When the owner of The Groves Bar & Grill becomes concerned over a large loss in food and supplies, the Mystery Diners go undercover with hidden cameras as new employees and customers, suspecting that a recently hired chef may be plotting more than just the items on the menu. During the sting, they reveal that the newly-hired chef is running his own catering business and using the restaurant's kitchen and supplies to run it, making business at The Groves suffer, with customers waiting extensively for their orders. The owner, as well as Charles, confronts the chef and fires him. The narrator revealed that the former chef has gone out of business without his own overhead. The owner has his food and supplies all in check, with The Groves having an improvement in business.
Brett and Rose, the husband and wife owners of German restaurant Haus Murphy, disagree on almost everything, particularly the hiring of Rose's nephew as their new restaurant manager. Fearing he is unqualified for the job, the couple hires Charles Stiles and Mystery Diners Danny, Chris, and Deanna to go undercover and show them just how incompetent their nephew truly is. After the proof is shown, this leads to the confrontation where Rose ends up having to let her nephew go from his employment.
After losing thousands of dollars in unaccounted alcohol and hearing rumors of late-night staff parties, the owner of Big Earl's Greasy Eats contacts Charles Stiles and the Mystery Diners for help. Mystery Diners Shellene and Chris go undercover as a waitress and flirty customer in hopes of scoring invitations to an after-hours bash.
After receiving numerous bad service reviews and noticing a 30 percent decline in revenue, the owner of Caffe Boa contacts Charles Stiles and the Mystery Diners to help him find the cause of his problem. Mystery Diner Danny goes undercover as a waiter and discovers three problem employees: waiter Brad, waitress Gwen, and waitress-in-training Sophia. Gwen, despite calling owner Jay a douchebag, turned out to be a model employee and gave excellent service. Brad was not necessarily a bad waiter, but he lacked confidence and had a bit of a temper. Sophia turned out to be the biggest problem where she drank on the job, ate food off of customer's plate, and was rude. During the confrontation, Jay praised Gwen, told Brad to be more confident in his abilities, and fired Sophia. The narrator revealed that Sophia has found employment elsewhere. Brad took a wine appreciation course. Gwen was promoted to head waitress. Profits and service are back to normal at Caffe Boa.
The owner of Amaro Italian Bistro seeks the help of Charles Stiles and the Mystery Diners because he believes his manager is acting inappropriately with the staff and picking favorites based on appearance. Mystery Diners Destiny (who is Charles' daughter) and Sarah go undercover and interview for a new waitress position to see if the manager will hire an attractive waitress over a qualified one. This is proven true when the manager gets flirtatious with Destiny much to the annoyance of Charles. The manager has also attempted to poach the staff by offering them a job at his and his brother's own restaurant. During the confrontation, the manager gets into an argument with the owner and Charles which ends with him quitting. The narrator revealed that the former manager and his brother were unable to continue running their own restaurant after two months and both are seeking employment. The owner has hired a new manager and business has improved greatly.
Charles Stiles and the Mystery Diners descend upon The Blue Moose where longtime chef "Grumpy Tom" has a knack for disrespecting everyone in the place including the newly installed second-generation owner. Mystery Diner Jessica goes undercover as a waitress to prove just how grumpy Tom is and how his attitude negatively affects business.
A pub owner in Los Angeles suspects that one of her bartenders might be over-pouring for customers, giving away too many free drinks, and over-tipping himself. To find out, she calls in the Mystery Diners who outfit the bar with hidden cameras and go in undercover to see what is really happening when the boss is away.
Mystery Diners goes undercover to see whether this brother is a keeper.
After receiving numerous complaints from his staff that his recently promoted head waiter is not evenly distributing the pooled tips, the general manager of D'Cache restaurant in Los Angeles contacts Charles Stiles and the Mystery Diners to help him discover if there is any truth to the rumor. Charles sends in Destiny and Grant as a customer and a waiter, where they discover the head waiter is telling customers the card system is down, and pocketing the money. The waiter tries to set up Grant by stealing an entire bill payment, then asking Grant to fetch the bill. When confronted, the waiter tries to defend himself, stating the manager giving tips to people who haven't earned them is stealing. The manager doesn't buy it though and the waiter is fired.
When Mario, the owner of La Traviata in Long Beach, California, becomes concerned over complaints with respect to the quality of his fish, Charles and the Mystery Diners discover that a recently hired chef may not be honest about what's in his high-priced dishes. Mystery Diners Rob, Shellene, and Lauren go undercover to find out what smells fishy.
The owner of Pips on La Brea in Los Angeles named Derrick Pipkin has a problem with a waiter named Bob who claims he hurt his leg on the job the day Derrick was going to fire him for not doing his job. This former waiter has threatened a lawsuit. So to appease him, Derrick has made him a host. However, his lazy behavior has not stopped and Derrick wonders whether the injury is even legitimate. Derrick contacts Charles Stiles for help and Mystery Diners Shellene, Lukas, and Tracey go undercover to see if Bob is faking his injury. While posing as a damsel in distress, Tracy helps to prove that Derrick is right about Bob. During the confrontation, Bob is finally fired and told to take his leg brace with him. The narrator revealed that Bob "kept on walking" and Derrick hasn't heard from Bob since the taping of this sting. Pips has finished it's relaunch where business has never been better.
Ali, owner of a Moroccan-themed restaurant in California called Marrakesh, seeks the help of Charles and the Mystery Diners because he believes his manager may have a gambling problem outside of work that's affecting his ability to do his job. Mystery Diners, Rob, Scarlet, and Loree go undercover to see if the manager's extracurricular activities are taking a toll at work.
Johnny, owner of Pina Pizza House in Downey, California, seeks the help of Charles and the Mystery Diners because he believes his "frat-tastic" college-enrolled waiter may not have his best interests at heart and that he may be taking the party off campus and into his restaurant. Mystery Diners Grant and Jill go undercover to see if the waiter is taking his job as seriously as he claims to be taking his classes.
George, the owner of Los Angeles hot spot Ca' Brea, has recently received a few complaints that are surprisingly not related to the quality of his food or his wait staff's service, but about his valet service. Charles sends Mystery Diners Tracey and Hank undercover to show George just how detrimental a bad valet can be to a restaurant's business.
