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Season 3 · Episode 14

Chef James Trees & The Hustle Behind Vegas’ Best Restaurants

  • Published April 14, 2026
  • Season 3
  • Episode 14

Show Notes

About this episode

In this episode of Hey BigHead: A Vegas Local Podcast, we sit down with Chef James Trees, one of the most respected chefs in Las Vegas and the force behind Esther’s Kitchen and several standout restaurants across the city.

From opening in the Las Vegas Arts District to building a multi-restaurant group, Chef Trees shares what it really takes to succeed in the Vegas food scene.

We get into:
• The community behind Las Vegas food
• The truth about food influencers
• How restaurants actually make money
• Real Italian food vs American Italian
• What it takes to open and survive a restaurant
• Giving back to the Las Vegas community

Featured Chef James Trees Restaurants:
• Esther’s Kitchen
• Ada’s
• Al Solito Posto
• Bar Boheme
• Petite Boheme
• High Steaks

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The Hey BigHead Show is proud to be a Vegas Local podcast.

Meet the Guest

James Trees

Chef · Esther’s Kitchen

Chef Trees shares the work behind building restaurants in Las Vegas, the importance of community, and the realities of the local food business.