Food Network is adding a new show to its line-up this Thursday, August 26th at 10:30 pm EST. “Family Style” with brother and sister team, Joey and Melissa Maggiore, is a reality show about the opening of the sibling’s new restaurant Tommy V’s.
This isn’t any run-of-the-mill reality series though, Joey is a prankster who can drive Melissa crazy with his antics. With episodes like the first – “Speed Dating Disaster” in which Joey secretly signs Melissa up for the event taking place at the restaurant, the show is sure to elicit a few laughs.
I recently had the chance, along with a few other bloggers, to interview Joey and Melissa about “Family Style” and found them to be very friendly and very funny.
Q. How has growing up in the restaurant industry affected your career choices?
Joey: Restaurants are our love, passion, and life. We live for it daily and don’t feel like it’s a career.
Melissa: I was a journalist for a year, but food and wine has always been in our blood. While other children were outside playing, we were in the restaurant. In fact, our kids today play “restaurant.”
Q. For each episode how long did you prepare ahead of time?
Joey: We never stopped. We prepare for the restaurant daily. The restaurant was in the making for a year. We ate dinner every night together to figure out the details.
Melissa: We worked on the restaurant for a year before it opened, but there was no actual prep for the show. It is a slice of our life.
Q. Do you have any advice about how to deal with a picky eater?
Joey: There are no picky eaters in my house. Growing up in the restaurant industry my kids, at 1-year-old, were eating octopus and sea urchin.
Melissa: Early exposure is definitely key. As kids get older they tend not to try things that are foreign to them. My 12-year-old daughter has a mature appetite and will try anything. My 4-year-old prefers macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers, however. Sometimes at the end of the day you just need to get food on the table.
Q. How do you get along as siblings in this business relationship?
Melissa: Sometimes things take place that wouldn’t have happened had I not been working with my brother. For example, if I’m upset about something I might go out and tell Joey about it and he may be dealing with something at that time and tell me off or not do what I ask. This wouldn’t happen if he wasn’t my brother. Honestly, I’m kind of nervous to see the show because it might be, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we act that way!”
Q. How do you balance running a restaurant with children at home?
Joey: My wife is at home with the kids while I’m working. I take them to school every morning and I try to pick them up every afternoon so I can spend time with them.
Melissa: For me, as a single mom, it’s very difficult. I used to feel very guilty. I’m the sole provider, so I have to make sacrifices. I’ve learned that it’s quality, not quantity, that counts when spending time with my kids. When I’m with them I don’t use the phone, things like that.
Q. Are you doing anything special to celebrate the premiere of “Family Style” on Thursday?
Joey: Yes. We are starting the festivities at 6 pm and and taking a limo bus full of family and friends to the restaurant. We’ll spend the evening at the restaurant surrounded by family, friends, and customers celebrating with appetizers, wine and champagne. It’s going to be lots of fun.
Thank you for your time Joey and Melissa. We wish you the best of luck with your new show!
Don’t forget to tune in to the Food Network on Thursday, August 26th at 10:30 pm EST to watch “Family Style” with Joey and Melissa Maggiore where they’ll treat viewers to good food served with lots of laughs.
Thank you to Food Network and to Joey and Melissa Maggiore for the opportunity to be a part of this interview. No compensation was received.
Sounds like a great show, full of fun!!!