Chef Marc, owner of Parma in Las Vegas, contacts Charles and the Mystery Diners for help after noticing disparities in sales receipts and inventory with his high-end Italian deli meats. Mystery Diner Shane goes undercover as a busboy and discovers one of Marc's employees is down on his luck and may be using restaurant supplies for personal gain.
When Will, co-owner of Whiskey Dick's in Las Vegas, becomes concerned over a steady decline in female patrons, Charles and the Mystery Diners come in to investigate. Mystery Diner Shellene goes undercover as a waitress and learns that the manager is serving more than just drinks from the bar.
Scott, the owner of Rhythm Kitchen in Las Vegas, suspects his sophisticated, but slightly arrogant, wine sommelier is somehow negatively affecting spirit sales. But could he also be selling his own wine to customers and keeping the profits? Charles sends Mystery Diners Chelsea and Hollie in as customers to see if something smells rotten.
Janaya, the general manager of Putter's Bar & Grill, contacts Charles for help after noticing unusually low sales during the graveyard shift. The Mystery Diners go undercover as customers and discover that the overnight bartender is running his own bar out of Putter's called "the Junkyard." During the confrontation, the bartender recognizes Charles and takes his leave from the restaurant while telling the pursuing cameraman to stop following him.
After Nico Santucci, owner of Capo's Speakeasy's, hears complaints that his brother/manager Dominic is acting inappropriately with guests, he calls Charles to investigate. The Mystery Diners go undercover and find that he is hitting on a lot of the female patrons. There is even a bigger problem with a disgruntled waiter who is stealing money and supplies from the restaurant. During the confrontation, both Dominic and the waiter are fired. The narrator revealed that Dominic is behaving himself. The former waiter has apologized for his actions and found employment elsewhere.
When two employees who recently broke up disrupt staff harmony and start effecting sales at Marche Bacchus, owners Jeff and Rhonda seek Charles for help. The Mystery Diners go undercover to get to the bottom of this lovers' quarrel.
When Adam, owner of Via Brasil, is concerned that meat sales aren't being reflected in his register, he calls Charles for help. When the Mystery Diners go undercover, they discover the manager is doing a lot more than just giving away free steak.
The owner of Catharsis in Miami, Florida receives complaints about inappropriate touching and theft of items during the restaurants "Dining in the Dark" event. The targets are three newly hired servers (two waiters, and one waitress). The Mystery Diners head into the restaurant and discover that the new waitress and waiter have created a game by screwing with both the customers and food and stealing from them. The waiter and waitress are both fired during the confrontation. The narrator revealed that the former servers have gone their separate ways. The remaining new server has been promoted to head server.
The female owners of Cheeseburger Baby in Miami ask Charles to investigate a waiter who is a former an ex-con over reports of theft of money from the cash register. The owners hired him in order to give him a second chance at life. The Mystery Diners point to big problems: their waitress is behind the theft and falsifying evidence to pit the customers and owners against the ex-con waiter over his past as her scapegoat. Being confronted, the waitress tries to defend herself, but the owners are fed up with her lies and force her to confess. She eventually does while giving them the money and they fire her while denying a second chance for her. The owners apologized to the ex-con waiter for believing that he was responsible for the theft. The narrator reveals that the former waitress was never heard from again. The ex-con waiter maintained his loyalty and celebrated his 10-month anniversary at Cheeseburger Baby. The owners implemented a new register to prevent thefts.
The namesake of George's in Miami think his staff is going too far with the party atmosphere after noticing significant revenue loss. He had a right to be concerned because his manager and bartender has been over-serving women free shots, letting customers drink beer from a beer bong, and threatening to burn the whole restaurant down with one of them wearing George's Napoleon hat. During the confrontation, they are both fired by George. The narrator revealed that the former manager and bartender have found employment elsewhere. The waiter has begun training to be a manager. Only George is allowed to wear the Napoleon hat.
The owner of Garcia's Seafood in Miami notices an unusual low amount of Crab Claws, and wasted product. The team finds out that a fisherman whose father worked for his company a long time ago has been selling the catch to another buyer and a prep cook is improperly filleting fish. The fisherman is fired and the prep cook is told to improve his filleting skills. The narrator revealed that the former fisherman is working at another fishing company. The prep cook is no longer wasting product. The owner installed an expensive security system to watch his restaurant from his office.
The owner of R&O's Restaurant in New Orleans is fed up with the lack of respect. The Diners discover big problems: the owner's niece Dee Dee who works as a waitress is rude to customers and staff, and the owner's nephew Chris who works as a busboy is coming in tired from college and getting only a few moments of sleep. During the confrontation, the owner fires Dee Dee for her blatant disrespect while telling her never to return despite being related. Dee Dee threatens to send her mother to confront him as she leaves. Chris apologizes while stating that he has college work to do and the owner is convinced to talk to his mother as well. The narrator revealed that Dee Dee has apologized for her actions after being scolded by her mother and has found another job. The nephew has a lighter work schedule to accommodate his college workload and has gotten straight A's in his recent semester. Another one of the owner's nieces named Amanda has been promoted to manager.
The husband-and-wife owners of N'awlins Café in New Orleans ask for help getting to the root of why their restaurant isn't thriving. Charles and his team discover that the manager has staffed the place with her friends, few of whom are fully qualified as one of the waiters (who happens to be the manager's boyfriend) was incompetent and was shown taking a break instead of working. The matters are made worse when the manager and waiter were shown eating an order that was messed up and being rude to difficult customers. During the confrontation, the manager and the waiter are fired. Charles claims that the bartender that was hired by the manager could be a good employee. While the narrator didn't mention what happened to the former manager and waiter, he did mention that the bartender was offered a full training to be an official bartender only for her to quit. The owners have replaced the former staff with more competent people.
Terry, the owner of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Dallas, Texas, is concerned that one of his employees is selling his secret family recipe to his rivals and calls in Charles to help find the culprit. The Mystery Diners discover that Terry's nephew Michael who works as a manager is behind this. During the confrontation, Terry fires him. The narrator revealed that Michael was disowned from the family business. The rest of the kitchen staff has signed non-disclosure agreements.
