{"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":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/733c6f9d\"></iframe>","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.00:00 Introduction to a Raleigh Icon01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites20:43 Community Support and Resilience22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing32:16 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}