
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


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 Icon
01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe
03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution
04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years
07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership
10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges
17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music
19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites
20:43 Community Support and Resilience
22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today
25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities
28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings
31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing
32:16 Conclusion and Future Hopes
By The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad4.4
77 ratings
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 Icon
01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe
03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution
04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years
07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership
10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges
17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music
19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites
20:43 Community Support and Resilience
22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today
25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities
28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings
31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing
32:16 Conclusion and Future Hopes

32,200 Listeners

228,980 Listeners

8,912 Listeners

112,847 Listeners

56,903 Listeners

292 Listeners

387 Listeners

9,570 Listeners

26 Listeners

47,873 Listeners

42 Listeners

29 Listeners

58,766 Listeners

24 Listeners

12,822 Listeners

1,111 Listeners

6 Listeners

22 Listeners

4 Listeners

0 Listeners

7 Listeners

20 Listeners

7 Listeners

5 Listeners

0 Listeners

0 Listeners

0 Listeners

0 Listeners

0 Listeners

8 Listeners

3 Listeners

5 Listeners

0 Listeners