Charles and his team arrive at Deanie's Seafood in New Orleans to keep an eye on the restaurant's manager who is a wannabe comedian. They also discover one of the waiters is drinking on the job and stealing wine while the manager performs is stand-up routine in the middle of the restaurant. When both are confronted, the waiter is fired and the manager is put on a 3-month leave and demoted to a waiter when he returns. The narrator revealed that the former waiter found work at another restaurant. The demoted manager continues his dream of being a professional comedian and performs at clubs in New Orleans.
The owner of Poppy's The Crazy Lobster in New Orleans fields complaints about constant fighting between the cooks. He also has a problem with his nephew bringing wild animals into the restaurant. The Mystery Diners point to a waitress who is playing the grill supervisor and cook against each other since she is dating the cook, and having an affair with the supervisor. The nephew has been bring wild animals in the bar to impress a Mystery Diner posing as a customer by showing off a baby alligator. During the confrontation, the cook lashes out against the grill supervisor upon what was revealed as the owner breaks up the argument. The waitress and grill supervisor are both fired while the cook and nephew are suspended. The narrator revealed that the former waitress and grill supervisor have stopped seeing other. The cook is training to be the grill supervisor. The nephew no longer brings wild animals into the restaurant.
Francesco, the owner of Zio Cecio in Dallas, begins hearing rave reviews about Tex-Mex food being served in his Italian restaurant. He had a right to be concerned with the head chef and floor manager running a side business serving Tex-Mex food. The floor manager also told the wait staff to push the Tex-Mex menu so they can get a cash incentive and was also poaching customers with plans to open their own restaurant in six months. During the confrontation, the head chef and floor manager are fired by Francesco. The narrator revealed that there is no indication if the former floor manager and head chef were successful in starting their own Tex-Mex restaurant or not.
The owner of Stroker's Ice House, a biker bar and grill in Dallas, named Rick Fairless and his mother call in Charles Stiles to investigate a dip in revenue which may be related to Rick's motorcycle shop. The Mystery Diners point to problems with two waitresses that have been stealing money behind the manager Chris's back, and the waitress Sammi is stealing and selling motorcycle parts with her mechanic boyfriend Lobo who works at the motorcycle shop run by Rick. When the couple are confronted, they are both fired by Rick and his mother tells them to take the other waitress with them. The narrator revealed that Lobo, Sammi, and the other former waitress have found new employment. Chris has been demoted to bartender only to resign. The owner's mother has temporary come back to work and is looking for new managers.
The owner of Buttons Restaurant in Texas asks Charles Stiles to investigate after fielding complaints that his ex-military manager is being too strict. The Mystery Diners discover that the ex-military manager has made one employee (an ROTC trainee who looks up to the manager) do laps around the restaurant for messing up and caused one of the servers to quit. When confronted by the owner and Charles Stiles, the manager states that he was only keeping them in line and to fire him if he must. The owner decides not to fire him since the owner was also in the military, but wants the manager to mellow out on his job. Charles suggests to the owner that he should get the resigned server rehired. The narrator revealed that the manager is taking a positive approach to his job. The server who quit was rehired and promoted to head server.
The owners of Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, California named Jamie and Francine Alba enlist Charles Stiles to help get to the bottom of a revenue discrepancy that may or may not involve their bookkeeper Pamela. She was caught coming to work late, making personal phone calls, and sleeping on the job, but is actually honest in reporting a cash discrepancy to the manager. The Mystery Diners then point to bigger problems with the manager Mike, who is actually behind the discrepancy, by stealing paychecks that were supposed to be paid to a window washing service that was told by Mike that their services were no longer needed and running a scam by hiring his friend Hector Rodriguez as a busboy without Jamie and Francine's consent. During the confrontation, Mike claimed that he did nothing wrong and plans to pay them back. Jamie and Francine fire Mike (who was taking advantage of Pamela) on the spot and has him tell Hector that he is also fired. Jamie and Francine tell Charles that they will also suspend Pamela instead of firing her. The narrator revealed that Mike and Hector have stopped collecting paychecks. Pamela returned to her job following her suspension. The window cleaning service was rehired.
Patrick, the owner of Buster's Beach House in Long Beach, California is concerned about his bartender named K.P. and the large loss of alcohol. The Mystery Diners not only confirm that K.P. is stealing money from him and conducting a scam by counting lemons slices, but they even discover bigger problems with his executive chef named Johnny. He has been responsible for sexual harassment cases along with showing preference with the female wait staff and a few restaurant regulars. During the confrontation, Johnny and K.P. are confronted and fired by Patrick. In his exit interview, Johnny is remorseful for his behavior and plans to make reparations for his actions. The narrator revealed K.P. still maintained he did nothing wrong and has moved on to new employment. Johnny has apologized for his behavior and is seeking counseling. Patrick has hired a new executive chef and bartender.
After losing several sushi models, Bruce, the owner of Lotus on Flower in Los Angeles, fears that one of his best customers is behaving inappropriately during the restaurant's "naked sushi" dining experience. Charles sends in Mystery Diner Christine to go undercover as a model to discover who is encouraging the inappropriate behavior.
Michael, the owner of Newport Beach Brewing Company in Newport Beach, California, asks Charles to investigate his onsite brewmaster who is suspected of running a side business. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover that his brewmaster is not behind the side business. Instead, they discover big problems with his bartender Mike who is running a side business with a waiter. The bartender admits to brewing his own flavor brands of beer from his own home and promoting it in the Newport Beach Brewing Company. During the confrontation, Michael fires Mike. In his exit interview, Mike remained unremorseful for his actions claiming that Michael lost an opportunity to market and sell his flavor beer brands that could've helped his business. The narrator revealed that Mike has been unsuccessful in promoting his own beer. The waiter has also been terminated for his involvement and has found employment elsewhere. The brewmaster continues to be a valuable employee.
