12 Bonkers Facts About Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
Fieri finding food
If you're a food enthusiast with a penchant for mouthwatering comfort foods and quirky eateries, you're likely a fan of the wildly popular Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Hosted by the exuberant Guy Fieri, this is one of the longest-running food shows on TV. Since its debut in 2007, the show has become a staple on the Food Network channel.
Currently in its 45th season, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is the 5th most popular show on the Food Network, outshining popular picks such as "Beat Bobby Flay" and "Chopped."
The show reportedly earned Discovery Inc., its parent company, $230 million in 2020. Guy Fieri's passion for unique culinary experiences and energetic exploration of local joints became his ticket to worldwide fame and untold riches. The celebrity chef renewed his 3-year deal with the Food Network for a whopping $100 million in 2023.
Dig in to learn 11 bonkers facts about one of the longest and possibly the most rewarding shows on television.
The show has a cult-like following
Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives show has enjoyed a cult-like following since debuting on the Food Network 17 years ago. Guy's captivating personality and the laser focus on local eateries give the show an authentic feel. Foodies have created numerous websites based on the show to help fellow food enthusiasts retrace Guy's footsteps as he explores culinary offerings across 460 cities.
Guy Fieri's personality is the show's secret ingredient
Guy's larger-than-life personality—including his golden porcupine hair and tattoos—keeps viewers glued to the screen. His radiant energy helps the show stand out in a sea of sameness and become a mega hit for the last 17 years. For his troubles, Fieri has become a mega superstar on the Food Network and amassed a fortune—he reportedly earns tens of millions each year.
Guy Fieri has a lifelong passion for food.
Guy's love affair with food began long before he became a megastar. He started selling soft pretzels at age ten and washed dishes for six years to finance his dream of studying international cuisine in Chantilly, France. He later pursued a degree in Hospitality Management before co-owning a restaurant named Johnny's Garlic in Northern California.
The show has kept many restaurants from going out of business
Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives does more than entertain food enthusiasts. Over the last 17 years, the 8-minute spotlight on the acclaimed show has helped turn around the fortunes of countless restaurants. Some restaurants achieved sustained revenue growth for years, while others credit the show for saving their business from bankruptcy.
One restaurant lost $12,000 while filming the show
The Smack Shack at the 1029 Bar in Minneapolis lost $12,000 in food revenue after closing down for a 4-day shoot in 2012. However, the owners were more than delighted with the show's aftermath—they saw a 500% spike in sales. In the long-term, the restaurant's sales went up 300%—more than making up for what was lost during the shoot.
Initially, restaurants were skeptical about appearing on the show
Restaurant owners unfamiliar with the show were skeptical about the Triple-D effect. And rightly so. Some eateries registered no changes in patronage or sales after appearing on the show — but that was long before it became a mega-hit. However, subsequent reruns of the episodes after the show gained prominence continue to drive business to these restaurants.
Guy Fieri has a failed restaurant under his belt
Despite saving countless restaurants from closing down, Guy Fieri had to close down his restaurant. The Guy's American Kitchen and Bar closed in 2017 after 5.5 years of bad publicity and unflattering reviews from food critics. Fieri later admitted he co-owned the place and had no absolute control over how the food was cooked.
Guy genuinely likes the food he eats on the show
That's because his crew vets each eatery thoroughly to ensure its offerings make the cut. The show's directors and crew spend months researching and screening eateries before they're featured on the show. They'll visit the restaurant and order from its menu to ensure the food is great before each shoot. Only the eateries living up to Fieri's expectations earn his approval.
Guy Fieri has eaten in more restaurants than most people will in an entire lifetime
While filming the show, Guy Fieri has eaten in over 1,200 cafes and restaurants in 460 cities. Besides visiting each of the 50 states, the celebrity chef has taken his audience on a worldwide culinary tour. The eateries range from classic comfort food joints to innovative fusion spots and everything in between.
Triple-D actively hunts local gems likely to fly under the radar
In each episode of the Triple-D show, Guy Fieri is on a mission to shine a spotlight on hidden gems—cozy diners, quirky drive-ins, or unassuming dives. The show leans towards establishments with captivating stories, family recipes, or culinary traditions that help them stand out.
Critics have criticized the show for its unhealthy thoroughfare
But Guy Fieri came out swinging. "Am your chef, not your doctor," the celebrity chef said during an interview with CNN. Guy then urged people to take responsibility for what they eat and indulge in moderation. He constantly emphasizes that Triple-D is about celebrating local joints' unique culinary experiences and not about promoting a specific diet.
Guy Fieri owns multiple restaurants around the world
Despite Time Square's snafu, Guy is a successful entrepreneur who owns more than 80 restaurants across the globe. He's also authored several highly successful cookbooks based on the show. Fieri owns the Hunt & Ride winery and partnered with Sammy Hagar to produce a signature tequila brand. Other investments include jewelry and cigar-producing companies.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives remains one of the most popular shows on the Food Network. It helps seasoned and newly minted fans indulge their love for unique cuisine while supporting local businesses. Whether looking for an extraordinary dish or planning a culinary adventure, the Triple-D is an excellent guide for your next culinary trip.
