Jump to content

Mystery Diners

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 128.210.106.32 (talk) at 18:40, 17 January 2019 (Slight grammatical correction). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Mystery Diners
GenreReality
Presented byCharles Stiles
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons11
No. of episodes142
Production
Running time20 to 23 minutes
Production companyT Group Productions
Original release
NetworkFood Network
ReleaseMay 20, 2012 (2012-05-20) –
April 27, 2016 (2016-04-27)

Mystery Diners is an American reality television series on the Food Network. The series, hosted by Charles Stiles, debuted on May 25, 2012. Stiles is the owner of California-based Business Evaluation Services and Mystery Shopper Services.

Authenticity

A disclaimer at the end of the credits reads, "The people and events depicted in this program are real. Certain events may have been re-enacted for dramatic purposes."[1]

Television reviewer Ben Pobjie wrote, "Mystery Diners has achieved enormous success on SBS Food Network despite making no attempt whatsoever to appear convincing. This show, which purports to 'expose' employees of restaurants ripping off their employers, contains so many implausible scenarios, inept actors and transparently fake denouements that it's really quite refreshing."[2]

Plot

The show focuses on the Mystery Diners, an organization that at the request of certain owners go undercover at specific restaurants and set up undercover stings and unseen surveillance cameras to catch misbehaving restaurant employees in the act.[3]

Beginning in Season 9, Mystery Diners made changes to its format including the addition of private investigators, new technology, new graphics and opening credits, and advanced equipment. In the opening sequence, Stiles narrates the changes were made on the pretext that restaurant staff have grown more aware of the show and the company, and became more savvy in their scams.

The Consultation

Charles greets the owners with his signature, "Charles Stiles, Mystery Diners" at the beginning of the episode. He and one of his fellow Mystery Diners meet with the owner(s) at their restaurant to discuss the problem with the restaurant before opening, or a neutral venue, and Charles learns about possible suspects. Charles then tells the owner that his team will come in after hours to wire the restaurant with hidden cameras and microphones.

The narrator gives details of where the hidden cameras and microphones have been set up (usually with a floorplan graphic presenting a simplified layout of the establishment), and also mentions which Mystery Diners will be going undercover as a new staff member or a customer. Microphones and cameras are set up only in areas of the restaurant where legally allowed and customers and employees have no expectation of privacy (with restrooms and locker rooms universally excluded from stings), and sometimes are set up outside in patio and 'breakroom' areas of the establishments, whether outside or inside.

The Sting

Charles and the owner(s) operate from a control room setup, usually within an isolated part of the building without easy employee access, or within another nearby building rented temporarily during the sting length. A number of large-screen LCD televisions featuring the live camera footage and graphics involving the sting subjects are configured in a multi-screen matrix and a switching system is utilized, along with audio monitoring of the establishment through shotgun microphones. The Mystery Diner dummy employees and customers are wired with hidden duplex two-way communication to Stiles and the control room, either through audible means and/or cameras hidden in common objects such as eyeglasses or other personal effects.

  • Usually one undercover team member (who may have already spent a number of days at the establishment in advance of the sting) is introduced as a trainee waiter to the staff by the owner(s). The owners then retire to the control room to watch events unfold. Although the owner(s) are usually the contact, this individual can be acting on behalf of the owners. On several occasions, a subordinate employee or co-partner has reached out to Stiles for a sting against an owner accused of neglectful supervision, operation of the restaurant, or theft.
  • Several episodes also dealt with the subject of Stiles conducting a sting on behalf of an owner appraising someone they want to sell their establishment to for their trustworthiness; in all cases, the buyers were proven to have ill intentions for their purchase.
  • Others on the team appear as regular diners, charting the progress of service and quality of the food, and generally observing the staff to help reveal what goes on during the restaurant's regular operations.

From Season 9, Charles has also brought in one of his private investigators who shows the owner information he has found while doing background checks on the employees and details that are connected to any illegal activities.

The Confrontation

After seeing enough, the owner goes down and rounds up the staff members responsible for the problems and brings them to the control room to be confronted by Charles Stiles, an event which usually ends with those staff members getting fired and/or occasional law enforcement intervention if a confrontation becomes violent (though several have sighted the sting and quickly flee the building before the confrontation can take place). Otherwise innocent staff members who prove to have been manipulated by the troublesome staff member are, however, normally spared by the owners. There are also cases in which the staff member is merely reprimanded, or quits without allowing the owner to render their action against the employee.

Four Months Later or Restaurant Update

In the final part of the show during the closing credits, the narrator tells the viewers what has happened in the aftermath of the recording to the former employees, the remaining employees, and anyone else that was involved, as well as reporting on the current status of the restaurant. A graphic at the end of each episode states "Certain events may have been re-enacted for dramatic purposes." The 'four months later' update element was dropped as time went on and the segment took on the generic 'restaurant update' heading, as the program was able to economize their editing process to turn-around an episode in much less time than the earlier seasons.

Episodes

Season Episodes Original airing
Season premiere Season finale
1 7 May 20, 2012 June 29, 2012
2 13 October 19, 2012 January 25, 2013
3 13 April 19, 2013 July 10, 2013
4 13 July 17, 2013 October 9, 2013
5 13 January 6, 2014 March 31, 2014
6 13[4] April 7, 2014[4] June 30, 2014[4]
7 13 July 30, 2014 October 13, 2014
8 13 October 13, 2014 January 7, 2015
9 15 February 4, 2015 April 29, 2015
10 14 June 3, 2015 October 21, 2015
11 15 November 4, 2015 April 27, 2016

Season 1 (2012)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
11"Catering on the Side"May 20, 2012 (2012-05-20)YM0101H1.32[5]
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.
22"Bringing Down the Haus"May 25, 2012 (2012-05-25)YM0102H1.28[6]
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.
33"Big Earl's Gone Wild"June 1, 2012 (2012-06-01)YM0103H1.44[7]
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.
44"F for Effort"June 8, 2012 (2012-06-08)YM0104H1.36[8]
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.
55"Managing Disaster"June 15, 2012 (2012-06-15)YM0105H1.35[9]
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.
66"Grumpy Tom"June 22, 2012 (2012-06-22)YM0106H1.46[10]
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.
77"Raiding the Bar"June 29, 2012 (2012-06-29)YM0100H1.21[11]
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.

Season 2 (2012–13)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
81"The Tipping Point"October 19, 2012 (2012-10-19)YM0201H1.06[12]
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.
92"Something Smells Fishy"October 26, 2012 (2012-10-26)YM0202H1.13[13]
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.
103"Getting a Leg Up"November 2, 2012 (2012-11-02)YM0204H1.08[14]
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 its relaunch where business has never been better.
114"Raising the Stakes"November 9, 2012 (2012-11-09)YM0205H1.04[15]
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.
125"Extra Curricular"November 16, 2012 (2012-11-16)YM0206H0.97[16]
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.
136"Valet Disservice"November 23, 2012 (2012-11-23)YM0203H1.01[17]
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.
147"Sleeping on the Job"December 7, 2012 (2012-12-07)YM0207H1.08[18]
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.
158"Singles Night"December 14, 2012 (2012-12-14)YM0208H1.05[19]
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.
169"Sour Grapes"December 21, 2012 (2012-12-21)YM0209HN/A
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.
1710"Night Shift"January 4, 2013 (2013-01-04)YM0210H1.22[20]
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.
1811"My Brother's Keeper"January 11, 2013 (2013-01-11)YM0211HN/A
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, the waiter is fired and Dominic gets a second chance in order to change for the better. The narrator revealed that Dominic is behaving himself. The former waiter has apologized for his actions and found employment elsewhere.
1912"Love Hurts"January 18, 2013 (2013-01-18)YM0212H1.07[21]
When two employees who recently broke up disrupt staff harmony and start affecting 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.
2013"Where's the Beef?"January 25, 2013 (2013-01-25)YM0213H1.06[22]
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.

Season 3 (2013)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
211"Dining in the Dark"April 19, 2013 (2013-04-19)YM0302H1.11[23]
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.
222"Cheese-Burglar"April 26, 2013 (2013-04-26)YM0301H1.13[24]
The female owners of Cheeseburger Baby in Miami ask Charles to investigate a waiter who is a former 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, Christiana, 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, Christiana 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 Christiana 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.
233"Party Monster"May 3, 2013 (2013-05-03)YM0303H1.06[25]
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.
244"Catch of the Day"May 10, 2013 (2013-05-10)YM0304H1.28[26]
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 (after the owner goes rough on him during the confrontation) 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.
255"All in the Family"May 17, 2013 (2013-05-17)YM0305H0.99[27]
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, who works as a waitress, is rude to customers and staff, and the owner's nephew 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 his niece, Dee Dee, for her blatant disrespect while telling her never to return despite being related. She then threatens to send her mother to confront him. In her exit interview, she tells him to wait until her mom calls. 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 and returned to R&O's. With a lighter workload, the nephew got straight A's. Another niece was promoted to assistant manager, and the owner hired new employees who are fitting in with his family.
266"Friends With Benefits"May 24, 2013 (2013-05-24)YM0306H1.21[28]
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
277"Secret Sauce"May 31, 2013 (2013-05-31)YM0309H1.20[29]
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 who works as a manager is behind this. During the confrontation, Terry fires him. The narrator revealed that was disowned from the family business. The rest of the kitchen staff has signed non-disclosure agreements.
288"No Laughing Matter"June 7, 2013 (2013-06-07)YM0307H0.96[30]
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.
299"Crazy Hearts"June 14, 2013 (2013-06-14)YM0308H1.18[31]
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 bringing 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.
3010"Menu Mayhem"June 21, 2013 (2013-06-21)YM0310H1.21[32]
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. In her exit interview, the former manager stated that she did not deserve to be treated the way she was treated, while in his exit interview, the former cook stated that he is one of the best chefs in Dallas and will be successful in six months. 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.
3111"Boss Hog"June 28, 2013 (2013-06-28)YM0311H1.57[33]
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's back, one of them is steaing and selling motorcycle parts with her mechanic boyfriend, 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 the former employees have found new employment. The manager was demoted to bartender only to resign. The owner's mother has temporarily come back to work and is looking for new managers.
3212"Armed Services"July 3, 2013 (2013-07-03)YM0312H1.41[34]
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.
3313"Cooking the Books"July 10, 2013 (2013-07-10)YM0313H1.70[35]
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. During the sting, 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 their manager, who is actually behind the discrepancy, by collecting an extra paycheck for an employee named Hector Rodriguez, and also collecting a check for a cleaning company despite having the busboys cleaning the windows since he fired their cleaning company. During the confrontation, the manager tries to defend himself saying that the restaurant was getting cleaned. However, Jamie and Francine have enough and fire him. In his exit interview, he stated that he knows what he is worth and that he can a job anywhere (which will never happen). Jamie and Francine tell Charles that they will also suspend the bookkeeper instead of firing her. The narrator revealed that the former employees have stopped collecting paychecks. The bookkeeper was suspended and returned to work.

Season 4 (2013)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
341"Chef's Choice"July 17, 2013 (2013-07-17)YM0401H1.45[36]
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.
352"Naked Lunch"July 24, 2013 (2013-07-24)YM0402H1.14[37]
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.
363"Strange Brew"July 31, 2013 (2013-07-31)YM0403H1.42[38]
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.
374"Employee of the Month"August 7, 2013 (2013-08-07)YM0404H1.32[39]
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 for her 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.
385"While the Cat's Away..."August 14, 2013 (2013-08-14)YM0405H1.21[40]
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.
396"Too Many Cooks"August 21, 2013 (2013-08-21)YM0406H1.30[41]
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.
407"Wine on Wheels"August 28, 2013 (2013-08-28)YM0407H1.37[42]
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, the 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.
418"Lactose Intolerant"September 4, 2013 (2013-09-04)YM0408H1.35[43]
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 (who happens to be his friend) 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 waiter, in his exit interview said that his best friend fired him over a grilled cheese contest. 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.
429"Deliver Us From Evil"September 11, 2013 (2013-09-11)YM0409H1.27[44]
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. In the latter's exit interview, he just simply walks away and yells at a car. The narrator revealed that the former serviceman has started working at another restaurant. The other serviceman stopped doing errands during his job.
4310"Throw Momma From the Restaurant"September 18, 2013 (2013-09-18)YM0410H1.16[45]
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.
4411"Security Issues"September 25, 2013 (2013-09-25)YM0411H1.07[46]
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.
4512"What a Drag"October 2, 2013 (2013-10-02)YM0412H1.24[47]
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 from the managers office computer 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 informed that she is never allowed back in the restaurant. In his exit interview, the former bartender said that his firing is messed up and Bob hired a "D-List Sherlock Homes" to investigate the rigging of the trivia contest. The manager 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. The manager added a password on his computer. There has been a different winner each week.
4613"Three's a Crowd"October 9, 2013 (2013-10-09)YM0413H1.11[48]
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.

