Ep 4. Employee of the Month

Employee of the Month is the fourth episode of the fourth season of Mystery Diners, a reality television series that involves using hidden cameras to investigate and expose employee theft and other problems in the restaurant industry. Hosted by Charles Stiles, this episode sees him investigating a Missouri restaurant that is struggling with declining profits and a declining reputation. The owners have noticed that customers are complaining about poor service, mistakes in their orders, and even missing items on their bills. Given that the restaurant has been struggling for months, the owners are concerned that there is something more sinister going on and they turn to Mystery Diners for help.

The episode begins with Stiles and his team meeting with the owners of the restaurant. The owners explain their concerns and Stiles outlines his plan of action. He introduces the Mystery Diners, a group of undercover operatives who will pose as regular customers in order to observe the staff and note any suspicious behavior. Stiles also plants hidden cameras throughout the restaurant to capture any evidence of theft or wrongdoing.

Over the course of the episode, the Mystery Diners observe a number of concerning behaviors among the restaurant staff. They notice that the servers seem disorganized and distracted, often forgetting orders and neglecting to check on customers. They also observe several instances of staff pocketing cash from the till and failing to ring up orders on the computer. Through their investigation, the Mystery Diners begin to suspect that there is a ring of employees working together to steal from the restaurant.

To confirm their suspicions, Stiles and his team set up a sting operation in which they plant a fake $50 bill in the cash register. They then watch as one of the restaurant's servers, who has exhibited suspicious behavior throughout the investigation, pockets the bill. The Mystery Diners confront the server and he eventually admits to stealing from the restaurant. He also implicates several of his coworkers in the theft ring.

With the evidence gathered by the Mystery Diners, the restaurant owners are able to fire the guilty employees and take steps to tighten up their security and prevent future theft. In the end, the restaurant begins to improve dramatically, with customers praising the improved service and quality of the food.

Overall, Employee of the Month is a classic episode of Mystery Diners, featuring the signature combination of hidden cameras, undercover operatives, and dramatic reveals. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of restaurant theft and serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who works in the industry. With its engaging storytelling and suspenseful investigation, Employee of the Month is sure to be a hit with fans of the show and anyone interested in the world of culinary intrigue.