Exposure from reality shows doesn't necessarily result to fame and popularity.  But for Guy Fieri, who has established a name for himself ever since his exposure on The Next Food Network Star, his achievements are attached with his cooking shows and his currently owned and upcoming restaurants, not to mention his passion for exploring great cuisines.

As the second season winner, Fieri has acquired a six-episode cooking show called Guy's Big Bite on the Food Network, which was positively renewed for a second season that began airing earlier this year.  He also has a second series called Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, which features a “road trip” concept where Fieri travels around the United States to search for the best drive-in restaurants and diners.

“It's like I'm touring with the Stones!  We're all Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives at heart.  We all like to go to these environments where it's haute cuisine,” Fieri told TV Guide referring to his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

“I think people can relate to it more.  Sandwich shop to taco truck to funky dive joint to late-night place, that's what it is.  Like those [construction] dudes I just saw that were waving.  That's because they go to these places…they get it. This is everybody,” he added.

The fourth season of The Next Food Network Star is quite far ahead.  Meanwhile, Fieri has some advice for the next winner.

“Do not take anything for granted.  Do not think you know what is coming, because it is like starting a whole new life,” he said.  “[Distracted for a moment] There are some construction workers pointing at me from across the street. See, that's an example: It's like one, big, gigantic restaurant. You're always on, you always have to have your head in the game.  The second thing would be, get ready to work hard.  This is not a part-time gig.  Really be prepared for the reality, it's not a cakewalk.  This isn't homecoming.  You just won a national television show!”

At present, Fieri is the co-owner of Tex Wasabi's BBQ and Sushi in downtown Santa Rosa, Russell Ramsay's Chop House, which is also located in Santa Rosa, and Johnny Garlic's Pasta Grill in Windsor.  He is currently planning to open a second Johnny Garlic's restaurant in Santa Rosa as well.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of TV Guide)