The owner of Colombo's Italian Steakhouse in Eagle Rock, California, fears an Employee of the Month competition is the reason for a lack of staff harmony. The team proves this because of a 4-time Employee of the Month-winning waitress. She has been badmouthing her co-workers and sabotaging a waiter by throwing away his ticket orders as soon as they're printed. After she insults a customer, the owner decides to confront her. Even though the owner fires her during the confrontation and threatens to get her car off the property before he calls a tow truck, the waitress tries to apologize stating it will never happen again, but is rebuffed until the waitress explains that this is the only job she has. The owner spares her by giving her a second chance while stating that she has to pay $1,000 back to him. The narrator revealed that the waitress has apologized to everyone and paid the owner back after she was given a second chance. The owner has discontinued the Employee of the Month competition and instead rewards the staff for working together.
After nearly losing his life during a paragliding accident in Brazil, the owner of Gauchos Village in Glendale, California is finding discrepancies in his revenue and inventory since his return to the business. He believes that his chef is involved. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover the chef is not behind the discrepancies. Instead, they find big problems with the manager who is behind the discrepancies and missing inventory. He has taken advantage of his absence by badmouthing him to the staff, letting women take leftovers home (which is against normal practice of a churrascaria), selling meat to the staff, and using it and the restaurant's alcohol to host a barbecue at his place. During the confrontation, the manager claimed the alcohol and the meat were meant to be used as a surprise barbecue for the owner. He doesn't believe the manager's claims and fires him for it. The narrator revealed that the former manager found employment elsewhere. The chef was promoted to executive chef while continuing to be a valuable employee. The owner has returned to work full-time and has retrained the staff.
The owner of Bistro Bordeaux in Evanston, Illinois investigates several complaints about his new executive chef. The Mystery Diners discover that the new executive chef is not responsible for the actions that the complaints were about. It was discovered that a disgruntled sous chef who believes that he should've been the executive chef. As a result, he bad-mouths him to the whole staff when he turns his back, telling guests that he is the executive chef, and tainting the food so the executive chef can be fired and he can step into the position. When both are confronted, the sous-chef tried to defend his actions. Stiles points out that he is the last person who should be executive chef after he was caught on tape sabotaging the chef's orders, making negative comments to the wait staff and lying about it to cover up his scam. The sous-chef is fired by the owner and is told to get off his property. He remained unremorseful in his exit interview, claiming that the executive chef should've been fired for being angry at him. The owner apologizes to the executive chef and tells him to work on his anger issues. The narrator revealed that the former sous-chef was unable to get rehired. The executive chef no longer has anger issues at work.
The owners of Big and Little's Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois respond to rumors that employees are illegally selling alcohol to customers at their restaurant. The Mystery Diners discover bigger problems with their manager doing a side business in selling alcohol with his friend Enrique where the sales nearly attract the attention of the police. During the confrontation, manager is fired from his position and is told to inform his friend to never return. The narrator revealed that the former manager and Enrique were never heard from again. Those who were involved were either reprimanded or terminated.
The owner of Cheesie's Pub and Grill in Chicago, Illinois is concerned about cheating with his grilled-cheese-eating contest (too many petite women among the winners) and cost of his alcohol sales. The Mystery Diners point to bigger problems with his waiter and his cashier cheating to help the female contestants win and giving away free beverages. In spite of his waiter's pleas that it was good for Cheesie's during the confrontation, he and the cashier are fired. The narrator revealed that both former employees have apologized for their actions and moved on to other jobs. The owner has implemented new rules for his grilled cheese-eating contest to discourage cheating on both the customers' and staff's part.
The owner of Bella Luna Café in Chicago, Illinois contacts Charles Stiles because he is hearing customer complaints with his delivery service. The Mystery Diners not only point to one of the delivery serviceman not doing his regular routines when he had to do some errands in between his deliveries, but another serviceman who is charging extra delivery fees, eating delivery food, insulting customers who refused a messed up order, and showing road rage. While one of the serviceman is reprimanded for his actions during the confrontation, the other delivery serviceman is fired. The narrator revealed that the former serviceman has started working at another restaurant. The other serviceman stopped doing errands during his job.
The owner of Gigi's Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is concerned with rumors about his mother and co-owner discriminating younger customers. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover that his mother is not behind the discrimination. Instead, he discovers big problems when the waitress was behind the discrimination with the belief they are too frugal. During the confrontation, the owner calls her out for the discrimination and she is fired. In her exit interview, the waitress remained unremorseful for her actions wanting better customers who are rich to pay for her services. The owner later apologized to his mother after seeing that she was trying to repair the damage with their customers that the waitress caused. The narrator revealed that the former waitress has started working at another restaurant. The owner's mother continued to work alongside him at Gigi's.
The owners of Del Rossi's Cheesesteaks Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been hearing complaints about their recently-hired security guard they called "Fury" (who was a family friend) being too rough with customers and being bossy with the staff. The Mystery Diners not only confirm this, but also point to bigger problems with one of their cashiers taking advantage of Fury by sneaking into the kitchen and stealing from the restaurant. During the confrontation, the cashier is fired and Fury is reprimanded and put on probation. In his interview, Fury is remorseful for his actions and promises to change his attitude. The narrator revealed that the former cashier has paid for the items he stole. Fury has adopted a more friendly approach in his job.
Bob, the owner of Venture Inn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is hearing complaints from both his regular and cross-dressing customers that the weekly quiz night is rigged. He suspects his manager is involved. The Mystery Diners discover that the manager Joe is not behind the rigging. Instead, it was the bartender who has stolen the answer sheets in Joe's office and giving them to a reigning Drag Queen champion named Brigette Jones, via an ear phone in her ear. When confronted by Bob for rigging the quiz night, the bartender is fired for being behind the scam and is to inform Brigette Jones to never return to the restaurant. In his exit interview, the former bartender maintained he did nothing wrong and mentions that he hopes Stiles is happy for firing an innocent man. Joe is spared when Bob realized he had nothing to do with the rigging. The narrator revealed that the former bartender has found employment elsewhere. Brigette Jones no longer attends quiz night. Joe added a password on his computer. There has been a different winner each week.
Marvin, the owner of Falls Taproom in Philadelphia, contacts Charles Stiles after hearing rumors of a feud breaking out between his girlfriend/manager and his best friend. The Mystery Diners point to bigger problems with the owner's friend and regular customer behind the rumors. Showing up intoxicated, he had been harassing customers and the manager. When confronted, Marvin ends his friendship with his friend and bans him from his bar. In his exit interview, the former friend expressed his remorse in his behavior and plans to make up for his misdeeds. Marvin later apologizes to his girlfriend, who will only forgive him if they go out shopping the next day. The narrator reveals that the manager's former friend has begun to make reparations for his past misdeeds in the hopes of gaining Marvin's friendship back. Marvin and his girlfriend are planning to be married.