Season 5 (2014)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
471"Tastes Like Chicken"January 6, 2014 (2014-01-06)YM0502H1.19[49]
The owner of Source in San Francisco has concerns about meat being served in his vegan restaurant. The Mystery Diners point to a problem with his head cook drinking on the job. In addition, his male cashier (who is later revealed to be from Peru) is lying to customers about the food being served, and his female cashier (who is a hardcore vegan), shows little tolerance to non-vegan customers by refusing service to those who wanted real cheese. A bigger problem is seen when the male cashier is eating a fast-food hamburger in front of the restaurant (this is despite the owner giving the employees a free meal). When they re all confronted, the male cashier is the first to be confronted for his lies, and angry about the owner confronting him, walks out. In his exit interview, he stated that he came to America since it was the land of the free and maintained he did nothing wrong by eating a burger during his break. The female waitress was told to calm down and is spared, while the head cook is forced to take time off after taking a breathalyzer test. The head cook states in his exit interview that he is planning to come back a better person. The narrator reveals that the former cashier has found employment elsewhere, the female cashier is less-critical of non vegans, and the cook is hoping to return to work.
482"Fired Up"January 13, 2014 (2014-01-13)YM0501H0.99[50]
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.
493"Money on the Side"January 20, 2014 (2014-01-20)YM0503H1.14[51]
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 its 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 to get out of work. During the confrontation, Don fired the busboy for his actions and lies. In his exit interview, he maintained that he messed up and showed remorse When the manager tries to justify his actions, he is also fired. In his exit interview, he stated that his friend knows Jamie Foxx. 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.
504"Pardon My French"January 27, 2014 (2014-01-27)YM0504H1.04[52]
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 waitee 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 who is stealing tips, taking them as his own. 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, the French waiter and the owner's son both apologize for their behavior and are reprimanded, while the other waiter is fired. The narrator revealed that the former waiter found emplyment elsewhere. The French waiter 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.
515"Oktobertheft"February 3, 2014 (2014-02-03)YM0505H0.80[53]
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 they are doing fine. The Mystery Diners show Cindy why she had a right to be concerned when they point to big problems with two of the Dirndl Girls. 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 is actually a model employee. Bigger problems are exposed when a waiter pits Cindy and Peter against each other. When the two girls are confronted, they defend themselves by saying they were doing what Peter told them to do, but are fired by Peter and are told goodbye in German. In their exit interview, the two former Dirndl girls said that they were hired to party and fired to partying, and asks how it makes any sense. Peter apologizes to Cindy and all plan to deal with the waiter in the morning. The narrator revealed the former employees found employment elsewhere. The other dirndl girl continues to work as a Dirndl Girl part time. The waiter has apologized and made amends for his behavior.
526"Grapes of Wrath"February 10, 2014 (2014-02-10)YM0506H0.96[54]
The owner 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, owner said that the waitress took money that doesn't belong to her, and was ordered to give the money back to Charles. He then states that he hates thieves and fires her. In her exit interview, she stated that she let greed get the best of her. The manager was also ordered to give money back to Charles and is also fired. 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.
537"Greek Tragedy"February 17, 2014 (2014-02-17)YM0507H1.21[55]
Nader, the owner of My Greek and Italian Restaurant in Tacoma, Washington notices an increase in broken plates and inventory problems. The Mystery Diners show Nader that he had a right to be concerned when they point to big problems with his assistant manager who is behind the problems. 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 to get involved in his own get rich quick scheme by putting flyers for his friends band in to-go orders. They also closed down the restaurant early to party with the rest of the band. After kicking the party out, Nader confronts the two and while the busboy is spared stating that he was tricked, the manager is fired. He states in his exit interview 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 the former manager has started working at another restaurant. The busboy no longer abuses his position to make extra. The waitress is training to be a manager.
548"The Great Divide"February 24, 2014 (2014-02-24)YM0508H1.18[56]
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.
559"Mascot Mayhem"March 3, 2014 (2014-03-03)YM0509H0.92[57]
Blaine Cook, the owner of Zippy's Giant Burgers in Seattle, calls Charles Stiles to investigate rumors from staff and customers that his mascot Zippy the Yum Yum Burger Boy is misbehaving. The Mystery Diners go undercover and find out that while his mascot was taking phone calls in the middle of work, a bigger problem is found when he leaves work in the middle of his shift and has his roommate cover for him while dealing with his mom. The roommate was rude and insulting to customers and smelled like booze. When confronted by Blaine and Charles, the mascot stated that he didn't trust his roommate to take care of his mom, but they were surprised when he let his roommate destroy his business. The mascot is given a second chance, and his roommate is o longer welcome to Zippys. IN his exit interview, the mascot remained remorseful for the mascot switch. The narrator revealed that the mascot made amends and no longer lets anyone else wear the costume, and the roommate is still unemployed.
5610"Paranormal Activities"March 10, 2014 (2014-03-10)YM0510H0.91[58]
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.
5711"Coupon Coup"March 17, 2014 (2014-03-17)YM0511H1.02[59]
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 waitress was fired first. In her exit interview, she stated that there were worst things going on in the world other than a coupon ring. The manager was also confronted and is also fired. He then states that he is unhappy about losing his job and surfing is part of this life. 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.
5812"Cover Charge"March 24, 2014 (2014-03-24)YM0512H1.15[60]

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.
5913"Dinner Drama"March 31, 2014 (2014-03-31)YM0513H1.01[61]
The owner of the Encore Dinner Theater suspects a relationship between an actress and one of his waiters 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.

Season 6 (2014)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
601"Mexicali Blues"April 7, 2014 (2014-04-07)YM0601H1.10[62]
Esdras and Javier, the owners of Mexicali Tacos in Los Angeles hear rumors that customers are ordering off-menu items. They suspect their head chef is going rouge again after previously being busted. However, the real culprit is their female cashier who is using her grandmother to run a side business selling off-menu items using the restaurants supply of tortillas (which Esdras and Javier get from Baja, Mexico). When confronted, she stated that she was delivering the food the customers wanted, but is fired. In her exit interview, she said this was for the good since she and her grandmother were planning to buy a food truck together. The narrator has revealed that the former cashier has found elsewhere. Her grandmother has apologized and swears that her granddaughter is a good girl. The head cook continues to be a loyal employee.
612"Trimming the Fat"April 14, 2014 (2014-04-14)YM0602H0.87[63]
Chris, the owner of the Spring Street Smoke House in Los Angeles asks Charles to investigate the loss of fat trimmings, his head chef Albert not properly cutting the brisket meat, and the other theft involving his to-go supplies. The Diners confirm this, but also point to big problems with his other prep cook Will and his busboy Charlie behind the theft and loss of money. Will had been stealing the fat trimmings and putting them in an ice chest to make profits at an undisclosed location. During the confrontation, Albert apologizes for not cutting the meat properly, being tired from dealing with another family member. Will is the first one fired for stealing the fat trimmings and selling it to unknown locations. In his exit interview, Will admits he had no remorse for his actions stating that it was just fat that was being sold to pay Chris back. Charlie is the next one fired after being caught stealing Chris' to-go supplies and admitting he needed the to-go items for a family reunion. In his exit interview, Charlie is remorseful for his action and has plans to pay Chris back. Albert is suspended with his retraining being his last chance. The narrator revealed that Will found employment elsewhere. Charlie had made reparations for stealing the to-go items. Albert has been retrained and is no longer wasting meat.
623"Food Truck Fiasco"April 21, 2014 (2014-04-21)YM0603H0.97[64]
Peter, the owner of Roll'n Lobster Food Truck in Los Angeles suspect that his new food truck drivers are causing problems with the second truck he bought, ranging from coming back later, extra mileage, and bringing back extra product. The Mystery Diners go mobile and find out that the new drivers are running through stop signs, being rude to difficult customers, and closing early to go to a location that Peter is not licensed to sell in so they can sell soul food with their friend. When confronted by Peter, they claim that they want to do lobster in the daytime and soul food at night, but Peter disagrees and fires them. The narrator states that the former employees failed at starting their own business. The original drivers are now in charge of both trucks.
634"Charitable Donations"April 28, 2014 (2014-04-28)YM0604H0.90[65]

Doug, the owner of Pelons Tex-Mex Restaurant in Austin, Texas hears about his staff collecting donations for an unauthorized charity. The Mystery Diners discover that the manager Anthony as well as the other staff plan to give the money they made to a real charity (the one Doug sometimes donates to), which involved male staff members shaving their heads to prove their legitimacy. During the confrontation, Anthony accepts responsibility for his actions and he is reprimanded along with the others. The narrator revealed that Doug continued to donate the money to charity. The staff only focused on their jobs.

NOTE: This is the first episode which something good is found, not bad.
645"Bad Poets Society"May 5, 2014 (2014-05-05)YM0605H0.87[66]
The owners of Old School Bar and Grill in Austin, Texas are concerned about not turning a profit on their Poetry Nights. They had a right to worry as the Mystery Diners point to big problems with a rude manager who had been intentionally trying to cancel poetry night using one of his friends to perform a disturbing poem. Matters are made worse when the Diners point to a waitress who is selling free food to her friends with the manager's flyers. During the confrontation, the manager is fired by the owners. The waitress is reprimanded and suspended for a week for her involvement. The narrator revealed the former manager has apologized and is making reparations for his actions while supporting the poetry society. The waitress is no longer selling free food.
656"Family Ties"May 12, 2014 (2014-05-12)YM0606H0.86[67]
The owner of Bakehouse Restaurant and Bar in Austin, Texas fears a dispute between his son and a waitress is threatening the harmony of his restaurant. The Mystery Diners confirm this alongside the discovery of a restaurant baker who has been doing something illegal. When they are confronted, the baker is fired and the waitress (who was discovered to never smile during her job) is ordered to show smiles during her job. The son apologized to his father and admitted he can't take over the business. The owner allows his son to pursue his own career and is always welcomed back. The narrator revealed that the former baker found employment elsewhere. The waitress is on her way to being promoted to manager while following orders to smile. The owner's son has continued his education in becoming a doctor.
667"Fraternal Disorder"May 19, 2014 (2014-05-19)YM0607H1.01[68]
Rick, the owner of Uncle Billy's Brew and Que in Austin, Texas hears rumors about his privately brewed beer showing up at fraternity parties. The Mystery Diners go undercover and find that his waiter is drinking on the job, stealing food orders by scamming the manager, and selling kegs to his fraternity brothers with a bartenders help. The three of them, who are part of the fraternity as well, are all confronted and after the waiter dials the managers phone and it rings, they are all fired. The former manager states that his fraternity brothers threw him under the bus and got him fired. The narrator revealed that the former employees were replaced with staff with no connections to the local fraternities, and Rick has started distributing his beer.
678"Raw Deal"May 26, 2014 (2014-05-26)YM0608H1.17[69]
The owner of Beets Cafe in Austin, Texas worries that her employees are selling the secret recipes to her raw food menus. She had a right to be concerned because her head prep cook sold a Mystery Diner her recipe for $60. Problems are made worse with her two waitresses. One of them was lying to customers claiming that she was the co-owner of the restaurant and also lying to them about the benefits of eating raw food. Another waitress was caught foraging ticket orders so they can be held accountable for her mistakes to let them pay for mistake orders. When all three are confronted, the waitress lying to customers and the prep cook are fired after trying to defend themselves, and the other waitress was spared after stating she didn't want to pay for mistakes. The narrator revealed that the former prep cook has moved on to another job. The former waitress has personally apologized for her actions. The remaining employees no longer have to pay for mistake orders.
689"Scorpion Sting"June 2, 2014 (2014-06-02)YM0609H0.96[70]
Paul, the owner of Nacho Daddy in Las Vegas notices a discrepancy in the expensive scorpions used in his "Scorpion Shots." The Diners point to problems with the bartender named Gino who was hustling customers and holding unauthorized contests with a waiter named Jeremy to pay off his gambling debts. Worse, the manager named Amber hasn't returned from her visitation with her daughter. During the confrontation, Gino and Jeremy are fired. The narrator revealed that Gino has checked into a Gambling Addiction Recovery Center. Jeremy found employment elsewhere. Amber was reprimanded and now uses a babysitter to watch her kids. Paul has hired a new waiter and bartender.
6910"Life's Not a Beach"[4]June 9, 2014 (2014-06-09)YM0610HTBA
Marty, the owner of Barefoot Bob's Beach Bar & Gaming in Las Vegas investigates employee complaints of his manager, Patricia. The Mystery Diners soon point to big problems with his bartender, Liz, who is behind the complaints. Angered over remaining as a bartender, she pays Patricia back for stealing her position by talking negatively behind her back, ignoring orders to remove her boyfriend and his friends from the VIP room by refusing the room to paying customers, and stealing the owner's collection of cigars. Matters are made worse when Patricia is caught on camera eating a customer's food. When both are confronted, Patricia apologized for her actions stating it was unintentional and was stressed out by Liz's lack of respect for her. When Liz tries to defend herself claiming that she should've been manager at the bar, Stiles disagrees by mentioning that she is the last person who should be trusted with the position after seeing how rude she was to the customers and is the main cause of their complaints. Marty points out she can't be trusted as manager after watching her actions and fires Liz while also having her inform her boyfriend that he and his friends are not allowed to return. In her exit interview, Liz points out that her boyfriend better be ready to help pay the bills at her house upon her being out of a job. The narrator revealed that Liz found work elsewhere and has since ended her relationship with her boyfriend. Patricia has been reprimanded and adopted a friendlier approach.
7011"Magic Hassle"[4]June 16, 2014 (2014-06-16)YM0611HTBA
Roselle and her fiancé Peyman, the owners of Sergio's Italian Garden in Las Vegas are concerned of a rivalry between a long-time pianist named Shanti, and a recently-hired magician named Adam. The Mystery Diners go undercover and points to big problems with a long time waiter named Jason who is behind the rivalry with the belief that both Shanti and Adam had been taking away his tips. In retaliation, he pits the two against each other by stealing both of their tips and scamming customers into giving him more tips. When some dishes are broken during the recent rivalry and Shanti is hurt, Roselle decide to take action. During the confrontation, Jason tries to defend his actions claiming it was both Shanti and Adam's fault for stealing his tips. Shanti and Adam get angry at him for setting them up. Stiles doesn't believe Jason and point out that he started the feud between the two by stealing their tips for his own amusement. Jason is fired when Roselle tires of his excuses and had seen the evidence. In his exit interview, Jason admitted that he didn't regret his actions by claiming neither Shanti and Adam were entertaining except when they were feuding. Roselle and Peyman decide that in order to limit future feuds, Shanti and Adam should have separate work schedules. The narrator revealed that Jason no longer works in the restaurant business. Adam and Shanti are no longer feuding and continued to work together on separate schedules.
7112"Heavy Lifting"[4]June 23, 2014 (2014-06-23)YM0612HTBA
Andrew and Larissa, the co-owners of Protein House in Las Vegas experience discrepancies with their supply of expensive protein supplements. The Mystery Diners go undercover and point to big problems with their manager who has instructed the baristas to put less protein powder in the smoothies to give away protein powder to some customers. He has also been recruiting customers for his training business and giving away free food to them as incentives. The matter is made worse with a barista who is rude to customers. When both are confronted, the manager is fired after accusing Charles of setting him up. In his exit interview, he states that he will take his clientele elsewhere. The barista is spared and given a second chance. In her exit interview, she stated that the confrontation was her wake up call to do better. The narrator has revealed that the former manager no longer works in the restaurant industry. The barista has adopted a friendlier approach.
7213"The Italian Job"[4]June 30, 2014 (2014-06-30)YM0613HTBA
John, the owner of Metro Pizza in Las Vegas, turns to Charles Stiles for help when there is a feud between his pizzeria and a bakery. The Mystery Diners soon show John who is guilty of starting the feud: his manager and his head pizza chef. They were behind the stress of the head baker and in addition to that, the manager has been accepting bribes to kick a paying customer out of his seat and secretly stealing flour from the bakery to help his sister's restaurant. During the confrontation, the head pizza chef leaves upon identifying Stiles. John confronts the manager and he is fired. The narrator revealed that the former pizza chef and manager have found employment elsewhere. The baker has been reprimanded and is no longer having problems with the kitchen.

