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In 2006, Guy Fieri premiered his first show, Guy's Big Bite on Food Network. Today, this "Culinary Rock Star” hosts two additional top-rated shows on the network, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Ultimate Recipe Showdown and on March 14th, 2010, he made his debut as a game show host on the new NBC primetime series, Minute To Win It.
This likeable laid back California “guy” with his trademark bleached blond spiky hair began his love affair with food at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle cart he built with his father named “The Awesome Pretzel.” By selling pretzels and washing dishes, Guy earned enough money in six years to study abroad as an exchange student in Chantilly, France. There he gained a profound appreciation for international cuisine and the lifestyle associated with it.
Guy attended University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He began his career with Stouffers, managing their flagship restaurant in Long Beach, CA. After three years, Guy became District Manager of Louise’s Trattoria, where he oversaw six restaurants and was in charge of recruiting and training for the growing chain.
In 1996, Guy and his business partner, Steve Gruber launched their Sonoma County, CA- based Italian restaurant, Johnny Garlic’s (www.johnnygarlics.com). Their first location opened in Santa Rosa, CA in the fall of 1996, a second outpost in Windsor, CA in 1999 and their third opened in Roseville, CA in 2008. With the success of their first restaurant concept, in 2003 they developed Tex Wasabi’s (www.texwasabis.com), a Southern BBQ and California Sushi restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA. Their second location opened in Sacramento in 2007. In addition to their thriving restaurants, customers can buy fun products ranging from t-shirts, squeeze bottles and aprons to hats and more. Always looking to improve upon the restaurant industry, Guy, was a three-term President of the Restaurant Association of the Redwood Empire and serves on the Board of Directors for the Educational Foundation of the California Restaurant Association.
In October 2008, Guy released his first book based on his widely popular show, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives: An All-American Road Trip…with Recipes! (William Morrow), which offers recipes and memorable stories from establishments he has visited around the country. A follow up book, More Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Another Drop-Top Culinary Cruise Through America's Finest and Funkiest (William Morrow), hit stores in November 2009. Both editions landed in the #1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers List for 12+ weeks. Also in November 2009, Guy elevated American food culture to new heights by combining the worlds of food and rock n roll. “The Guy Fieri Road Show,” produced by his company, Knuckle Sandwich, toured 21 cities in 30 days at venues that seated 2,000-5,000 fans.
Passionate about empowering today’s parents to include their children in the kitchen and educate them about eating healthy, Guy helped draft California state legislation proclaiming the 2nd Saturday in May annually as “Cook With Your Kids Day.” It was passed unanimously by the California State Legislature in 2009. In March 2010, he heads to the White House by invitation from the US Navy Team and will campaign to make this a nationally recognized holiday.
An avid car aficionado, NASCAR honored Guy as Grand Marshall of the Save Mart 500 at Infinion Raceway in Sonoma, CA in 2008.
A long time a supporter of law enforcement and the military men and women serving our country, Guy has an on-going Armed Forces Entertainment commitment and has visited bases in the Persian Gulf, Guantanamo Bay, and Hawaii, as a guest of the U.S.Navy. He entertains the troops and inspires the military culinary specialists with instruction and inspiration.
Guy lives in Northern California with his wife, Lori and two boys – Hunter and Ryder.
For more information, or to request an interview, please contact
The Brooks Group at 212-768-0860.