outside counsel, reinforcing distrust.
Bad policymaking mechanics: curfews, committees, and real-world expertise ignored
Craig proposes a collaborative roundtable of restaurateurs and clinicians to design workable rules, but says no one is consulted. John recounts the logic behind a 10 PM curfew and the officials’ apparent lack of industry understanding.
Lobbyists, big chains, and unequal treatment (Chipotle, film production, unions)
The guests argue independent restaurants lack representation, while large chains and industries with lobbying power thrive. They discuss viral examples of film crews dining outdoors near shuttered restaurants and the perceived unfairness in exemptions.
Hypocrisy and political credibility: French Laundry, officials dining out, ‘do as I say’
They dissect high-profile incidents of officials breaking their own rules, framing it as hypocrisy that erodes public trust. The French Laundry controversy becomes a centerpiece example of credibility collapse.
Economic reality of restaurants: thin margins, delivery app fees, and ‘to-go’ myths
They break down restaurant unit economics and why ‘just do takeout’ isn’t a solution. Delivery platforms’ percentage cuts can wipe out already-thin profit margins, turning sales into losses.
Mental health and social fabric: isolation, addiction, and loss of communal spaces
They argue lockdowns harm mental health and social cohesion by removing safe, regulated gathering places. Restaurants and comedy clubs are depicted as core community institutions that help people feel normal and connected.
What listeners can do: local political pressure and supporting restaurants now
Joe asks for actionable steps; John and Craig emphasize continued patronage (where possible) and direct pressure on local officials. They argue local politics and county boards matter more than many people realized pre-pandemic.
Forecasting the comeback: vaccines, rolling shutdowns, exodus, and reopening timelines
They speculate on what reopening could look like and how long recovery might take, given capital needs and closures. The conversation shifts to diversification—opening in other states—and the risk that LA’s cultural and business base is hollowed out.
Pivot stories: Craig’s Vegan growth, direct delivery, virtual premieres, and new models
Craig explains how the business adapted—direct deliveries to avoid app fees, expanding Craig’s Vegan, and creating food boxes for virtual premieres. He credits chefs and staff for navigating constant operational whiplash.
Ending on solutions and hope: rapid testing everywhere, accountability, and rebuilding community
The episode closes by returning to practical mitigation—rapid testing as a scalable tool—and the need for political accountability and pro-business governance. They express hope that surviving communities will later appreciate restored freedom and shared spaces.