Season 7 (2014)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
731"Going to the Dogs"[4]July 30, 2014 (2014-07-30)YM0701HTBA
The owners of Shades Bistro Front in San Diego discover discrepancies in their chicken and beef supply. The Mystery Diners show the owners who was responsible, their head chef Clint who had been secretly stealing both meats and replacing it with dog food as revenge against the owners for letting the dogs be fed human food. The matter is made worse with their manager Alicia who has been busy running her own doggy day care to notice the theft. In addition, the waitress Genevieve was bringing her dog to work. When both are confronted, Clint and Alicia are fired. In his exit interview, Clint felt guilty about the thefts, but remained unremorseful for his actions, stating dogs should only eat dog food. The narrator revealed the chef and former manager found employment elsewhere. Genevieve was reprimanded for bringing her dog to work and has since hired a pet-sitter.
742"Cocktail Fail"[4]August 6, 2014 (2014-08-06)YM0702HTBA
Sara, the owner of The Compass in Carlsbad, California fears that a rivalry between her two flair bartenders named Levi and Steve are the cause of tension, negative reviews, and missing alcohol. The Mystery Diners go undercover and point to big problems with a disgruntled waitress named Andrea who behind the tension. She was stealing tips from both Levi and Steve, making bad reviews on her cell phone, and breaking empty alcoholic bottles to pit them against each other in the hopes of getting them terminated. When all three are confronted, Andrea is fired by Sara after being caught trying to sabotage Levi and Steve, making bad reviews and arguing with Stiles in defense of her actions. She remained unremorseful stating in her exit interview that her actions were to help alleviate the wait staff's frustrations. Andrea thinks Sara made a big mistake in firing her and believes the wait staff's tips will suffer because she kept Levi and Steve over her. Levi and Steve are made aware of Andrea's scam by Stiles. They decide to end their rivalry, realizing that their own actions were out of frustration and should've suspected Andrea of sabotaging them. The narrator revealed that Andrea has found employment elsewhere. Levi and Steve called for a truce in their rivalry and became friends. Sara had implemented a tip-sharing policy for her staff.
753"Promotion Sabotage"[4]August 13, 2014 (2014-08-13)YM0703HTBA
Isabel and her boyfriend Todd the owners of Barrio Star in San Diego have a dispute over which waiter they should promote to manager for their second restaurant in San Francisco: Cal or Mark. The Mystery Diners go undercover and point to big problems with their waitress, Jessica. She had been taking advantage of Isabel and Todd's dispute by sabotaging one of the waiters, Mark, because she still had feelings for him after their first date and doesn't want him to leave the restaurant. When Mark tells her to leave him alone, Jessica retaliates by voiding his customers' orders and is the direct cause their complaints. During the confrontation, Isabel tells Jessica that she's embarrassed with her behavior and fires her. In her exit interview, Jessica maintains her actions were to get back at Mark for humiliating her. She is remorseful for it because she never intended to embarrass Isabel and Todd. Mark is reprimanded and is told not to mix personal relationships with business. The narrator revealed that Jessica has found employment elsewhere. Cal has been promoted to manager and transferred to the Barrio Star in San Francisco. Mark has apologized and is next in line for a promotion. Isabel and Todd have implemented a "No Dating Policy" in their restaurant.
764"Dueling Food Trucks"[4]August 20, 2014 (2014-08-20)YM0704HTBA
Rival San Diego food truck owners Marko and Brett work together with Charles Stiles in order to investigate revenue loss in both their trucks. This was confirmed when two of each employees were in the feud and were being carried away with their friendly competition. While one employee leaves upon identifying Charles Stiles during the confrontation, the other two workers are fired and the other one persuaded his boss to spare him while apologizing for not catching the action sooner. The narrator revealed that the three former employees of both trucks have found employment elsewhere. The remaining employee has made amends with his boss.
775"Trademark Trouble"[4]August 27, 2014 (2014-08-27)YM0705HTBA
After fighting off a lawsuit over the rights to his signature item: the Torpasta, the owner of Devine Pastabilities in San Diego named Damien fears someone within his business is trying to steal his creation and inventory discrepancies involving his missing signature stands and bread. Charles and the Mystery Diners show Damien why he had a right to be concerned thanks to a manager named Seth who intentionally been stealing his signature recipe behind his back creating a Torpasta knock off called the Torpatty and trying to sell it as his own. It was also revealed that the head chef named Alfredo was blackmailed into Seth's scheme. During the confrontation, Alfredo is spared when he is made aware of Seth's scam and returns to his job. Seth is fired by Damien for his actions. The narrator revealed that Seth has moved on to another job. Alfredo has been promoted to kitchen manager. Damien is no longer missing inventory items.
786"Customer Concerns"[4]September 3, 2014 (2014-09-03)YM0706HTBA
Larry, the owner of 730 South in Denver feels a number of his customers have become too entitled. They Mystery Diners come in and discover that none of the customers were misbehaving themselves and were actually fine in sitting in different locations at the restaurant. Instead, they point to big problems with his waitress named Katrina who had been misbehaving herself. The matter is made worse when she is seen trying to manipulate the waiter Anthony into helping her stash a bag of hash browns and getting into a fight with a hostess named Mimi for refusing to help her (evident when she removed a reserved sign off the table) to seat a new customer. When confronted by Stiles, Katrina claims the customers were upset over their usual table were taken. He doesn't believe her and pointed out that they were fine sitting in a new location. When Larry confronts Katrina for her behavior in sneaking hash browns and fighting with Mimi, she gets angry and quits. In her exit interview, Katrina stated she wanted to make the customers feel special. Anthony was praised for his good work. The narrator revealed that Katrina has found employment elsewhere. Anthony has been promoted to manager.
797"Heavy Metal Mess"[4]September 10, 2014 (2014-09-10)YM0707HTBA
Leah and Garrett, the owners of the Toad Tavern in Littleton, Colorado feel their son Justin and his bandmates are more interested in their musical aspirations than their jobs in the Toad Tavern. The Mystery Diners go undercover and not only confirm this, but also point to big problems with their waitress named Christine taking advantage of Justin's inexperience along with the frustrations of the staff who believe he is unqualified to be a manager by giving out free alcohol and food to her friends. During the confrontation, Christine is fired for her actions. In her exit interview, Christine maintained she did nothing wrong and thought Justin should've been fired because of his negligence. Justin apologizes for his actions and is both reprimanded and demoted to bar-back. Leah and Garrett promise him to get his band on the stage the right way if he can be more serious with his job. The narrator reveals that Christine has found employment elsewhere. Justin has accepted his demotion and is more serious about his job.
808"Vicious Cycle"[4]September 17, 2014 (2014-09-17)YM0708HTBA
Lou, the owner of Slice Works in Denver notices a decrease in bicycle delivery sales and an increase in delivery complaints. The Mystery Diners are able to help the owner with one certain servicemen, Chris, who is not doing his regular routine by giving tours to people for another job he didn't tell Lou about. Another serviceman named Jason, although is doing his job properly, he shows problems with controlling his rage with the owner of a car. During the confrontation, Lou tells Chris who was caught giving tours and selling a pizza to an undercover Mystery Diner named Taylor that he is fired. In his exit interview, Chris admitted he was glad to be fired from Slice Works and prefers his other job at the bicycle tours. Jason was reprimanded and suspended for a week due to his reckless bike riding and showing rage at the car's owner. The narrator revealed that Chris was also terminated by the boss from the bicycle tours upon being informed of his scheme from Lou. Jason has apologized and rides his bike safely.
819"Secret Pairings"[4]September 24, 2014 (2014-09-24)YM0709HTBA
Peter and his wife Delinda, the owners of the Indulge Wine Bar and Bistro in Colorado, are concerned about food costs after noticing discrepancies in wine and cheese costs. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover while a bartender named Jeremy is over pouring wine for customers, big problems are discovered with the female manager named Jessica and a waiter named Scot. They aren't doing their jobs and focused on their side business in the form of a wine-tasting event. When confronted, both Jessica and Scot are fired after giving them the money they just made and despite apologizing to the owners. In their exit interview, neither Jessica and Scot were remorseful for their actions claiming it was for the good of Peter and Delinda's business as Jessica adds in that they won't be able to know about cheeses without Scot's help. The narrator revealed that Jessica and Scot were unsuccessful at opening their own wine bar. Jeremy has apologized for his actions and now serves the right amount of wine.
8210"Vintage Scams"[4]October 1, 2014 (2014-10-01)YM0710HTBA
Jimmy, the owner of Rockabillies in Arvada, Colorado becomes concerned about a dip in sales, especially during his restaurant's classic car show. The Mystery Diners find a problem with one of the waitresses scamming the bar by selling beer from her own supply. The manager is charging a cover for the show with the help of another waiter, and is allowing food vendors to operate on the lot for a kickback. When all three are confronted, and the manager was bringing in extra money. Jimmy doesn't believe him, stating that he did this to line his pockets, and fires him and the waitress in the beer scam. The former manager stated that he was brining in things people want at a car show. The other waitress was suspended for a week for her involvement in the cover charge scam and states that she will report all suspicious activity. The narrator revealed that the former employees found new employment. The waitress now reports suspicious activity.
8311"Partner in Crime"[4]October 6, 2014 (2014-10-06)YM0711HTBA
Ondrea, the owner of the Black Rose Tavern in Los Angeles fears that a business partner, staff member, or a musician from the Starving Musicians Program in her charity is taking advantage of her generosity upon noticing multiple cash register mistakes in inventory discrepancies. The Mystery Diners go undercover and show Ondrea why she had a right to be concerned when they point to big problems with her business partner, who was stealing inventory, denying the Starving Musician Program members their free meals, making shady deals with beverage distributors, and using her charity to run bogus events. When he is confronted, he tries to defend himself and is fired. IN his exit interview, he states that the kids need to get a job. The narrator reveals that the former business partners partnership was dissolved and his unauthorized concert was cancelled. The waitress was cleared of making any mistakes. The Starving Musicians Members now get all of their free meals.
8412"Cafe Coup"[4]October 6, 2014 (2014-10-06)YM0712HTBA
Anthony and Anna, the new owners of Cafe Aldente in Studio City, California, is concerned about the staff from the previous owner practicing old policies. The Mystery Diners point to big problems with their manager who believes that she should've owned the restaurant from the previous owners and was embittered at being outbid. As a form of revenge, she manipulates the staff to continue practicing the old policies, bribing unlicensed musicians to play in the restaurant, and has customers sign a petition to force Anthony and Anna to give Café Aldente to her. When confronted by them, she defends herself with the belief they're unqualified to be the owners. Stiles points out that she is not qualified to own a restaurant given her selfish behavior and Anthony fires her. In her exit interview, she says that Anthony and Anna will not last long in the restaurant and she will buy it one day. The narrator revealed that Julia has been unsuccessful in her continued attempts to purchase the restaurant. The staff continues working for Anthony and Anna and no longer practices old policies.
8513"Daddy's Girl"[4]October 13, 2014 (2014-10-13)YM0713HTBA
Joe and Fran, the married owners of Geppino's Sicilian Kitchen in Moorpark, California hear customer complaints about stolen items. Joe's main suspect is McCall, a waiter who is dating their daughter Brianna who also works at the restaurant. But Fran is doubtful, and notes that McCall is extremely popular with female patrons. The Mystery Diners discover that the real thief is an elderly part-time busboy named Hal who is also drinking on the job. McCall is innocent of criminal wrongdoing, but cameras show him allowing a female diner to kiss him and agreeing to go on a date with Mystery Diner Shelby after having told Brianna that he had to study for an exam. Joe has a confrontation with McCall and Hal with Brianna present. McCall claims that he and Brianna were not exclusive while Hal claims that McCall framed him. Joe fires Hal and then fires McCall for being a bad waiter and a "scumbag" as Brianna breaks up with McCall. Brianna tells her parents that they did the right thing and she's better off being single for a while. The narrator revealed that McCall has been unable to reconcile with Brianna. Hal started working at a supermarket.

