The Vibe Shift – What’s Hot in Restaurants Right Now
"It’s not just a meal — it’s a show. Michele and Krista uncover the hottest dining trends, from tableside theatrics and interactive chef experiences to candle-lit dinners, dining in the dark, and AI-driven immersive tables. Learn how restaurants are turning every meal into an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy moment." Keeping it real and bringing it back to Hospitality.
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40:15
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40:15
FOH Role: Starting with Servers
In this episode Krista and Michele walk through what they look for when hiring servers, what a typical training schedule looks like, and of course lots of little extras with a hint of celebrity gossip. Big thank you to our listener, Angie for asking the questions....keep 'em coming. Cheers!!
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43:46
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43:46
The Power of Reviews: Yelp, Google & Your Restaurant’s Reputation
Love them or hate them, guest reviews on Yelp and Google can make or break your restaurant’s reputation. In this episode, Michele and Krista dive into the good, the bad, and the downright ugly world of online reviews. From celebrating those 5-star raves to gracefully handling the tough critics, you’ll learn how to: Respond like a pro (even when you want to scream). Turn negative feedback into opportunities. Use reviews to motivate and train your staff. Leverage glowing guest comments in your marketing. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, manager, or just love a good review story, this episode will give you practical tips on mastering the review game
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34:53
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34:53
When Things Go Wrong....And They Will
In this week's episode Michele and Krista go through what happens when your order comes out wrong. How to handle it and how NOT to handle it, both from the guest and restaurant POV. They also give away some insider info regarding your reservations in Open Table and RESY, and completely put the rumor to rest that something bad happens when you send your food back.
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34:41
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34:41
Table for Two: The Art of Dining & Dating
Whether it’s your very first date or your fiftieth, dining together can make—or break—the magic. Michele and Krista dish on the do’s and don’ts of dating over dinner—from choosing the perfect spot and ordering like a pro to dodging those first-date food faux pas (hello, spaghetti!). They share insider secrets for mastering menu confidence, creating the ultimate date-night vibe, and keeping the spark alive—plus a few laugh-out-loud stories from the restaurant floor and the 2025 dating scene.
Michele DiMeo and Krista Lepore bring decades of proven success from every corner of the restaurant industry — from high-growth franchising and multi-concept ownership to Michelin-star restaurants and nationally televised hospitality makeovers.
Michele is a franchise leader, wine importer, and multi-concept owner whose expertise spans brand building, operations, and scaling restaurants from the ground up.
Krista is a Michelin-star veteran, hospitality pro, and TV host known for transforming failing concepts, mastering front-of-house operations, and bringing food history to life.
Together, they deliver candid conversations, insider strategies, and unfiltered stories from the business side of dining — giving listeners the knowledge, perspective, and behind-the-scenes insight only true industry insiders can offer.