The Moth Restaurant Week: The Moth Podcast
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Jan 23, 2026 Trevor Craig, a storyteller and former regional director, shares his heartfelt journey of finding chosen family at a Japanese steakhouse in Iowa. He recounts confronting homophobia in the kitchen, how he transformed workplace culture, and the protective bond he formed with his manager. Trevor also highlights the joy of celebrating Pride with his coworkers. Plus, Shaw-naé, who opened her soul food restaurant in Staten Island, shares her entrepreneurial struggles and her mission to connect food with family history.
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Finding Family At Work
- Trevor Craig moved to Iowa to escape his Mormon home and found chosen family at a Japanese-style steakhouse where he worked.
- Over time coworkers defended him, celebrated Pride with him, and he never paid for a meal there again.
Pushing Back Against Hostile Language
- Trevor started in the cash office and grew into a bold server who challenged homophobic language in the kitchen.
- His protests and confidence shifted coworkers' behavior and won allies over time.
Earning Respect And Protection
- Trevor used his personality and identity to become a high-earning server, strategically placed with bachelorette and gay tables.
- A manager, Marco, physically defended him from an abusive customer, cementing workplace loyalty.