Season 8 (2014–15)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
861"Employee Discount"[4]October 13, 2014 (2014-10-13)YM0802HTBA
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 bartender at Link-n-Hops was using his employee discount to buy beer from the cashier at 55 Degree Wine that is also sold at the restaurant. The bartender would charge Link-n-Hops customers full price, under-ring the sale, pocket the difference, then later split the money with the cashier. During the confrontation, both employees are fired by the owner. The narrator revealed that the former bartender from Link-n-Hops and the cashier from 55 Degree Wine have found employment elsewhere. The owner no longer sells the same liquor at both shops.
872"Poaching Profits"[4]October 20, 2014 (2014-10-20)YM0803HTBA
The owner of Cookin' with Lenny Smokehouse in Chatsworth, Los Angeles fears that someone on his staff is stealing his fod and supplies when noticing discrepancies and a decline in catering gigs. Charles Stiles is called in to investigate with the help of his consultant Brooke Williamson to help find the culprits. While Brooke reports on a waitress having little tolerance for the customers, it was revealed that the manager and cook were using the resources to operate a unauthorized catering company called the Delicious Dish Catering company. Matters are made worse when they leave in the middle of their shift to set up for a party at a house located 10 minutes away from the restaurant. After a surveillance drone crashes, the owner then decides to confront the manager and cook and are both fired. In their exit interview, they say that they hope that Charles is proud of firing two innocent employees. The narrator reveals that the former employees were unsuccessful in operating their own company. The waitress was also terminated and has since apologized for her behavior.
883"Missing Memorabilia"[4]October 20, 2014 (2014-10-20)YM0804HTBA
The owners of Fenders Moto Cafe and Brew Pub in Portland, Oregon notice some of their valuable motorcycle memorabilia has gone missing. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with the manager and waiter. They were selling off valuable motorcycle memorabilia and scamming customers just to make money for themselves. When they are confronted, the owners intend to notify the authorities if the men don't come clean with their scam. The manager and waiter eventually confess to their scheme and are fired. The narrator reveals the former manager and waiter have moved on to new employment. All of the memorabilia in the restaurant is accounted for.
894"Robbed Kabobs"[4]October 27, 2014 (2014-10-27)YM0805HTBA
The owners of Dar Salaam in Portland, Oregon named Ghaith and Tiffany notice a discrepancy in supplies and fear an Iraqi food cart that operates near the restaurant may be the culprit. They were right as they found out that the manager and a prep cook was supplying the cart with their food including a Dar Salaam-exclusive dish called mashi. Problems are made worse when another prep cook is stealing onions for personal use. While the prep cook stealing the onions leaves in the middle of the sting, the manager and the other prep cook are confronted by the owners and Charles and are fired. The narrator revealed that the former manager and prep cook found employment elsewhere. The other prep cook has also been terminated and has paid for the stolen onions.
905"Behind the Eight Ball"[4]November 3, 2014 (2014-11-03)YM0806HTBA
The owner of Uptown Billiards in Portland, Oregon asks Mystery Diners to investigate the social media expert he hired when he suspects that he isn't doing his job. The Mystery Diners find out that the social media expert was letting his friends play for free using coupons meant for paying customers and that the bartender was hustling customers. The bartender is fired and the owner terminates the contract he had with the social media expert. The narrator revealed that the former bartender found employment elsewhere. The social media expert still maintains his innocence.
916"Thanksgiving Thievery"[4]November 10, 2014 (2014-11-10)YM0801HTBA
The owner of Tavern on Main in Los Angeles fears that someone on his staff is stealing donations meant for a food drive. He had a right to be concerned because his busboy took a can of peaches to eat and his waitress was stealing donated items such as a bottle of wine and a box of cupcakes to take hone since she thinks the homeless don't need those items. The manager wasn't paying attention and was ringing bigger than instructed discounts. When the waitress and manager are confronted, the waitress is fired and the manager is reprimanded. In her exit interview, the former waitress maintained she did nothing wrong and thinks that the drive was designed to make her look bad. The narrator revealed that the former waitress found employment elsewhere. The busboy returned all the peaches he stole. The manager now pays close attention to the restaurant.
927"Food Cart Catastrophe"[4]November 17, 2014 (2014-11-17)YM0807HTBA
Rod and Linda, owners of à la carts Food Pavilion in Portland, Oregon, hear complaints about the new on-site manager, so Charles Stiles is called in to investigate. The team find the complaints valid since the manager was charging a $10 cleaning fee, getting a free haircut from the salon cart, and instructing the maintenance man to steal supplies from a food cart to run her own hamburger stand. During the confrontation, the manager and maintenance man are fired. The narrator revealed that the former manager and maintenance man have found employment elsewhere.
938"Local Celebrities"[4]November 24, 2014 (2014-11-24)YM0808HTBA
The owners of Amalfi's restaurant in Portland, Oregon hear complaints that staff members might be getting carried away with the digital shorts that they produce to promote the restaurant. The Mystery Diners find out that 2 waiters they cast to be in those shorts are taking new employees to the back to watch their videos. The problem is made worse when the manager is feeding into their egos by letting them leave in the middle of the shift to get supplies to make an unauthorized music video. During the confrontation, the manager's employment is terminated and the two waiters are put on probation for 3 months. The narrator revealed that the former manager remains a big fan of the marketing campaign. The two waiters continue to be in the digital shorts after they completed their job responsibilities.
949"Memorabilia Mayhem"[4]December 1, 2014 (2014-12-01)YM0809HTBA
The owner of Rock Island Cafe in Honolulu asks Charles Stiles for help when he notices a drop in his restaurant's memorabilia sales. The Mystery Diners point to big problems with his manager and one of waitresses running their own get rich quick scheme by bringing items they found at home and scamming the customers in buying them. During the confrontation, both the manager and waitress are fired by the owner. The former manager states that there is no way that the memorabilia can be authenticated. The narrator reveals that the former manager and waitress had found employment elsewhere. The remaining waitress is training hard to become a manager.
9510"Deep Sea Delivery"[4]December 8, 2014 (2014-12-08)YM0810HTBA
The owner of Cha Cha Cha Salsaria in Honolulu wants Charles to investigate the rumors of an unauthorized boat delivery service. When it is discovered that the manager and a cook are behind this, it is also discovered that a waitress has been illegally giving away food. While the waitress is fired during the confrontation, the owner is moved by the plea of the manager arranging for boat deliveries to other areas and allows the boat delivery service to run even though she may regret it. The narrator revealed that the former waitress has found employment elsewhere and has paid the owner for the stolen food. The manager and cook have made amends and have stopped making their own decisions. The boat delivery service is being run on a trial and the owner hasn't regretted it.
9611"Hawaiian Club Crashers"[4]December 15, 2014 (2014-12-15)TBATBA
The general manager of the Hawaii Yacht Club in Honolulu responds to complaints about non-members at members-only dinner events which led to some members cancelling their memberships. The Mystery Diners point to bigger problems with two of her wait staff: a waiter named Tony and a waitress named Jordan. They have been sneaking their friends in at a members only event as well as eating food and drinks meant for guests, and stealing clothing from the club's gift shop. During the confrontation, Tony and Jordan are fired from their jobs. In their exit interview, Tony and Jordan are remorseful for their actions. The narrator revealed that Tony and Jordan found new employment. The other server and doorman were commended for their loyalty and are training to be assistant managers.
9712"Fyre on the Beach"[4]December 29, 2014 (2014-12-29)TBATBA
The owner of Shore Fyre Grill in Honolulu notices discrepancies in sales and contacts Charles Stiles to investigate not only his store, but the surf shop next door. The Diners point to big problems with his male cashier who often does interacts with the cashier next door by trading food for surfing gear rentals and often leaves work to go surfing. The matter is made worse when a female cashier comes in to work intoxicated and having asked a worker of a surf shop to cover for her while she sleeps. During the confrontation, the two cashiers are fired from their jobs. In her exit interview, the former female cashier maintained she did nothing wrong. Charles tells the owner that he needs to have a word with the surf shop's manager about what happened. The narrator revealed that the former cashiers had found employment elsewhere. The worker from the surf shop was reprimanded by his manager and is only focused on his job.
9813"Bad Credit"[4]January 7, 2015 (2015-01-07)TBATBA
Chai, The owner and namesake of Honolulu's Chef Chai notices multiple ticket voids and calls in Charles Stiles for help. The Mystery Diners go undercover and prove this true when they point to big problems with his female manager. She has been forcing a waitress friend of hers to void out customer bills for personal gain and telling the other servers that the POS system is down to force customers to pay with cash so she can keep the money for herself. A waiter named Jason is shown to be doing an amazing job. During the confrontation, the manager and waitress are forced to give Chef Chai the money they made. They are both fired and are ordered to leave the restaurant before he calls the police. In her exit interview, the former manager maintained she did nothing wrong and acknowledged her mistake in letting the manager void tickets with her sales number. Stiles points out that while Chai took care of the troublesome employees, he still has a few good employees. The narrator has revealed that the former manager and the waitress have ended their friendship. A new manager has been hired. Jason maintains his loyalty to Chef Chai.

Season 9 (2015)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production Code U.S. viewers
(million)
991"Bowling for Dollars"February 4, 2015 (2015-02-04)TBAN/A
Bryan, who owns the Corbin Bowling Center in Tarzana, Los Angeles contacts Charles Stiles for help after experiencing dip in sales and hearing complaints about rowdy customers. With his private investigator Eliot, a big problem is found when a video was found of a bowling ball crashing through a car window in the back parking lot by Waleed. Putting his name on the board for when he comes in, the Mystery Diners find out that his manager is not doing his job in kicking him out, and his lead bartender giving food away to them. Waleed continues to do crazy antics in the lane until a stunt to go down one of the lanes on a skateboard forces Bryan to run out of the control room to kick Waleed out and round up the two to be confronted. The two employees then claim innocence stating that no harm was made and they were trying to promote the place, but are fired. The former bartender states that she was fired for helping Waleed make videos for putting the place on the map. The narrator revealed that the former manager maintains he did nothing wrong. The former bartender found new employment and is collecting reparations from Waleed for her broken window.
1002"Deli Drama"February 11, 2015 (2015-02-11)TBA0.95[71]
The owner of Lenny's Deli in Los Angeles fears that his new head baker is taking artistic license with customer cake orders. He also mentioned that the head baker has had some bad employment at previous locations. The Mystery Diners are able to prove the head baker's actions. In addition, they discover that the elderly manager is conducting unauthorized and shady deals as confirmed by Charles private investigator J.R. During the confrontation, the head baker is fired and the elderly manager is advised to retire. The narrator revealed that the former head baker has put up applications for a job and has not yet been hired. The elderly manager has since apologized for his actions and has retired. The owner has recently promoted one of his more trusted bakers as head baker.
1013"Very Bad Bosses"February 18, 2015 (2015-02-18)TBA1.12[72]

The waiting staff and owner of a California restaurant contacts Charles Stiles to do a reverse sting on the maltreating co-owner, her ex-husband. During the confrontation, the ex-husband tells Charles to stay away from his business and walks out. The narrator revealed that restaurant has closed down allowing the employees to find employment elsewhere. The owner has ended her partnership with her ex-husband and is planning to open another restaurant at some point.

