{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"What’s Up, Wake","title":"Raleigh's Culinary Growth: An Interview with Amber Moshakos","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/8300ad5e\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2053,"description":"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.\n00:00 Meet Amber Moshakos \n02:42 Family Origins and First Restaurant\n04:58 Greek Roots Behind Taverna Agora\n05:49 Moving to Raleigh and Early Growth\n07:16 Choosing Restaurants Over Medicine\n07:58 Making Family Business Work\n09:20 LM Expansion and Florida Return\n12:00 Raleigh Food Scene Evolution\n17:13 Industry Challenges and Credit Fees\n19:24 Sales Tax Relief Push\n20:11 Restaurant Success Formula\n20:58 Experience Dining Trend\n22:33 Glenwood South Safety Plan\n24:44 Advice for New Restaurateurs\n26:43 Favorite Dishes Rundown\n28:04 Non-LM Date Night Picks\n29:51 What’s Next for LM\n31:36 Hiring and Career Myths\n32:55 Closing Thanks and Wrap","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3FPpkJ7JIRSxqmup6bUJfqr8_rMrqpK7grf9C8PwVsk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNmM5/OWRmY2Y4NDg0ZDEy/YjlmZjdkZDdhNDI2/OTJiZC5qcGVn.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}