The owner of Source in San Francisco has concerns about meat being served in his vegan restaurant. The Mystery Diners point to bigger problems with his male cashier eating outside food at the restaurant in addition to lying to customers about meat being served, another cashier named Sydney is being rude to customers with her vegan ways, and his head chef coming in to work intoxicated while drinking booze hidden in a drink cup. During the confrontation, the male cashier storms out, the chef is forced to take time off, and Sydney is reprimanded to ease up on customers. The narrator reveals that the former cashier has found employment elsewhere. The chef is attending Alcoholics Anonymous. Sydney has adopted a more friendly approach.
The owner of Looney's BBQ in San Leandro, California asks Charles to investigate his staff when he hears that some of them are pranking customers with the restaurant's Devil's XXX hot sauce. He is shown why by the Mystery Diners when his waiter Matt and manager had been behind the pranks. The manager is disciplined by the owner and asked to be more friendly to the staff while Matt is fired. In his exit interview, Matt stated that he didn't regret his actions in giving some of the customers the XXX hot sauce because they were acting bad around him and he believed they deserved it. The narrator revealed that Matt had found employment elsewhere. The manager has adopted a more friendly approach and no longer hazes the staff.
Charles Stiles investigates a rumor of a new manager who is running unauthorized promotions at Rocco's Cafe in San Francisco (which has a photo gallery of famous people on it's wall) upon being called in by Don Dial. Don had a right to be concerned with his manager running his own get rich quick scheme by having his friend pose as Jamie Foxx and giving customers a photo of Jamie Foxx and/or an autograph for a fee. Don was incensed and states to Charles that he would not give even the Mayor of San Francisco exclusive seating. In addition, it was also discovered that a busboy has been eating on the job and lying about not speaking English. During the confrontation, Don fired the busboy for his actions and lies. When the manager tries to justify his actions, he is also fired. The narrator revealed that the former manager have found new employment. In addition, the former busboy has since stopped lying about not speaking English. The waitress has been promoted to manager.
The owner of Chapeau! in San Francisco asks the Mystery Diners to investigate allegations that his waiting staff is rude to customers. The Mystery Diners confirm the owner's suspicion when his French-speaking waiter Renaud is rude to customers and is caught smoking outside to alleviate his stress while struggling to quit. Soon, they point to bigger problems with another waiter named Michael who is caught stealing Renaud's tips, taking them as his own and soliciting other customers for more tips. The owner's son is not doing his job and is seen kissing his girlfriend who is the hostess of Chapeau!. When all three are confronted, Renaud and the owner's son both apologize for their behavior and are reprimanded, while Michael is fired. The narrator revealed that Michael is now waiting tables at another restaurant. Renaud has quit smoking and has since adopted a friendlier approach. The owner's son has been doing a better job at work and is going steady in his relationship with the hostess.
Cindy, the co-owner of Speisekammer is Alameda, California believes the "Dirndl Girls" hired by her ex-husband, Peter, are the source of many problems. Peter disagrees and thinks it's her recently hired waiter named Tim that behind the problems. They Mystery Diners show Cindy why she had a right to be concerned when they point to big problems with two of the Dirndl Girls named Angela and Shana. They are not only speaking poorly of her behind her back, but are also drinking on the job, stealing tips, and rigging the mass holding competition to allow their friends to win. Only one Dirndl girl named Danielle, is actually a model employee. Bigger problems are exposed when Tim is revealed to be involved with Angela and Shana's scheme. Knowing that both Cindy and Peter often disagree about the work ethics in the restaurant, he takes advantage of it by pitting the two against each other. After firing Angela and Shana during the confrontation, Peter reluctantly apologizes for not trusting Cindy earlier and agrees to help her deal with Tim in the morning. The narrator revealed Angela and Shana found employment elsewhere. Danielle continues to work as a Dirndl Girl part time. Tim was confronted for his involvement by Cindy and Peter and has made amends for his actions.
The owners of Bistro Baffi in Burien, Washington ask Charles Stiles for help when expensive bottles of wine go missing as well as priceless art pieces. The Mystery Diners are able to show the owner that the manager isn't paying attention to the theft and has been conducting secret art deals. His waitress had also been taking bribes from other customers to let them take the wine bottles home. During the confrontation, the waitress and the manager are fired by the owners. The narrator revealed that the former waitress has apologized for her actions and found employment elsewhere. The former manager still maintained that he did nothing wrong. The staff had now been better trained to watch the wine and art better.
Nader, the owner of My Greek and Italian Restaurant in Tacoma, Washington notices an increase in broken plates and customer complaints with his staff. The Mystery Diners show Nader that he had a right to be concerned when they point to big problems with his assistant manager named Steve who is the direct cause of the customer complaints. He had been showing up to work intoxicated by putting too much shots in a traditional Greek appetizer called a saganaki (only calling for one shot), breaking the rules in conducting the Greek tradition of breaking plates and also tricking one of the busboys named Travis to get involved in his own get rich quick scheme. During the confrontation, Travis is spared from being terminated when he explains himself to Nader. Even after giving up the money to pay for the damages done to the plates, Steve is fired from his position and is told to get off the property by Nader before he calls the authorities. In his exit interview, Steve states that he won't apologize claiming Nader put him in charge to run the restaurant the way it was supposed to be run. The narrator revealed that Steve has started working at another restaurant. Travis has been doing a better job and is no longer taking bribes. Sarah is working hard and has a promotion to assistant manager on the way.
After inheriting some of their staff from the previous owner, the new owners of Sam's Tavern in Seattle believe there is a divide between the old employees and their new employees. The Mystery Diners point to the manager who had been misbehaving herself with the belief that the previous owner should've made her the new owner of Sam's Tavern and had been abusing the new waitresses. During the confrontation, the manager is fired from her position. The narrator revealed that the former manager has found employment elsewhere. The old employees have been treating both their new owners and their new employees with respect.