NOTE: This was the first episode where the restaurant's name was not used per the owner's request.
1024"Barrel of Monkeys"February 25, 2015 (2015-02-25)TBA0.99[73]
Damian, the owner of Doffo Winery in Temecula, California, contacts Charles after noticing missing wine barrels and discrepancies on his barrel costs. Charles' private investigator Patrick had bought one of the barrels he marked from a furniture store owner named Julio, concluding that the wine barrels are secretly being sold to him. The Mystery Diners then discover big problems with his vineyard workers and his tasting room manager conducting scams that involves selling the wine barrels to Julio (who was a friend of the tasting room manager). One of the vineyard workers caught by Patrick flees the scene while the other vineyard worker and the tasting room manager are confronted by Damian. They are fired and are told to tell their co-worker if they see him that he's also fired as well. The narrator revealed that the former tasting room manager and the two vineyard workers have found new employment in the area. Julio was contacted by the authorities and has just finished making reparations for his involvement in the scam.
1035"Red Hot Mess"March 4, 2015 (2015-03-04)TBA0.88[74]
Sonny and Sage, owners of Hot Red Bus near Los Angeles, contact Charles Stiles after hearing rumors that their restaurant is open on the one day it is supposed to be closed. The Mystery Diners go undercover and point to big problems with the husband's brother Pip (who was recently fired from the business for being useless) running a makeshift Indian restaurant with the manager and head cook that involves imported versions of the restaurant's upcoming special sauce as confirmed by Charles private investigator Patrick. When the three are confronted, the owners fires the manager and head cook after claiming that they tried to take away selling the first special sauce in America. They claim that they were fired for a family feud. Pip and the Sonny argue claiming that their parents don't know what was going on and walks out. Sonny tells him to not come to the restaurant. Pip claims that Sonny bringing the special sauce was like him going back home to England to say that he invented barbecue sauce. The narrator revealed that the former manager and head cook were unsuccessful at starting their own restaurant. Pip was scolded by his parents and he has since apologized to and his brother for his actions. Sonny and Sage are preparing to open a pop-up restaurant with their special sauce.
1046"Private Chef Sting"March 11, 2015 (2015-03-11)TBA1.03[75]
Having already been helped by Mystery Diners in the past as seen in "My Brother's Keeper," Capo's Speakeasy's owner Nico Santucci contacts Charles Stiles to help with a personal problem at his new home in Los Angeles. There was also a mentioning that Nico and his brother are getting along fine since the last encounter. The Mystery Diners show him the real problems lie with his housekeeper and her boyfriend who works as his personal chef. The housekeeper has been secretly stealing money from Nico's guests to pay for her boyfriend's therapy after his accident. Upon being confronted, they are both fired by Nico. The narrator revealed that the former housekeeper and chef have ended their relationship. Some of the loyal staff members at Capo's Speakeasy's have been transferred to Nico's house.
1057"Mystery Wedding"March 18, 2015 (2015-03-18)TBA1.05[76]
Kristy and Sarah, the owners of Moviesets in New Orleans, are concerned about property damage and theft at their prop house-turned-event center. In order to investigate, Charles sends his Mystery Diners Rob and Ingrid to pose as two people wanting a wedding. Charles' private investigator Patrick had rented some property from Moviesets to look into this. The Mystery Diners discover bigger problems with their female event manager Kayla not only having to book the space for three different events simultaneously with her assistant event manager Toby helping out in the set-up, but also she had been conducting her own side business with a caterer named Scott who is known for a shaky reputation. Kayla is confronted by the owners and fired. Her exit interview had her mentioning that Stiles had no right to come in and tell Kristy and Sarah how to run their building. The narrator revealed that Kayla has attempted her own event project with caterer Scott. Tony was also terminated and has since apologized for his involvement.
1068"Repeat Offender"March 25, 2015 (2015-03-25)TBA1.18[77]
Cara, the owner of two New Orleans restaurants: Toast and Tartine, is concerned about an unhealthy competition between them. With help from his private investigator Patrick, Cara is surprised to find out from Charles that one of her waitress from Toast is Dee Dee who Charles previously busted in an earlier sting (as seen in "All in the Family"). When she, the manager of Toast, and the female manager of Tartine are confronted with Dee Dee remembering Charles, the female manager of Tartine is fired for her behavior and the Toast manager is spared when he stated that the people who visited Toast wanted what was served at Tartine made. Dee Dee apologizes for not admitting she was previously fired and is suspended while commenting that she did nothing wrong this time. The narrator revealed that the Tartine manager found employment elsewhere while still claiming that her actions were in the best interest of the restaurant. Dee Dee found a part-time job during her suspension and has continued to repent for her previous actions.
1079"Too Many Tourists"April 1, 2015 (2015-04-01)TBA1.34[78]
The owner of Marigny Brasserie in the French Quarter of New Orleans notices an influx of rowdy tourists at his bar for locals after he has recovered from a heart attack. He suspects it is his manager that's involved, but the Mystery Diners show him it is really his female bartender who was behind the whole scam with her friend Jamie. The owner is nearly arrested by the police for the rowdy tourists in their drunken state, but Charles comes to his aid and tells the police that the drunks are the ones who started this and they're arrested. The owner then confronts both his bartender who was behind the scheme and the manager who failed to notice this. The bartender was fired and her exit interview claiming that she was trying to improve the business as she is seen being arrested and taken away by the police. The owner will deal with the manager tomorrow. The narrator revealed that the former bartender was not charged for any crime upon her arrest and has found employment at another bar. Jamie was given a restraining order where she is not to come within 50 ft. of the restaurant. The manager's position was given to someone else even after it was proven that he was not involved in the scam. The owner's health improved and the rowdy tourists kept their distance from the French Quarter and Marigny Brasserie.
10810"The Spoils of Victory"April 8, 2015 (2015-04-08)TBA1.03[79]
Daniel, the owner of Victory in New Orleans begins hearing rumors that his restaurant's signature cocktail is being served at other bars. In addition to that, he has also discovered that a drifter has been living in his restaurant after it has been closed. The Mystery Diners show Daniel the rumors are valid thanks to Charles' private investigator Patrick spying on the bartender in serving not only his cocktail at another bar she works at (with another bar's signature cocktail at Victory), but also his manager who knew the man and has been letting him stay at the restaurant at night after it has been closed. To make things even worse, the manager throws parties in the V.I.P. room when local celebrities visit and charges the customers to join in. During the confrontation, the manager and bartender are both fired for their actions. The narrator revealed that the former manager and bartender still maintained that they did nothing wrong. The nameless drifter was not identified and hasn't stayed in Victory after closing hours since the taping of this sting. Daniel is happy to report that business is back to normal at Victory.
10911"Cabin Fever"April 15, 2015 (2015-04-15)TBA1.17[80]
The owners of Gateway Restaurant and Lodge near Sequoia National Park hear complaints about unauthorized parties taking place inside their vacant cabins. The Mystery Diners show them why with their night manager, the housekeeper, and a waiter throwing parties in addition to stealing alcohol and toiletries. They even go so far as to allow the guests to drive the owners' new limo despite the fact that they were drinking. While the waiter escapes into the woods during the confrontation, the night manager and maid are brought before Charles Stiles and are fired by the owners who instructs them to tell the waiter if they see him that he is also fired. The narrator revealed that the former night manager and housekeeper have found new employment in the area. The former waiter was also terminated and did not return to pick up his final paycheck.
11012"Train Robbery"April 22, 2015 (2015-04-22)TBA1.03[81]

The owner of Fillmore and Western Railway in Fillmore, California is concerned about missing supplies and rumors of unauthorized passengers during his train's dinner theater service. While using the caboose as the control room with a cover-up from the owner that it is under maintenance, Charles makes use of a remote-operated drone and plants his private investigator J.R. on the train as a passenger. The Mystery Diners show him that he has a right to be concerned thanks to an incompetent conductor, a female train manager who has been sneaking her friends in the train past the incompetent conductor, and his head chef secretly stealing his meat to help his brother save his nearby restaurant from foreclosure. During the confrontation, the train manager and head chef are fired and are told to get off his train and walk back to the station with their friends. The narrator revealed that the former train manager has moved away from Fillmore. The former head chef and his brother have apologized for their actions where reparations are underway. The conductor was also terminated and replaced with a more competent one.

Note: This is the first episode since the season aired that no investigative work related to the problems was done by the private investigators.
11113"Dusting for Prints"April 29, 2015 (2015-04-29)TBAN/A
After noticing over $4,000 missing from her office safe, Fuzion's owner Keeli Scott Lisack in Huntington Beach, California suspects that one of her managers is responsible. With help from Charles' private investigator Patrick, the Mystery Diners finds bigger trouble when a fingerprint match through one of Patrick's machines confirmed that one of her waiters had been stealing from her with the help of the restaurant manager by leaving his cell phone hidden in an office plant to tape Keeli entering the combination to her safe so they can steal from her later on. She confronts the men for the deed. When the manager states that he has a unique voice to the one that was heard during the robbery, Patrick states that he has the technology to compare the voices. Keeli has them listen to her voice as she gives them an ultimatum to return the money they stole from her safe or face criminal charges. Until then, they are fired. The former manager's exit interview still has him claiming that he has a unique voice while pointing out that he didn't steal anything from Keeli. Keeli then thanks Charles and Patrick for their help. The narrator revealed that the former manager and waiter were contacted by the authorities and they have cut a deal to return the money they stole from Keeli's safe. The other two managers continue working at Fuzion and take turns keeping an eye on the restaurant section.
11214"Millions Gone Missing"May 20, 2015 (2015-05-20)TBAN/A

Mystery Diners counts down the series' Top 10 greatest moments in catching employee theft involving stolen food, alcohol, supplies, and money:

  • At #10 is "The Tipping Point."
  • At #9 is "Thanksgiving Thievery."
  • At #8 is "Fraternity Disorder."
  • At #7 is "Secret Sauce."
  • At #6 is "Heavy Lifting."
  • At #5 is "Going to the Dogs."
  • At #4 is "Sleeping on the Job."
  • At #3 is "Boss Hog."
  • At #2 is "My Brother's Keeper."
  • At #1 is "Catch of the Day."
11315"Sneakiest Schemes"May 27, 2015 (2015-05-27)TBAN/A

Mystery Diners counts down the Top 10 craziest schemes caught on videos from operating unauthorized businesses to raising money for bogus charities, having people pose as celebrities, faking injuries, and even creating fake employees.

  • At #10 is "Catering on the Side."
  • At #9 is "Night Shift."
  • At #8 is "Fyre on the Beach."
  • At #7 is "Vicious Cycle."
  • At #6 is "Getting a Leg Up."
  • At #5 is "Money on the Side."
  • At #4 is "Food Truck Fiasco."
  • At #3 is "What a Drag."
  • At #2 is "Where's the Beef?"
  • At #1 is "Cooking the Books."

Season 10 (2015)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production code U.S. viewers
(million)
1141"Partner Problems"June 3, 2015 (2015-06-03)TBAN/A

A former client of Mystery Diners, Jamie Alba of Sisley Italian Kitchen from "Cooking the Books", contacts Charles Stiles to help determine if he should invest in a failing California restaurant called Industry Sports Bar & Grill. The restaurant's owner James Mercado doesn't see anything wrong, until he discovers that his restaurant is a mess due to cockroaches and dead mice, his staff buys prepared frozen food from grocery stores, and no one checks the expiration date on their food supplies. Jamie has seen enough: he states that James has too many problems to invest in his restaurant and leaves. After seeing what is wrong with the restaurant, James vows to Charles that he'll fix all his problems at his restaurant and try to get a bank loan at Charles' suggestion. The narrator revealed that Jamie and James have gone their separate ways since the taping of this sting, while James' loan application was rejected and the restaurant was forced to close down for good. Most of the staff members have found new employment elsewhere, however James has vowed to continue fixing his problems and reopen his restaurant in the next year.

