About this season
What happens in the food world when a bad employee starts to take down an otherwise thriving establishment or when restaurant owners suspect someone of not doing their job appropriately? They call in the Mystery Diners. These undercover operatives go into restaurants, bars and food service establishments with hidden cameras to find out what's really going on when the boss isn't around.
Episodes (13)
1. Going to the Dogs
Aired 28 July 2014 • 21 min
After discovering discrepancies in their chicken and beef supply, which they serve to both their human and canine customers, the co-owners of Shades Oceanfront Bistro in San Diego contact Charles for help. Mystery Diners Corinne and Seth go undercover and discover one of the employees is running their own side business.
2. Cocktail Fail
Aired 13 August 2014
Fearing that a rivalry between her two flair bartenders is the cause of tension and missing alcohol, Sara, owner of The Compass in Carlsbad, Calif., asks Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Amanda and Chelsea go undercover to find out who's the real culprit.
3. Promotion Sabotage
Aired 13 August 2014 • 21 min
When Isabel and Todd, co-owners of Barrio Star in San Diego, have a dispute over which waiter they should promote to manager, they contact Charles to mediate. Mystery Diners Chelsea and Seth go undercover and discover one of the candidates is being sabotaged from within.
4. Dueling Food Trucks
Aired 20 August 2014 • 21 min
Marko and Brett own competing food trucks in San Diego, but put aside their differences to investigate revenue loss in both of their vehicles. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Seth and Corinne, who discover that their employees are turning a friendly competition into an all out war.
5. Trademark Trouble
Aired 27 August 2014 • 21 min
After already successfully battling one fast food chain over the rights to his signature sandwich, Damien, the owner of Devine Pastabilities in San Diego, now fears someone from within his organization is trying to steal his culinary creation. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Amanda and Andy to investigate.
6. Customer Concerns
Aired 3 September 2014 • 21 min
Fearing that his regular customers have become too entitled, Larry, owner of 730 South in Denver, asks Charles to investigate. Mystery Diners Ariel and Conner go undercover and discover an employee may be creating the problem.
7. Heavy Metal Mess
Aired 10 September 2014 • 21 min
Leah and Garret, owners of the Toad Tavern in Littleton, Colo., need to know if their son and his band mates are more focused on their musical aspirations than their jobs in the restaurant. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Ashley and Andy, who discover another employee may be ripping them off.
8. Vicious Cycle
Aired 17 September 2014 • 21 min
After noticing a decrease in delivery sales, and an increase in delivery complaints, Lou, owner of Slice Works in Denver, asks Charles to investigate his bicycle delivery service. Mystery Diners Taylor and Dustin go undercover and discover one delivery guy is doing two jobs at the same time.
9. Secret Pairings
Aired 24 September 2014 • 21 min
When Peter and Delinda, owners of Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar in Colorado, notice discrepancies in their food costs — specifically their expensive wine and cheese — they contact Charles for help. Mystery Diners Taylor and Brent go undercover and expose some employees who are hosting their own events.
10. Vintage Scams
Aired 1 October 2014 • 21 min
Jimmy, owner of Rockabillies in Arvada, Colo., is concerned about a dip in sales, especially during his restaurant's summer vintage car show. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Amber and Kyle to investigate and discovers that his staff is breaking multiple rules.
11. Partner in Crime
Aired 8 October 2014 • 21 min
After noticing multiple register mistakes, Ondrea, owner of Black Rose Tavern in Los Angeles, fears that someone — either on her staff, one of the musicians in her nonprofit charity, or her new business partner — is taking advantage of her. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Amanda and Rob and discovers that someone is using her charity to line their pockets.
12. Cafe Coup
Aired 6 October 2014 • 21 min
After purchasing Cafe Aldente in Studio City, Calif., and retaining most of the previous owner's staff, the new owners believe their employees are still practicing old policies. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Annalisa and Kiel to find out if anyone is ignoring the new rules.
13. Daddy's Girl
Aired 13 October 2014 • 21 min
When Joe and Fran, owners of Geppino's Sicilian Kitchen in Moorpark, Calif., hear customer complaints about stolen items, Joe suspects their daughter's new boyfriend is to blame. Charles sends in Mystery Diners Shelby and Destiney to identify the real thief.