Freshly divorced from ex-wife Janine, who left him for Walt, the owner of the local fitness center, Miles lives in a small apartment above the Grill.

Their partnership has made the restaurant successful but not profitable due to restrictions by its owner, Francine Whiting, the town's wealthiest citizen.

Whiting, who owned the now defunct shirt factory that employed many of the town's citizens, including Miles' late mother, Grace.

Always complicating matters is Miles' grubby ne'er-do-well father, Max, a rascal who can't resist a handout when it comes his way, but nonetheless loves his sons and his granddaughter.

Whiting attempts to sabotage their plans by pulling strings with the county and the police force, culminating in a confrontation with Miles, wherein he quits the Empire Grill and reveals what he knows about his mother's affair with C.B.

It's eventually revealed as a result of their meddling and cruelty that John's grandmother died months ago and he has been living in her decrepit home ever since.

A powerful storm caused the nearby river to swell, which led to Mrs. Whiting being killed, removing any remaining impediments to Miles and Bea's new restaurant.