Guy Fieri
Chef, Restaurateur, Author, and Host
Background
- Guy Fieri was born January 22, 1968 in Columbus, Ohio, but he grew up in Ferndale, California. His love for food started at the age of 10 while he was working at a pretzel stand him and his dad built.
- He currently lives with his wife Lori Fieri and his 2 sons Hunter and Ryer Fieri in Santa Rosa, California.
Education
He graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management.
At the age of 16, he spent a year studying in Chantilly, France.
Internships
After graduating, he worked for Stouffer's managing their restaurant. Three years later he became district manager of Louise's Trattoria, managing 6 locations as well as recruiting and training for those restaurants.
Restaurants
- In 1996, he opened his first restaurant called Johnny Rockets with his partner Steve Gruber.
- In 2003, they opened another restaurant called Tex Wasabi's.
How he got started
He won Next Food Network Star in 2006, being the second person to win the show.
After winning, he launched his first TV show called Guy's Big Bites in 2006. Also in that year was Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. In 2008, Guy Off the Hook premiered, in which he cooked in front of a live audience. He also did the Guy Fieri Road Show in 2009, touring 21 cities in 30 days.
Other than cooking, he also guest judges on Food Network Star and works with Rachel Ray in Rachel vs. Guy Celebrity Cook Off.
Other restaurants he has is Guy's Kitchen and Bar and Guy's Chophouse
Outside of the kitchen
Aside from all the shows in the kitchen, he also hosted a game show called Minute to Win It in 2010.
Books
2008: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: An All-American Road Trip...with Recipes!
2009: More Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Another Drop-Top Culinary Cruise Through America's Finest and Funkiest Joints
2011: Guy Fieri Food: More than 150 Off-The-Hook Recipes.
Both editions landed in the #1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers List for more than 3 months.
Awards and Recognitions
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Las Vegas for his astounding public service.