Blaine Cook, the owner of Zippy's Giant Burgers in Seattle, calls Charles Stiles to investigate rumors he's heard that his employee Aaron working as the costumed mascot Zippy the Yum Yum Burger Boy is misbehaving. The Mystery Diners go undercover and point to big problems when they reveal who was behind the whole misbehavior, Aaron's friend and roommate named Dopey Dan. He has been showing up intoxicated as a favor while Aaron visits his sick mother in secret to handle her errands. When the two are confronted, Blaine expresses his disappointment in Aaron for having Dan cover his shifts. Stiles asks Aaron why he doesn't have Dan take care of his mother's errands. Aaron stated that he wouldn't trust Dan to do any sort of errands for his mother. Stiles also points out that he made the mistake of trusting Dan to come to his place of work to cover his shifts and having him wear the Zippy costume while intoxicated. Aaron is reprimanded by Blaine and is told if he needs time off next time to take care of his mother's errands, they will discuss it. Until then, he is suspended for a week, and Blaine also tells Dan that he is no longer allowed on the property. The narrator revealed that Aaron has made amends with the owner and nobody else wears the Zippy the Yum Yum Burger Boy costume without the owner's approval. Dan is mentioned to still be unemployed.
The owner of Taverna Mazi in Seattle believes his staff are getting too carried away with ghost stories and "haunted tours." The Mystery Diners shows him why with his waiter and busboy pulling pranks. During the confrontation, the waiter and busboy are fired for their actions. The narrator revealed that the former waiter and busboy have found employment elsewhere. Unfortunately, Taverna Mazi has closed down due to increased paranormal activities.
The owner of The Hangout in California notices a large increase in the number of coupons used. The Mystery Diners point to the manager who isn't doing his job and leaves work to go surfing in the middle of his shift and one of the waitresses who is selling coupons to her co-workers from a blank roll of register tape. During the confrontation, the manager and waitress are both fired. The narrator revealed that the former manager has apologized for his actions and frequents the restaurant as a patron. The waitress has found employment elsewhere. All other problem employees have been terminated and replaced with new employees.
Charles helps the owners of Redballs Rock & Roll Pizza in Moorpark, California after finding discrepancies in their pizza supplies. The Mystery Diners point to bigger problems with their manager and one of the waitresses behind the discrepancies: the manager has instructed the waitress to ring up a slice of cheese pizza as beer to pay the bands with beer, in addition to using his own bouncer at a door to collect money from patrons at the door and inside the restaurant for himself, and withholding money payment to the bands. With one of the bands about to take their truck in response to being owed money, the male owner run out and stops them from driving off. He and his wife both confront the manager and waitress involved and fire them both. The narrator revealed that the former manager and waitress have moved on to other jobs. The pizza chef they bought from Staten Island has been promoted to manager. NOTE: Actor Robbie Rist becomes a guest Mystery Diner.
The owner of the Encore Dinner Theater suspects a relationship between an actress and one of his waiter is affecting customer service. The Mystery Diners discover that one of the waiters is trying to romance an actress that doesn't return her affection to him. In addition, the bathroom attendant has been demanding tips from the customers. During the confrontation, the waiter is fired and the bathroom attendant storms out. The narrator revealed that the former waiter is working as a waiter at another restaurant. The former bathroom attendant was replaced with a less-pushy bathroom attendant.
After hearing rumors that customers are being served food off-menu, Esdras and Javi, owners of Mexicali Tacos in Los Angeles, call Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Brenda and Grant go undercover to find out what the head chef is really cooking.
When Chris, owner of Spring Street Smoke House in Los Angeles, notices a decrease in his valuable fat trimmings, he contacts Charles for help. Mystery Diners Amber and Grant go undercover to discover the meat of the problem.
After noticing excess lobster meat and an increase in mileage, Peter, owner of the Roll'n Lobster Food Truck in Los Angeles believes his new drivers are using his vehicle for personal errands. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Shelby and John to crack the case.
When Doug, owner of Pelons Tex-Mex Restaurant in Austin, Texas, hears rumors that his staff is collecting money for an unauthorized charity, he contacts Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Holly and Jordan go undercover to see if the reports are true.
Danny and Jonathan, owners of Old School Bar and Grill in Austin, Texas, are concerned about a loss of revenue on their "Poetry Nights." Charles sends in Mystery Diners Justin and Samantha to find out why the register is being affected.
Carl, owner of Bakehouse Restaurant and Bar in Austin, Texas, fears a dispute between his son and favorite waitress is threatening the harmony of his restaurant. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Holly and Samantha to decide which employee has to go.
After hearing rumors that kegs of his privately brewed beer are showing up at local frat parties, Rick, owner of Uncle Billy's Brew and Que in Austin, Texas, contacts Charles for help. Mystery Diners Vanessa and Robin go undercover to see how easy it is to purchase a keg.
Fearing that her employees are selling the secret recipes to her raw food menu, Sylvia, owner of Beets Cafe in Austin, Texas, contacts Charles for help. Mystery Diners Holly and Robin go undercover and discover an even bigger problem.
After Paul, owner of Nacho Daddy in Las Vegas, notices a discrepancy in the expensive scorpions used in his restaurant's "scorpion shot," he contacts Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Andy and Peter go undercover and discover an employee with a gambling addiction.
When Marty, owner of Barefoot Bob's Beach Bar & Gaming in Las Vegas, hears employee complaints about his new manager, he asks Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Hollie and Andy go undercover to find the source of the problem.
Rosele, owner of Sergio's Italian Gardens in Las Vegas, is concerned about a conflict between her longtime pianist and recently hired magician. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Hollie and John to find out which performer needs to go.
After experiencing discrepancies with their supply of expensive protein supplements, Larissa and Andrew, owners of Protein House in Las Vegas, contact Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Andy and Kelli go undercover and discover the real cause of the problem.
After a feud between his pizzeria and bakery threatens his business, John, owner of Metro Pizza in Las Vegas, contacts Charles for help. Mystery Diners Andy and Arielle go undercover and discover the source of the tension.
After discovering discrepancies in their chicken and beef supply, which they serve to both their human and canine customers, the co-owners of Shades Oceanfront Bistro in San Diego contact Charles for help. Mystery Diners Corinne and Seth go undercover and discover one of the employees is running their own side business.