NOTE: This is the first episode in which no employees were confronted.
1152"Art Show Sting"June 10, 2015 (2015-06-10)TBAN/A
Patricia, the curator of an art gallery in Los Angeles, notices discrepancies with the catering company that she uses to cater her art shows and believes they may be responsible for it. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with the caterer's staff eating the food that is prepared for the guests. They also discover an even bigger problem with her assistant curator, Michael, who has been behind the discrepancies. He had been conducting some art scams with his friends by talking down on the other artists to help his struggling artist friend and stealing wines meant for the guests to drink to give to his friends. When Michael is confronted, Patricia fires him on the spot and also tells him that his friends are no longer welcome at her gallery shows. The narrator revealed that Michael was unsuccessful at curating his own art exhibits. Patricia has apologized to her caterer who has fired his troubling employees.
1163"Young Blood"June 17, 2015 (2015-06-17)TBAN/A
The owner of Harvey's Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, California, notices a decline in his restaurant's older customers and an increase of customer complaints of loud music. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover a serious problem with the manager who was behind this. He, the waitress, the bartender, and the hostess are all involved in hosting a loud rave outside on the patio. Matters are made worse when the manager's friend hacks into the security system to replace the current footage with that of the previous night's footage, confirmed by Charles' private investigator Elliot. Charles has enlisted his rehabilitated Mystery Diner Hal (who Charles had previously busted in "Daddy's Girl" and accepted Charles offer to help him) to book a 75th birthday party and had a hard time following Charles' orders. When one of the elderly customers suffers what appears to be a heart attack outside the restaurant and is taken to the hospital, the owner has had enough and confronts the manager. The manager tries to defend himself claiming the restaurant needs younger customers, but the owner tells him that he better hope that the elderly customer will pull through. Until then, he is fired and his rave is permanently banned from Harvey's Steakhouse. His exit interview has him mentioning that he more concerned if the elderly customer will pull through. The owner then thanks Charles for his help. The narrator revealed that the former manager has apologized for his actions. All other employees involved with the rave were also terminated and replaced with new staff members. The elderly customer who needed medical attention only had an anxiety attack and returned home the next day. Charles has decided to give Hal a second chance and plans to use him again in the future. Raves are no longer a regular occurrence and the senior customers are always welcomed at Harvey's Steakhouse.
1174"Backdoor Bootlegging"June 24, 2015 (2015-06-24)TBAN/A
The owner of Weiland Brewery in Los Angeles contacts the Mystery Diners after noticing discrepancies with his beer supply. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover his bartender and his manager are behind this. It was confirmed by Charles' private investigator Patrick who managed to put a tracking device on a van operated by the manager's friend during his stakeout. Problems are made worse when a waitress named Gia, tries to sabotage a waiter who was recently named the winner of Weiland Brewery's "Employee Incentive Program" by throwing away the food. When the bartender and manager are confronted, the owner fires them with Charles mentioning that the van in question is on its way to being intercepted by the police. The former manager does apologize to the owner on their way out. The owner thanks Charles for his help. The narrator revealed that the former bartender and manager have been contacted by the authorities. Gia was embarrassed by her actions and has since apologized for her behavior. The waiter has yet to lose the "Employee Incentive Program."
1185"Extracurricular Activities"July 1, 2015 (2015-07-01)TBAN/A
Arthur and Maria, the owners of The Real Food Academy in Miami Shores, Florida, are concerned that their cooking instructors are going off curriculum and cooking with non-organic food. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with their male cooking instructor from New Zealand named Murray. He is not only going off curriculum but also intentionally stalling his class by hiring his own camera crew to film his own online show called "The Cooking Kiwi" while selling his own brand and sending his partner Julie to a store to buy non-organic food, confirmed by Charles' private investigator Elliot. When both are confronted with Charles Stiles being recognized, Murray is fired. His exit interview has him not regretting his actions and mentioning that he is available to have any Food Network executives sponsor his project. The owners confront Julie and tells her that they will discuss her future another day. The narrator revealed that Murray was unsuccessful at making "The Cooking Kiwi" a household name. Julie was also terminated for her role in the online show. The other instructors Christina and Maria has proven to be loyal members of The Real Food Academy.
1196"Hamburger Burglar"July 8, 2015 (2015-07-08)TBAN/A
The owners of Latin House in Miami suspect that someone at their off-site warehouse is giving away the recipes to their award-winning hamburgers. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover their manager and delivery serviceman are actually behind this. They were caught selling their burgers and recipe to competing food trucks and making money on the side upon it being confirmed by Charles' private investigator Elliot. The owners also become suspicious of male owner's mother named Chachi (who works at the warehouse as its manager and speaks Spanish) giving away a tray of burgers to a woman following Elliot's stakeout. When all three are confronted, the owners fire the manager and serviceman for their actions. Both men mention in their exit interview that the owners didn't let them explain their actions blaming it on Chachi for shouting at them in Spanish. When the female owner confronts Chachi, she explained in Spanish that the woman is from a local church and she was hosting a charity picnic which the male co-owner translates for Charles. The narrator revealed the former manager has moved away from Miami. The former delivery serviceman has found employment elsewhere. Chachi continues to forgive the owners for thinking she was a suspect while continuing to be a loyal worker.
1207"Unhappy Hour"July 15, 2015 (2015-07-15)TBAN/A
The owner of Moreno's Cuba Cafe and Riviera Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida (who had once toured with Madonna) believes his staff is sneaking friends into the hotel's free happy hour. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with his bellhop and bartender running a scam and ripping him off. Problems are made worse when the bellhop is caught stealing room keys behind the assistant hotel manager's and selling them to tourists who don't stay at the Riviera Hotel for extra cash upon it being discovered by Charles' private investigator Patrick. When both are confronted, the bellhop claims that it was for the owner's performances. The owner fires them as he compared their plot to make it like a concert. The narrator revealed that the former bellhop and bartender have moved on to new employment. The assistant hotel manager now keeps all hotel room keys in a locked drawer.
1218"Missing Links"July 22, 2015 (2015-07-22)TBAN/A
The general manager of Emerald Hills Golf Course in Hollywood, Florida, fields complaints about non-members playing for free. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover serious problems with the bag boy (who is in the PGA Apprentice Program) and their beverage cart girl (who is the daughter of one of the general manager's friends.) The bag boy had been sneaking his friends into the golf course for free and the beverage saleswoman is revealed to be part of a legacy scam that has her selling her own beer to the non-members in cash only and taking the cash profits, which was a scam she was taught by the person who trained her. In addition, the waitress at the restaurant is hooking two of the employees up for free meals by using the deactivated accounts from deceased members (whose last names have been bleeped) to cover the charges as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Patrick which as stated by Charles is a federal crime. After the rowdy non-members take a golf cart and drive recklessly (which Charles states that this is the most reckless behavior he has seen in over 20 years he has been doing this) and drives it into the water, the general manager confronts all three of them and fires them and orders them to leave. When the former beverage saleswoman asks if he is going to tell her father as she takes her leave, the general manager states that he'll think about it. The former bag boy in his exit interview expressed remorse for his actions because this might have cost him the only chance of joining the PGA. The general manager thanks Charles for his help and takes him to play golf as long as he doesn't crash any golf courses into the pond. The narrator revealed that the former beverage car girl, bag boy, and waitress have moved on to new employment. All club computers were updated with a firewall and security software to keep the deactivated accounts of the deceased members from being accessed.
1229"History Mystery"July 29, 2015 (2015-07-29)TBAN/A
The owner of Old Vinings Inn in Atlanta begins hearing rumors of unauthorized Civil War tours taking place inside his historical restaurant. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover that one of his waiters is behind the whole scam with a friend of his who knows nothing about the Civil War (i.e., saying the Civil War started in Atlanta when the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter or claiming that Abraham Lincoln was at the hotel when it didn't exist). He was seen bringing packaged food and ruining the wines by putting vinegar in them as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Elliot (who is familiar with the Civil War history). The owner confronts the waiter and fires him on the spot. Before leaving, he tells the waiter to inform his friend that his Civil War tours are no longer welcome at his restaurant. The narrator didn't reveal what happened to the waiter afterwards, but he did mention that the owner no longer has been having problems at his restaurant since the taping of this sting.
12310"Red Ink"August 5, 2015 (2015-08-05)TBAN/A
The owner of the Anchor Bar and Tattoo in Atlanta notices a drop in food and tattoo sales. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discovers that his manager and the food truck's prep cook are running a scam to rip the owner off. They were keeping the Anchor Bar and Tattoo open after hours with a friend of the manager and giving away free food. Problems are made worse when his bartender is seen not doing her job and instead taking breaks to get another tattoo, while the tattoo artist is bartering with tattoos and alcohol which all is confirmed by Charles' private investigator Robin. The owner confronts his manager and fires him for his scam. The owner of the food truck that was also confronted is then made aware of his prep cook's involvement in the scam. The narrator revealed that the former manager still maintains that every decision he made was in the best interest of the restaurant. The food truck's owner has terminated his prep cook and replaced him with a new prep cook. The unauthorized tattoo promotion has been discontinued. Sales in the restaurant, food truck, and tattoo studio have returned to normal.
12411"Tour Bust"October 7, 2015 (2015-10-07)TBAN/A
Danny and his son Danny Jr., the owners of Star Cafe and Star Coaches in Atlanta are concerned about missing food in their kitchen and a rise in fuel expenses on their buses. They find out that the cause of their discrepancies is caused by their female booking agent making deals behind the owners backs, and using one of their drivers (who is a friend of the owners) to make the trips, which was confirmed by Charles private investigator Robin. In addition, the line cook in the restaurant was making food for the unauthorized trips. While the cook leaves in the middle of the sting, Mystery Diner Jamie bribes the driver to take them back to start coaches, where he and the booking agent are confronted by Charles. Despite claiming innocence, they are fired and told to get off the property. The former driver expresses remorse since he lost Danny as a friend. Danny and Danny Jr. leave to pick up the people at the pizza parlor while planning to deal with the cook at another time. The narrator revealed that the former agent has retired and the former driver apologized for his actions. The line cook was terminated and works in another restaurant. Danny and Danny Jr. no longer have discrepancies in both sides of the business.
12512"Skating on Thin Ice"October 14, 2015 (2015-10-14)TBAN/A
Joe and Shauna, the owners of Epic Rollertainment in Murrieta, California contact Charles Stiles for help after noticing missing food and merchandise. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover that their manager along with the restaurant cashier and two of the skate rental workers are involved in an unauthorized skating party for which the manager closed the rink 45 minutes early for. During the party, the food truck cashier was drinking on the job, which shows that she had no respect for Joe and Shauna as employer. In addition, the manager leave the bank deposit bag exposed and two partygoers not only steal skates from the rental counter, but they also go inside the office and try to steal the money. Shaua says that she can't watch anymore and all three of them go inside the rink to kick the partygoers out. Joe confronts the thieves and orders them to give what they stole back or he'll call the police. After Joe bans them from Epic Rollertainment, he rounds up the employees to be confronted by Charles. They fire all four employees and tell them to never return. The narrator reveals that the four former employees found new part-time employment. All other problem staff was also terminated and loyal ones were given bonuses. The two thieves were contacted by police and arrested for their crime. No after-hours parties ever occurred again.
12613"Drive-Thru Drama"October 21, 2015 (2015-10-21)TBAN/A
The owner of the fast food restaurant B-Man's Teriyaki and Burgers in Pasadena, California becomes suspicious when he notices a drop in customers. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with his manager and his drive-thru cashier. They are responsible for the drop of customers with their scams and causing discrepancies by being rude to the customers. The manager refuses his services because he believes the customers wasting the environment and charges them extra for napkins and to-go bags as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Elliot. The drive-thru cashier is caught pocketing money by utilizing a "Pay It Forward" scam. When the manager and drive-thru cashier are confronted, the drive-thru cashier is fired and the manager is suspended for a week. The narrator revealed that the former drive-thru cashier has found work at a competing fast food chain. The manager is now following the rules while remaining committed to saving the environment and has started a recycling program at the restaurant.
12714"Family Feuds"October 28, 2015 (2015-10-28)TBAN/A

The Mystery Diners count down the Top 10 favorite family feuds from dishonest siblings, thieving spouses, and dysfunctional families caught on tape.

  • At #10 is "Bringing Down the Haus."
  • At #9 is "Grumpy Tom."
  • At #8 is "Mexicali Blues."
  • At #7 is "Red Hot Mess."
  • At #6 is "Security Issues."
  • At #5 is "Heavy Metal Mess."
  • At #4 is "Managing Disaster."
  • At #3 is "Crazy Hearts."
  • At #2 is "Hamburger Burglar."
  • At #1 is "All in the Family."

