{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"What’s Up, Wake","title":" Irregardless: An Interview with Owner Lee Robinson","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2005,"description":"Join us as we sit down with Lee Robinson, the owner of Irregardless, a beloved restaurant in Raleigh that has been a community cornerstone for over 50 years. In this episode, Lee shares the rich history of Irregardless, from its beginnings as the first vegetarian restaurant in Raleigh to its evolution over five decades. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of running a restaurant that prioritizes vegetarian and vegan options while still appealing to a broad audience. Lee also discusses the importance of community support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the live music tradition continues to thrive. Don't miss this insightful conversation about a Raleigh institution that has stood the test of time.\n00:00 Introduction to a Raleigh Icon\n01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe\n03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution\n04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years\n07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership\n10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges\n17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music\n19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites\n20:43 Community Support and Resilience\n22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today\n25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities\n28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings\n31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing\n32:16 Conclusion and Future Hopes","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3FPpkJ7JIRSxqmup6bUJfqr8_rMrqpK7grf9C8PwVsk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNmM5/OWRmY2Y4NDg0ZDEy/YjlmZjdkZDdhNDI2/OTJiZC5qcGVn.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}