This week, Michele sits down with Carl Griffenkranz, a seasoned professional staffing recruiter, to break down the biggest challenges and smartest strategies for hiring and staffing during the holiday rush. From understanding the current hiring market to attracting the right candidates, speeding up the interview process, training seasonal employees, and retaining top performers—this episode delivers real, actionable insights every restaurant operator can use. If your business is gearing up for its busiest season, don't miss this expert conversation packed with practical tips to build a stronger, more reliable holiday team.
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Thanksgiving Edition with Michele DiMeo & Gennaro DiMeo
In this special Thanksgiving episode, host Michele DiMeo with guest Gennaro DiMeo—serve up a candid look at what the holiday season really feels like in the restaurant world. From the chaos of holiday menu planning and take-home orders to the pressure of delivering flawless service, this husband-wife dynamic duo shares real stories, industry insights, and heartfelt gratitude. Warm, funny, and full of behind-the-scenes truth, this episode captures the true spirit of hospitality during its busiest (and most meaningful) time of year. Pull up a seat and enjoy this Thanksgiving dish!
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Hospitality Tech: Helpful or Hurtful?
Technology is transforming the guest experience—but is it elevating hospitality or eroding the personal touch? In this episode, Michele and guest Stephen DesLauriers dive into the rising wave of QR codes, handheld ordering devices, AI-driven waitlists, automated kiosks, and all the gadgets reshaping front-of-house operations and some BOH mentions. We break down what tech genuinely improves efficiency, what creates friction for guests, and how restaurant leaders can strike the perfect balance between innovation and authentic human connection. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a curious diner, this episode serves the real tea on the future of service tech devices.
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Location, Location, Location
In this episode of Dine & Dish with Restaurant Diva, Michele DiMeo, we're talking all things real estate, restaurants, and results. Michele sits down with industry expert Lee Block to uncover the secrets behind finding the perfect restaurant location — from visibility and demographics to the gut instincts that separate a good spot from a great one. Together, they explore today's hottest commercial real estate trends, how the NYC dining scene is evolving, and why choosing the right site is one of the most important — and challenging — decisions a restaurateur can make. If you've ever wondered what makes a location truly thrive, this conversation serves up the insider scoop you've been hungry for. Tune in now — and remember, in this business, it's always Location, Location, Location!
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More than a Stay: The Emotion Behind Exceptional Service
In this episode of Dine & Dish, host Michele DiMeo, the Restaurant Diva, sits down with Amanda, the Innkeeper of the charming Foster Harris House, to uncover the heart and soul behind truly exceptional hospitality. Together, they explore what it means to create emotional connections with guests, the art of anticipating needs before they're spoken, and how genuine care transforms a stay—or a meal—into an unforgettable experience. Tune in for heartfelt stories, timeless service lessons, and a reminder that the best hospitality always begins with empathy.
Welcome to Dine & Dish, the podcast hosted by Michele DiMeo, the Restaurant Diva. Join Michele as she dives into the heart of hospitality, service, and the restaurant world, sharing stories, trends, and insights from chefs, restaurateurs, and industry insiders and leaders.
From dining culture and behind-the-scenes tales to tips for guests and professionals alike, Dine & Dish celebrates the art, passion, and joy of great food and exceptional service. Whether you're a foodie, a hospitality professional, or simply love a good story from the table, this is your front-row seat to the world of dining — with a little diva flair.
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