Season 11 (2015–2016)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Original air date Production code U.S. viewers
(million)
1281"Street Vendor Violation"November 4, 2015 (2015-11-04)TBAN/A
The owners of Supperclub in Los Angeles contact Charles Stiles for help after noticing lackluster dinner sales and a dip in bottle services. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover that the manager is running a scam with his girlfriend and one of her friends by buying bottle from a liquor store, bringing them into the club and selling them for half the price. In addition to that, one of the bottle service girls is under the belief that she is not getting enough money and is working with a sausage cart (who was told to not make sales outside the club) to make up money, thus causing the lackluster dinner sales. After the manager cancels a reservation at a table to allow his girlfriend to sell a bottle, she kicks a tray full of drinks in anger and gets into a heated argument with the manager. When the manager and the bottle service girl are confronted by their bosses upon breaking up the argument while also telling the unidentified sausage vendor for the final time to leave the property, they are brought before Stiles which is watched by the customers outside. The bottle service girl throws a tantrum and storms off, claiming that she can get a better job at any other club in Hollywood, while the manager is fired. The customers waiting outside expressed their displeasure on the two ex-employees as they leave and praise Charles for getting rid of them. The owners then take Charles into Supperclub to treat him to the dinner services as the customers continue cheering on. The narrator revealed that the former manager still maintains that he did nothing wrong. The former bottle service girl has apologized for her actions. The unidentified sausage vendor has not returned. The bottle services and dinner sales went back to normal and you can only get dinner at Supperclub.
1292"From Russia Without Love"November 11, 2015 (2015-11-11)TBAN/A
An aspiring restaurateur named Joey Shay asks Charles Stiles to investigate the Russian chef, Yanni, who he plans to go into business with before he invests his life savings in a new Russian-Mexican restaurant that he plans to name the "Russican." He also tells Charles his suspicions on why he and the waiters are not allowed in their kitchen. Charles tells Joey that they will run the sting at the next pop-up event which some investors will be attending. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover Yanni and his manager wife Bella are conducting a scam to rip off Joey and the other investors, and none of them know the Russian language - as evidenced when questioned by the Russian Mystery Diner Eva. Yanni and Bella are also shown to be in cahoots with the head investor Travis, and the female prep cook Olga, who is related to Bella, is sent to buy to-go orders from a few local Russian and Mexican restaurants and preps them in the kitchen with the bartender Troy's help, as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Stephanie who found no Russian records of Yanni or Bella at the start of the sting. When Bella, Yanni, and Travis are confronted where Stiles is mistaken for a KGB agent by Bella (this further confirms she isn't Russian; the KGB ceased to exist in 1991), Bella and Yanni come clean about not being Russian after the evidence of them not knowing the Russian language is revealed upon Joey seeing everything. Joey informs them that their partnership is over and plans to call the police on them, but Charles tells Joey that he already did: the police have just arrived. Yanni, Bella, and Travis are then arrested by the police who were waiting outside for the three of them. It was also shown prior to their arrest that Olga and Troy were also arrested. Joey thanks Charles for his help. The narrator revealed that Yanni, Bella, and Travis have been arrested and are currently being prosecuted. Although accomplices in the scam, Olga and Troy cooperated with the authorities upon their arrest and will receive reduced sentences. Despite the discouraging events that transpired, Joey remains optimistic and still plans on opening his own restaurant in the near future.
1303"Steals on Wheels"November 18, 2015 (2015-11-18)TBAN/A
In Pasadena, California, The Homebound Meal Delivery owner Dr. Cynthia Clark contacts Charles Stiles for help after receiving several customer complaints about her service from those who ordered from Homebound including the recurring old lady customer, Mary. While setting up a bait house operated by Mystery Diner Hal, the Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with one of the drivers. The male driver, Chris, have been staying too long at the customers' homes and is the main cause of the customer complaints. Although female driver, Anna, is efficient with her deliveries and never had a single complaint from the customers, she had a D.U.I. violation against her which is confirmed by Charles' private investigator Patrick. Bigger problems are made when the chef John had been stealing from the other business operating at the communal kitchen which Patrick also revealed. When Chris and John confronted, Cynthia lets John go from his employment right away. Chris is reprimanded and is told to keep his conversations with the customers down to a minimum. The narrator revealed that John had started making reparations to the other businesses he stole from in the communal kitchen. Anna has apologized for not being honest about her D.U.I. violation and has since not committed a traffic violation. Chris has been focused on his deliveries and keeping his conversations to five minutes. Cynthia personally delivers all of Mary's meals and all of her customers have been receiving their meals on time.
1314"Secondhand Scam"November 25, 2015 (2015-11-25)TBAN/A
Luca Riemma, the owner of Riemma Kitchen Warehouse, asked Charles Stiles for help after his customers found food inside the factory-sealed appliances they had just purchased. The Mystery Diners went undercover and discovered bigger problems when the security guard sneaks in his two brothers that also look like him after closing hours and to make muffins with the warehouse appliances for their "Three Brothers Bakearama" as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Melissa. Just before the confrontation, Luca threw the muffins the brothers had just baked on the ground. During the confrontation, the security guard asked Luca about forming a partnership with his business. Luca did not want to get involved and fires the security guard while telling him and his brothers to get out his warehouse. Luca thanked Charles for his help. The narrator revealed that the former security guard has devoted all of his time and energy into his bakery business. However, he and his fellow triplets have been unsuccessful in finding a new location for "Three Brothers Bakearama." Customers no longer complain about dirty appliances at Riemma Kitchen Warehouse.
1325"Unhappy Holidays"December 2, 2015 (2015-12-02)TBAN/A
The owner of Smokin' Barrel in Hoboken, New Jersey, outside of Manhattan, New York, contacts Charles Stiles to investigate after noticing a decline in sales every holiday season. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discovers his female manager is running a bogus charity with an unnamed girl dressed as a street Christmas elf who happens to be her friend. They also discover how rude the Christmas elf is with Mystery Diner Elliot (who is posing as Santa Claus where he worked as a Mall Santa while off-duty during the holiday season) and splitting the money with the manager from their scam. They also discover bigger problems with the waitress who was badly affected by the manager's charity scam and had secretly been stealing toys from the a charity the owner has been running as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Dennis (who used to work for a Brooklyn precinct of the New York City Police Department) as he also informs Charles and the owner about the waitress' unpaid fines in parking tickets. When the manager and waitress are confronted, the manager is fired for her scam and is ordered by the owner to leave the restaurant before he calls the police. In her exit interview, the former manager thought she was doing a good deed for the owner's business. The waitress apologized for her actions in not admitting the fines and that theft was because the manager's scam keeps her from getting any tips needed to pay for her son's Christmas present. The owner decides to spare the waitress upon issuing a final warning while stating that the next time she ends up in a bind like this, she should come to him. The narrator revealed the former manager still maintains that the donations were to go to a legitimate charity. The unnamed street elf was given a restraining order where she is not to come within 50 ft. of the restaurant. The owner has helped the waitress pay her fines and her son's Christmas presents. The sales at Smokin' Barrel has returned to normal.
1336"Comic Book Caper"December 30, 2015 (2015-12-30)TBAN/A
Vlane Carter, the owner of the comic book-themed restaurant Action Burger in Brooklyn, New York and the creator of the Bio-Sapien comics, contacts Charles Stiles after some comic books there go missing like one Green Lantern comic book, one Hawkman comic book, and one Donald Duck comic book. Thanks to Charles' private investigator Dennis, they discover that the female worker portraying Bellona (who was a character in Bio-Sapien) was behind the sales of some of the comics while taking advantage of the manager who alongside the other staff members have been debating with the customers about who's a better superhero. During the confrontation, the Bellona actress is fired for her actions. She mentions in her exit interview that she wouldn't give the Bellona costume back to Vlane. The manager apologizes for his negligence, while Vlane spares him from termination and puts him on probation. Vlane thanks Charles for his help and plans to make a meal that will be named after Charles. The narrator revealed that the former Bellona actress was contacted by the authorities and is in the midst of making reparations. All employees were reprimanded and no longer engage in debates with the customers about who is a better superhero. A new actress was hired to portray Bellona. No comic books ever went missing again at Action Burger.
1347"Vicious Valets"January 6, 2016 (2016-01-06)TBAN/A
After hearing complaints about her valet service with Vic's Valet, Brooklyn Colony's owner Kitty contacts Charles Stiles for help. Charles' private investigator Daniel reveals that the two valets from Vic's Valet don't have a permit to work at the restaurant. Upon calling up Vic's Valet to learn about when the contract for the valet service ends, Kitty learns from Vic that her manager had already terminated their contract. Kitty tells Vic that she will rectify this when both of them meet in three days. Mystery Diners Daniel and Jamie go undercover to discover that the two valets are not doing their jobs. They are parking cars in locations away from the restaurant where parking is prohibited and are running an unauthorized car washing service. On top of that it was revealed that the two valets are actually removing tickets given to the cars by the meter maid when they parked them next to fire hydrants. The matters are made worse when Kitty learns that the manager is the one behind the scam and is responsible for the rising water costs due to the car wash station. When the manager is confronted after one of the cars was towed away, Kitty fires him right away for this actions and has plans to notify the authorities on him. The former manager in his exit interview thought he was doing a good deed for Kitty's business while stating the car wash service was a "visionary thing". Kitty thanks Charles for his help and plans to rectify what happened with the contract to Vic's Valet. The narrator revealed that the former manager has not returned the Mystery Diners' calls to him. The two valets were terminated from Vic's Valet. The car washing servicemen have not returned. Kitty rehired Vic's Valet to handle the valet service.
1358"Venue Vandals"January 13, 2016 (2016-01-13)TBAN/A
Manny of the Spanish Potato Grill in Brick Township, New Jersey is concerned about vandalism and missing items at his new restaurant location which is currently under construction. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover big problems with some of his staff. The sous chef (who Manny has butted heads with) is seen making new deals to open his own restaurant with a realtor whose name was bleeped out as revealed by Charles' private investigator Daniel. The hostess was lying about not having any openings to the restaurant and pulled the fire alarm, making the people panic. The waiter is caught vandalizing the place and breaking vases while taking an unopened box. Daniel is able to catch the waiter trying to leave the scene and arrest him. Bringing him back to the Spanish Potato Grill, Manny collects the hostess and chef to confront all three of them. During this confrontation with Daniel lingering by to be ready to take the waiter to the arriving police car, Manny gets angry at the sous chef as Stiles had to keep Manny from attacking him. The hostess claimed that she smelled smoke and thought there was a fire. Stiles disagrees with her claims by pointing out that he didn't see any smoke coming from inside the restaurant and called her out for playing a cruel joke on the customers by pulling the fire alarm. The hostess, sous chef, and waiter are all fired and told to get off the property. Manny then plans to serve dinner to Charles. The narrator revealed that the former sous chef has lost his lease on the building he acquired and has been unable to secure a new location. The former waiter was contacted by the authorities and has returned the items he stole. The former hostess still maintained no wrong-doing and has moved on to new employment. Manny has opened up his new location for another Spanish Potato Grill.
1369"Lobster Looting"January 20, 2016 (2016-01-20)TBAN/A
Richard and Marilyn, the brother and sister owners of Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park, New Jersey, contacts Charles Stiles after noticing a discrepancy in their lobster supply. The Mystery Diners go undercover and discover different things happening. The manager is seen having her own order of lobsters at the bottom. Even though efficient with her job, the waitress is seen giving out swimsuits to female customers in to-go bags while in cahoots with the cashier of the swimsuit shop (which Marilyn owns as part of their property) with the purchasing being cash only. The waiter is talking negatively about the consumption of lobsters and is seen stealing lobster traps from the marina as confirmed by Charles' private investigator Dennis who also mentions about the penalty of stealing lobster traps. When all four are confronted, the waiter claims that he was preserving the lobster population. The waiter is fired and the waitress and cashier are let go from their employment. Before Richard and Marilyn can decide what to do about the manager, they see footage of the former waiter fleeing to the beach in his latest attempt to preserve the lobster population leading Charles to run to the beach to stop him with Dennis right behind him. They succeed in stopping him. Richard states that he is at a loss of words for what he saw and Marilyn orders the former waiter to leave the property with Dennis escorting him away possibly to hand him over to the police. Richard and Marilyn thank Charles for his help and plan to cook him a meal. The narrator revealed the former waiter remains unapologetic in his actions to preserve the lobster population. Without their own venue, the former waitress and cashier were unsuccessful at selling their own swimsuit line. The manager was given a second chance and no longer orders lobsters for her own consumption. No lobsters ever went missing again at Langosta Lounge.
13710"Tables Turned"January 27, 2016 (2016-01-27)TBAN/A
Charles Stiles investigates to see if horrifying accusations made against the general manager Ryan are true with the help of El Toro De Oro's owner Xavier Franco (who came in from Las Vegas and was friends with Ryan) and the waiters Bryan and Jessica that alerted Charles. As Mystery Diners couldn't set up the hidden cameras and microphones as usual without raising suspicion, the narrator stated that the camera men had to pose as customers. Charles' makeup artists gives Xavier a foolproof disguise so that he and Charles can pose as customers. Senior Mystery Diner Amanda is also there posing as a customer with her date. Xavier gets a good look at the abuse that Ryan is giving to his male waiters and busboys where he even didn't have the shift manager Stew properly train the new employees. On top of it, he is also seen giving his girlfriend complimentary meals, allowing her to take checks (which aren't hers since she doesn't work there), and sexually harassing the female waitresses. When Ryan is caught abusing a male waiter again, Amanda manages to put an end to the situation and escorts Ryan to the restaurant's parking lot for the confrontation. There, Xavier removes his disguise and reprimands Ryan for the abuse he's caused with his fellow co-workers. Ryan thought his actions was helping the owner in handling the business, but Stiles and Amanda disagree. Stiles and Xavier has evidence of his abuse that is not only hurting morale in the restaurant, but also chasing customers away. Xavier fires Ryan and terminates their friendship, stating that Ryan hasn't grown up at all. After Ryan departs, Stiles and Amanda suggest to Xavier that he should let his staff know that he appreciates them and that he should promote one of his loyal staff members as manager. The narrator revealed that Ryan has been unsuccessful at mending his friendship with Xavier. His girlfriend was no longer seen at the restaurant while her last check was cancelled before she could cash it. Stew was promoted to general manager. Workplace harmony has returned and employee morale has never been better at El Toro De Oro.
13811"Hot Meat"March 30, 2016 (2016-03-30)TBAN/A
Tony, the owner of Rivoli's in Tom's River, New Jersey begins to believe that his new meat purveyor Eric (whose last name was bleeped) is selling him stolen goods when it appears to Tony that his orders are too good to be true. Charles Stiles sends in Mystery Diner Danny who has trouble infiltrating the restaurant because it is a family owned business and they don't like outsiders. Meanwhile, Charles's private investigator Daniel did a background check on Eric and revealed that he was in prison from 2009 to 2012 for aggravated assault. He also still had warrants issued in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Delaware. Eric had a business card for a meat packing company that turned out to not exist which Daniel found out (the address was for an abandoned warehouse). Later, Daniel drove over to Eric's house where his delivery truck and Eric's driver Les came to pick him up. Daniel trailed them to an abandoned building next to the railroad tracks where another delivery truck was waiting. Tony and Charles find out that the meat he sold for low price was from another meat packing company with a delivery which they received from a truck driver named Omar. They witness Omar trying to end their deal only to be roughed up by them. Charles told Daniel to notify the police and to have them meet him at the restaurant. When the staff members find that Danny has a wire on him, Tony runs down there and clears things up with them. When all of them meet, the police officers that arrived place handcuffs on Eric and Les, leading to Charles and Tony confronting them about lying about their pasts and for their actions. Tony terminates his connections with Eric and Les who are then taken away by the police. While being pleased that none of his staff and family were involved, Tony thanks Charles and plans to cook him a pasta dish. The narrator revealed that Eric and Les are currently awaiting trial while no longer providing meat to people. The other meat packing company was informed of the scheme and Omar was terminated for his involvement. Tony's old meat purveyor was rehired to provide the meat. Tony is happy to report that meat prices are just right at Rivoli's.
13912"Rigged Rental"April 6, 2016 (2016-04-06)TBAN/A
Steve, the owner of Nashville Street Tacos and The Stillery in Nashville, Tennessee, believes his part-time apartment above his restaurant is being used while he's out of town. Charles Stiles sends in Mystery Diners Jamie and Brooke to investigate. They uncover serious problems with the manager at The Stillery and a female prep cook at Nashville Street Tacos involved in a scam. The manager at the Stillery is obviously running a rental scam for a self-help group in an apartment (under an assumed name on a rental website) that Steve owns when he's away and later a party secretly booked by Charles' private investigator Kimberly for Jamie who brought his cat over (which Steve is allergic to). In addition, the prep cook is seen upstairs cleaning the bathroom and taking out the trash before the next party arrives in order to suppress any suspicions. During the confrontation, the manager from the Stillery tries to convince Steve that he was trying to help bring in extra cash, but Charles doesn't believe him. Steve fires him and the cook from Nashville Street Tacos. The narrator revealed that the former Stillery manager and Nashville Street Tacos prep cook have moved on to new employment. No self-help group meetings are ever held in Steve's apartment. Steve was partially-inspired to rent out his apartment as long as the tenants follow his house rules.
14013"Love Hurts"April 13, 2016 (2016-04-13)TBAN/A

