Ep 2. Fired Up

In season 5 episode 2 of Mystery Diners, titled "Fired Up," the team is brought in to help a family-owned barbecue joint in Las Vegas. The owner, Randy, has noticed a decline in profits over the past few months and can't figure out why. He suspects it may have something to do with his employees, but hasn't been able to catch them doing anything wrong.

To solve the mystery, the Mystery Diners team sends in undercover employees to work at the restaurant and keep an eye on things. They quickly discover that there are a few bad apples on staff who are causing problems behind the scenes. One employee is stealing food and taking it home with him, while another is giving away free meals to friends and family.

But the biggest problem is the head chef, who is not only rude to customers but also has a bad attitude with his fellow employees. He's been causing tension in the kitchen, and the other cooks are afraid to speak up for fear of losing their jobs.

To make matters worse, Randy's own daughter, who helps manage the restaurant, is also part of the problem. She's been giving away free drinks to her friends, which has been hurting the bottom line. Randy is devastated to learn about the behavior of his employees, but he's grateful for the Mystery Diners team for helping him get to the bottom of it.

Throughout the episode, the team uses various tactics to catch the employees in the act. They plant hidden cameras in the kitchen, send in secret shoppers to observe the staff, and even set up a fake health inspector to scare the employees into following the rules.

As they uncover the truth, the team also gives Randy and his daughter some advice on how to improve the restaurant. They recommend a few changes to the menu, as well as a training program for the employees to ensure that everyone is following the rules.

In the end, Randy is able to clean up the restaurant and get it back on track. He's grateful for the Mystery Diners team for helping him save his business, and he vows to take their advice to heart. The episode shows just how important it is to keep a close eye on your employees and make sure they're following the rules. It's a lesson that all business owners can learn from, no matter what industry they're in.

Overall, season 5 episode 2 of Mystery Diners is a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes at a restaurant. It's a reminder that even the smallest problems can have a big impact on a business, and that it takes vigilance to keep everything running smoothly. If you're a fan of the show, or if you're just interested in the world of food service, this is definitely an episode worth watching.