Melissa interviews Amber Moshakos of family-owned LM Restaurants, the group behind concepts including Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora, Birdie’s Ballroom, Vidrio, Oceanic/Bluewater in Wrightsville Beach, and SMASH on Glenwood South. Amber shares her parents’ immigrant story, how LM began as a 48-seat Florida oyster bar, and why the family moved to Raleigh after expanding Miami Subs. She discusses growing up in the business, choosing restaurants over medical school, and the pros and cons of working with family. The conversation covers Raleigh as an emerging, diverse dining market, current industry challenges like thin margins and rising credit card fees, what makes restaurants successful, and why experience-driven venues are growing. Amber also mentions favorite menu items, spots she wants to try, and upcoming LM projects in Florida and brand updates in Raleigh.

00:00 Meet Amber Moshakos

02:42 Family Origins and First Restaurant

04:58 Greek Roots Behind Taverna Agora

05:49 Moving to Raleigh and Early Growth

07:16 Choosing Restaurants Over Medicine

07:58 Making Family Business Work

09:20 LM Expansion and Florida Return

12:00 Raleigh Food Scene Evolution

17:13 Industry Challenges and Credit Fees

19:24 Sales Tax Relief Push

20:11 Restaurant Success Formula

20:58 Experience Dining Trend

22:33 Glenwood South Safety Plan

24:44 Advice for New Restaurateurs

26:43 Favorite Dishes Rundown

28:04 Non-LM Date Night Picks

29:51 What’s Next for LM

31:36 Hiring and Career Myths

32:55 Closing Thanks and Wrap