The Mystery Diners count down the Top 10 favorite love-related scams that broke hearts as well as love delusions:

  • At #10 is "Promotion Sabotage."
  • At #9 is "Daddy's Girl."
  • At #8 is "Love Hurts."
  • At #7 is "Dinner Drama."
  • At #6 is "Life's Not a Beach."
  • At #5 is "Private Chef Sting."
  • At #4 is "Comic Book Caper."
  • At #3 is "Lobster Looting."
  • At #2 is "Singles Night."
  • At #1 is "Crazy Hearts."
14114"Crooked Contest"April 20, 2016 (2016-04-20)TBAN/A
Rose and Tom, the owners of Belcourt Taps in Nashville, Tennessee, contacts Charles Stiles for help after hearing rumors that their songwriting contest is rigged. 80s pop star Tiffany Darwish goes undercover as a Mystery Diner to investigate. The Mystery Diners show Rose and Tom that they have a right to be concerned thanks to the bartender Lee and the sound engineer Benjamin who are behind this. Lee had been sabotaging the singers with free alcohol and getting them drunk so they can't perform properly, also setting off a blender to drown out the sound of their singing. In addition to it, Benjamin was seen messing around with the stage and sound so the other performers who weren't so intoxicated couldn't perform well. On top of it, they're having a few contest performers sing songs written by Lee and rigging the votes so they can win, all confirmed by Charles' private investigator Angela who also revealed that Benjamin owns his own recording company. This leads up to a singer named Paige winning the contest with a song from Lee that contained lyrics from her phone. When Rose and Tom confront Lee, Benjamin, and Paige, the two men tried to claim it was for the good of the restaurant. Rose and Tom don't believe their accusations. When Charles asks Paige if she knew that part of the song she sang was from someone else, Paige doesn't answer and starts to silently cry, which Charles takes as a "no". Rose and Tom fire Lee and Benjamin while also telling Paige that she is disqualified from the contest. Rose and Tom then thank Charles for his help. The narrator revealed that Lee and Benjamin have ended their collaboration. Outside of Paige, the other three singers who won the three previous contests with Lee's songs were also disqualified. The singing contest no longer has problems at Belcourt Taps.
14215"Surprise Twists"April 27, 2016 (2016-04-27)TBAN/A

The Mystery Diners count down the Top 10 biggest twists that surprised Charles Stiles and the various owners that called for his help:

  • At #10 is "The Spoils of Victory."
  • At #9 is "Cheese-Burglar."
  • At #8 is "Daddy's Girl."
  • At #7 is "Repeat Offender."
  • At #6 is "Charitable Donations."
  • At #5 is "Magic Hassle."
  • At #4 is "Mascot Mayhem."
  • At #3 is "From Russia Without Love."
  • At #2 is "Paranormal Activities."
  • At #1 is "Secondhand Scam."

References

  1. ^ Lenny's Deli On Mystery Diner (20:54 mark), YouTube
  2. ^ What reality TV needs right now is a dose of dumbness: hello Mystery Diners, Sydney Morning Herald, December 1, 2016
  3. ^ "Food Network & Cooking Channel Serve Up A Robust 2012 Menu". The Futon Critic (Press release). March 29, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag "Shows A-Z – mystery diners on food". The Futon Critic. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  5. ^ "Sunday's Cable Ratings: Spurs/Clippers Best "Thrones," "Kardashians"". The Futon Critic. May 22, 2012.
  6. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 29, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, NHL Playoffs, 'Very Funny News', 'House of Payne', 'Mystery Diners', 'Hardcore History' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  7. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 4, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs, + 'SportsCenter', 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown', 'Common Law', 'Fairly Legal', 'House of Payne' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  8. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 11, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Fairly Legal', & 'WWE Smackdown' Win Night, 'Common Law', 'House of Payne', 'American Pickers', 'UFC Fight Night' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  9. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 18, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Let it Shine' Premiere, + US Open, 'WWE Friday Night Smackdown', 'Common Law', 'Fairly Legal', & More". TV by the Numbers.
  10. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 25, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wing Night, 'Common Law', 'UFC Fight Night', 'House of Payne', 'Mystery Diners', 'American Pickers', 'Jessie' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  11. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 2, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE SmackDown' & 'House of Payne', 'Common Law', 'American Pickers', 'Hardcore History, + X Games & More". TV by the Numbers.
  12. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 22, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: WWE Friday Night SmackDown Wins Night + 'Yukon Men', 'Gold Rush', 'Secret Princes', 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Bibel, Sara (October 30, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night, 'Jungle Gold', 'Duck Dynasty', 'WWE Smackdown', 'Say Yes to the Dress', 'For Better or Worse' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (November 5, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night + NBA Basketball, 'Jungle Gold', 'SportsCenter', 'Duck Dynasty' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  15. ^ Bibel, Sara (November 12, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night, 'Jungle Gold', 'WWE Smackdown', 'Haven', 'Jessie' 'Ghost Adventures', & More". TV by the Numbers.
  16. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (November 19, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night + 'Jungle Gold', 'Duck Dynasty', NBA Basketball, Friday Night SmackDown, & More". TV by the Numbers.
  17. ^ "Friday's Cable Ratings: "iCarly" Wraps Run on Top for Nickelodeon". The Futon Critic. November 17, 2012.
  18. ^ Bibel, Sara (December 10, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night, 'Jungle Gold', 'Austin & Jessie & Ally All Star New Year', 'WWE Smackdown', 'Ultimate Fighter' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  19. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (December 17, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night + Sandy Hook News Coverage, 'Jungle Gold', 'Duck Dynasty', 'Friday Night Smackdown' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  20. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 3, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Rose Bowl' Wins Night, 'Orange Bowl', 'Dance Moms', 'Storage Wars New York' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  21. ^ Bibel, Sara (January 22, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night, 'Bering Sea Gold', 'WWE Smackdown', 'Oprah's Next Chapter', 'Merlin' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  22. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 28, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Night, + 'Bering Sea Gold', WWE Friday Night Smackdown & More". TV by the Numbers.
  23. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 22, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: Boston News Coverage Dominates + 'Sons of Guns', 'Friday Night SmackDown', 'Da Vinci's Demons' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  24. ^ Bibel, Sara (April 29, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'NFL Draft' Wins Night, 'NBA Playoffs,' 'Sons of Guns', 'WWE Smackdown', 'I Found the Gown' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  25. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 6, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Rule Night + 'SportsCenter', 'Sons of Guns', 'Friday Night SmackDown' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  26. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 14, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Basketball Wins Night + 'Friday Night SmackDown', 'Sons of Guns', 'Mystery Diners' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  27. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 20, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' & 'Sons of Guns' Win Night, 'Merlin', 'Good Luck Charlie', NHL Playoffs & More". TV by the Numbers.
  28. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 28, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Win Night,'WWE Smackdown', 'Merlin', 'Jessie', 'Mystery Diners', & More". TV by the Numbers.
  29. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 3, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Sons of Guns' Wins Night + 'WWE SmackDown', 'Storage Wars', 'Jessie' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  30. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 10, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: NHL Conference Final Wins Night, 'Sons of Guns', 'Friday Night Smackdown' 'Continuum', 'Jessie' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  31. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 17, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown' Wins Night + US Open Coverage, 'Real Time With Bill Maher', 'Sanjay & Craig', 'Continuum' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  32. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 24, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, 'Jessie', 'Good Luck Charlie', 'Continuum', 'Marriage Boot Camp' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  33. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 1, 2013). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown' and 'Jessie' Tie for Lead + 'Mystery Diners', 'Storage Wars', 'Real Time With Bill Maher' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  34. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 5, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Franklin & Bash' Wins Night + 'Bubble Guppies', 'Mystery Diners', 'Pardon The Interruption' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on July 8, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 12, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'The Bridge' & 'The Challenge' Win Night, 'Royal Pains', 'Futurama', 'Franklin & Bash', 'Necessary Roughness' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on July 14, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 18, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'The ESPY Awards' & 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' Premiere Win Night + 'Royal Pains', 'Deal With It', 'The Challenge: Rivals II' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 25, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings :'The Challenge' & 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' Win Night, 'Royal Pains', 'Futurama', 'The Bridge', 'Franklin & Bash' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on July 28, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (August 1, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'The Challenge: Rivals II' & 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' Tie for First + 'Royal Pains', 'Deal With It', & More". TV by the Numbers.
  39. ^ Bibel, Sara (August 8, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Shark Week' Wins Night, 'The Challenge', 'Futurama', 'Royal Pains', 'Franklin & Bash', 'Melissa & Joey' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  40. ^ Bibel, Sara (August 15, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Dominates Night, 'Bad Ink', 'Royal Pains', 'The Bridge', 'The Challenge' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  41. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (August 22, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Dominates + 'Modern Dads', 'Deal With It', 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  42. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (August 29, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Dominates + 'Modern Dads', 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo', 'Futurama', 'The Challenge: Rivals II' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  43. ^ Bibel, Sara (September 5, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Wins Night, 'Modern Dads', 'Futurama', 'Royal Pains', 'The Bridge' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  44. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (September 12, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Wins Night + 'Modern Dads', 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo', 'Royal Pains', 'The Challenge: Rivals II' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  45. ^ Bibel, Sara (September 19, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Wins Night, 'Bad Ink', 'Key & Peele', 'The Challenge', 'For Better or Worse' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  46. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (September 26, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'South Park' Wins Night + 'The Challenge: Rivals II', 'Key & Peele', 'The Daily Show', 'The Colbert Report' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  47. ^ Bibel, Sara (October 3, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Wins Night, 'Bad Ink',' South Park', 'Miley: The Movement', 'The Bridge' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  48. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 10, 2013). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Beats 'American Horror Story: Coven' + MLB Baseball, 'Bad Ink', 'South Park' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  49. ^ Yanan, Travis (January 7, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: ESPN, BCS National Championship Overshadow the Night". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  50. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 14, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' & 'Love & Hip Hop' Tie for Lead + 'Single Ladies', 'Archer' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  51. ^ Yanan, Travis (January 22, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: CBS Comedies Top Viewers, Demos". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  52. ^ Yanan, Travis (January 28, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "How I Met Your Mother's" 200th Episode Tops Charts". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  53. ^ Yanan, Travis (January 22, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: CBS Comedies Lead Demo Race". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  54. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (February 11, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Love & Hip Hop' Leads Night + 'Monday Night RAW', 'Single Ladies', 'Swamp People' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  55. ^ Yanan, Travis (February 19, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: Olympic Winter Games Power NBC to Top Spot". The Futon Critic. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  56. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (February 25, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' Tops Night + 'Swamp People', 'Basketball Wives', 'Single Ladies' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  57. ^ Yanan, Travis (March 4, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "The Voice" Holds Top Spot in Viewers, Demos". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  58. ^ Yanan, Travis (March 18, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "The Voice" Holds Off "DWTS" in Demo Race". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  59. ^ Yanan, Travis (March 11, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "The Voice," "The Bachelor" Claim Top Spots". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  60. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 25, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' Leads Night + 'Basketball Wives', 'Single Ladies', 'Fast N Loud', 'Teen Wolf' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  61. ^ Bibel, Sara (April 1, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Raw' Wins Night, 'T.I. and Tiny', 'Black Ink Crew', 'Bates Motel', 'Archer', 'Being Human', 'Dallas' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  62. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 8, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' Tops Night + 'Basketball Wives', 'WWE Hall of Fame', 'Bates Motel' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  63. ^ Yanan, Travis (April 15, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "The Voice" Tops Demos, "DWTS" Leads Viewers". The Futon Critic. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  64. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 22, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Lead Night + WWE Raw, 'Basketball Wives', 'Blank Ink Crew' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  65. ^ Yanan, Travis (April 29, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "The Voice" Continues Its Demo Win Streak". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  66. ^ Yanan, Travis (May 6, 2014). "Monday's Cable Ratings & Broadcast Finals: "The Voice," "Dancing" Top Demos, Viewers". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  67. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 13, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Win Night, 'Love & Hip Hop', 'WWE Raw', 'Louie' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
  68. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 20, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: NBA Basketball Leads Night + 'Love & Hip Hop', 'Monday Night RAW', 'T.I. & Tiny' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  69. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 28, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Win Night, 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta', 'WWE Raw', 'Hit The Floor', 'Real Housewives of Orange County' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  70. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 3, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' Wins Night + 'Monday Night RAW', 'Hit the Floor', 'Swamp People' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  71. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.11.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  72. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.18.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  73. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.25.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  74. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.4.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  75. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.11.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  76. ^ Metcalf, Mitch. "Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.18.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  77. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.25.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  78. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.1.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  79. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.8.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  80. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.15.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  81. ^ Matcalf, Mitch. "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 4.22.2015". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved April 29, 2015.