Fearing that a rivalry between her two flair bartenders is the cause of tension and missing alcohol, Sarra, owner of The Compass in Carlsbad, Calif., asks Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Amanda and Chelsea go undercover to find out who's the real culprit.
When Isabel and Todd, co-owners of Barrio Star in San Diego, have a dispute over which waiter they should promote to manager, they contact Charles to mediate. Mystery Diners Chelsea and Seth go undercover and discover one of the candidates is being sabotaged from within.
Marko and Brett own competing food trucks in San Diego, but put aside their differences to investigate revenue loss in both of their vehicles. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Seth and Corinne, who discover that their employees are turning a friendly competition into an all out war.
After already successfully battling one fast food chain over the rights to his signature sandwich, Damien, the owner of Devine Pastabilities in San Diego, now fears someone from within his organization is trying to steal his culinary creation. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Amanda and Andy to investigate.
Fearing that his regular customers have become too entitled, Larry, owner of 730 South in Denver, asks Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Ariel and Conner go undercover and discover an employee may be creating the problem.
Leah and Garret, owners of the Toad Tavern in Littleton, Colo., need to know if their son and his band mates are more focused on their musical aspirations than their jobs in the restaurant. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Ashley and Andy, who discover another employee may be ripping them off.
After noticing a decrease in delivery sales, and an increase in delivery complaints, Lou, owner of Slice Works in Denver, asks Charles to investigate his bicycle delivery service. Mystery Diners Taylor and Dustin go undercover and discover one delivery guy is doing two jobs at the same time.
When Peter and Delinda, owners of Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar in Colorado, notice discrepancies in their food costs — specifically their expensive wine and cheese — they contact Charles for help. Mystery Diners Taylor and Brent go undercover and expose some employees who are hosting their own events.
Jimmy, owner of Rockabillies in Arvada, Colo., is concerned about a dip in sales, especially during his restaurant's summer vintage car show. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Amber and Kyle to investigate and discovers that his staff is breaking multiple rules.
After noticing multiple register mistakes, Ondrea, owner of Black Rose Tavern in Los Angeles, fears that someone — either on her staff, one of the musicians in her nonprofit charity, or her new business partner — is taking advantage of her. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Amanda and Rob and discovers that someone is using her charity to line their pockets.
After purchasing Cafe Aldente in Studio City, Calif., and retaining most of the previous owner's staff, the new owners believe their employees are still practicing old policies. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Annalisa and Kiel to find out if anyone is ignoring the new rules.
When Joe and Fran, owners of Geppino's Sicilian Kitchen in Moorpark, Calif., hear customer complaints about stolen items, Joe suspects their daughter's new boyfriend is to blame. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Shelby and Destiney to identify the real thief.
The owner of 55 Degree Wine and Link-n-Hops in Los Angeles, believes discrepancies at both his wine shop and restaurant are somehow related.
The owner of Cookin' With Lenny Smokehouse in Los Angeles, fears that someone on his staff is using restaurant supplies to operate a competing catering company.
The owners of Fenders Moto Cafe and Brew Pub in Portland, Ore., notice some of their valuable motorcycle memorabilia has gone missing.
After noticing a discrepancy in supplies, Ghaith and Tiffany, owners of Dar Salam in Portland, Ore., fear a new Iraqi food cart that's competing with their restaurant is related to the problem. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Jamie and Brianna to investigate.
Kent, owner of Uptown Billiards in Portland, Ore., believes the social media expert he hired to promote his restaurant isn't doing an adequate job. Charles sends in Mystery Diner Amber and discovers the customers are being hustled.
The owner of Tavern on Main outside of Los Angeles, fears someone on his staff is stealing donations from his restaurant's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Rod and Linda, owners of a la carts Food Pavilion in Portland, Ore., hear complaints from their tenants about the new onsite manager so mystery diners are sent in to investigate.
A staff may be getting carried away with the digital shorts they produce to promote a restaurant and help is sent in.
A dip in memorabilia sales at the Rock Island Cafe in Honolulu worries the owner, who contacts Charles to investigate whether his staff is to blame.
The owner of Cha Cha Cha Salsaria in Honolulu asks Charles to investigate rumors of an unauthorized boat delivery service.
Charles and the team go undercover at the Hawaii Yacht Club in Honolulu to get to the bottom of complaints about non-members being given access to exclusive dinner events.
After noticing discrepancies in sales, Allen, owner of ShoreFyre in Honolulu, contacts Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Jordan and David go undercover and discover a related problem with the surf shop next door.
When chef Chai, owner of his namesake restaurant in Honolulu, notices multiple ticket voids, he contacts Charles Stiles for help. Mystery diners go undercover to see if his staff are making honest mistakes or committing foul play.
In the Season 9 premiere, the owner of Corbin Bowl in Tarzana, Cal., contacts Charles for help after hearing complaints about rowdy customers. An investigation reveals that employees are condoning reckless behavior.
Charles and his team investigate Lenny's Deli in Los Angeles after the owner expresses concerns that his new baker is taking artistic license with customer cake orders. However, it's discovered that there are bigger problems hurting this business.
The wait staff of a California restaurant contacts Charles to do a reverse sting on their employer.
Missing wine barrels are investigated by Charles and his team during a visit to Doffo Winery in Temecula, Cal.
Owners hear rumors that their restaurant is open on the one day it's supposed to be closed.
Charles has a repeat customer when the owner of Capo's Speakeasy in Las Vegas, who the team helped in the past, requests a sting operation on his personal chef.
The owners of Moviesets, in New Orleans, are concerned about theft at their prop house-turned-event center.
Owner is concerned about an unhealthy competition between her two New Orleans restaurants, Toast and Tartine.
The owner of Marigny Brasserie in New Orleans notices an influx of rowdy tourists at his bar for locals.
The owner of Victory in New Orleans begins hearing rumors that his restaurant's signature cocktail is being served at other bars.
The owners of the Gateway Restaurant and Lodge, located near Sequoia National Park in California, hear complaints of unauthorized parties taking place inside their vacant cabins.
Missing supplies and unauthorized passengers are a concern for the owner of the Fillmore and Western Railway in California.
Owner suspects one of her managers after noticing over $4,000 missing from her office safe.
Former client Jaime contacts Charles to help determine if he should invest in a failing California restaurant. Mystery Diners Kendall and Kiel go undercover and discover the current owner isn't being honest about all of his problems.
After noticing numerous discrepancies with the catering company she uses to cater her art shows, Patricia contacts Mystery Diners for help. Charles sends in Jamie and Brianna and discovers an even bigger problem with the assistant curator.
When Joe, the owner of Harvey's Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, Calif., notices a decline in his restaurant's older customers, he contacts Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Destiney and Hal go undercover the staff is hosting unauthorized events to drive in younger patrons.
Rick, the owner of Weiland Brewery in Los Angeles, contacts Mystery Diners after noticing discrepancies with his beery supply. Charles sends in Brianna and Jamie and discovers a large scale bootlegging operation is taking place right under the owner's nose.
Fearing that their cooking instructors are going off curriculum, Arthur and Maria, owners of The Real Food Academy in Miami Shores, Fla., contact Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Eliot and Domenica enroll as students and discover the classroom is being used for personal business.
Michell and Bella, owners of Latin House in Miami, fear someone at their offsite warehouse is giving away the recipes to their award-winning burgers. Charles sends in Jamie and Estefanie to find out if there are any moles inside their organization.
Jorge, owner of Moreno's Cuba Cafe and Riviera Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla., believes his staff is sneaking their friends into the hotel's free happy hour. Charles sends in Patrick and Tina to see how the uninvited guests are gaining access.
Jeff, general manager of Emerald Hills Golf Course in Hollywood, Fla., contacts Charles after fielding complaints about non-members playing for free. Mystery Diners Jamie and Brianna go undercover and discover a bigger problem inside the dining room.
When Lee, owner of Old Vinings Inn in Atlanta, hears rumors of unauthorized "Civil War Tours" taking place inside his historical restaurant, he contacts Charles Stiles to investigate. Mystery Diners Kendall and Eliot go undercover to see how authentic the tours really are.
Uche, owner of The Anchor Bar and Tattoo in Atlanta, contacts Charles Stiles after noticing a drop in food and tattoo sales. Mystery Diners Meagen and Justin go undercover to see if the two problems are related.
Father and son team Danny and Danny Jr. own the Star Cafe and Star Coaches in Atlanta. They are concerned about missing food in their kitchen and a rise in fuel expenses on their tour buses. Charles Stiles sends in Mystery Diners Meagen and Jamie to investigate what's happening on the road.
After noticing missing food and merchandise, Shauna and Joe, owners of Epic Rollertainment in Murrieta, Calif., contact Charles Stiles for help. Mystery Diners Kendall and Eliot discover an ever bigger problem when the roller rink closes at night.
Byron, owner of B-Man's Teriyaki and Burgers in Pasadena, Calif., becomes suspicious when he notices a drop in customers. Charles Stiles sends in Mystery Diners Kiel and Eliot, who uncover a problem with the drive-thru staff.
After noticing lackluster dinner sales and a dip in bottle service, Freddy and Abdi of Supperclub in Los Angeles contact Charles Stiles for help. When he sends in Mystery Diners Eliot and Felicia, they discover the staff is using a street vendor to line their pockets.
Before investing his life savings in a new Russian restaurant, an aspiring restaurateur asks Charles Stiles to investigate the Russian chef he plans to go into business with. Mystery Diners Rob and Eva go undercover and discover an elaborate con.
After receiving several customer complaints about her meal delivery service, Cynthia contacts Charles Stiles for help. He sends in Mystery Diners Patrick and Hal, who uncover a bigger problem inside her kitchen.
Luca, owner of Riemma Kitchen Warehouse, asks Charles Stiles for help after his customers find food inside the factory-sealed appliances they just purchased. Mystery Diner Jamie goes undercover and discovers a large-scale operation.
Nirav, owner of Smokin' Barrel in Hoboken, N.J., contacts Charles Stiles to investigate after noticing a decline in sales every holiday season. Mystery Diners Dennis and Jamie go undercover and discover a suspicious sidewalk solicitor.
The owner of a comic book-themed restaurant in Brooklyn discovers an employee is using their powers for evil.
After hearing complaints about her valet service, Kitty of Breuckelen Colony in Brooklyn contacts Charles Stiles for help. Mystery Diners Daniel and Jamie go undercover and discover an unauthorized car washing service.
Concerned about vandalism at his new restaurant location, which is currently under construction, Manny of the Spanish Potato Grill in Brick, N.J. reaches out to Mystery Diners for help. Charles Stiles sends in Megan and Daniel, who learn the restaurant is being sabotaged from the inside
Brother-sister owners Richard and Marilyn of Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park, N.J. contact Charles Stiles after noticing a discrepancy in their lobster supply. Mystery Diners Megan and Natale go undercover to discover where the lobsters are going.
In this special episode of Mystery Diners, Charles Stiles and his undercover team risk it all to bust the boss! For the first time ever, the sting is conducted from inside the restaurant to see if the horrifying accusations against the boss are true.
After receiving deals that are too good to be true, Tony, the owner of Rivoli's in Tom's River, N.J., believes his new meat purveyor is selling him stolen goods. Charles Stiles sends in Mystery Diner Danny, who has trouble infiltrating the restaurant staff.
The owner of Nashville Street Tacos and The Stillery in Nashville, believes his part-time apartment above his restaurant is being used while he's out of town.
Rose and Tom of Belcourt Taps in Nashville contact Charles Stiles for help after hearing rumors that their songwriting contest is rigged.
Mystery Diners counts down the series' greatest moments catching employee theft, involving stolen food, alcohol, supplies and money.
Mystery Diners counts down the craziest schemes caught on videos from operating unauthorized businesses to raising money for bogus charities and even creating fake employees.
On this special, Mystery Diners counts down the series' all-time favorite family feuds. From dishonest siblings to thieving spouses, these dysfunctional families are caught on tape by our undercover investigators.
Mystery Diners counts down the top ten biggest twists that surprised Charles Stiles and the various restaurant owners who called for help.
Mystery Diners counts down the top ten love-related scams that broke hearts and the bank.