Winner winner, chicken dinner. That’s what Food Network star and master chef Guy Fieri might say about California’s community colleges. Fieri, host of the Food Network’s wildly popular Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, attended both American River College and College of the Redwoods before moving on to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management.
He remains committed to his roots; he made a public plea in supporting a capital campaign raising dollars to for a culinary academy and restaurant at American River College. “As someone who has personally benefited from experiences at American River College, I can suggest that there is no better investment than an investment in a culinary future, he said in a 2010 promotional video. “Your next food experience, catered event or food you just buy at the grocery store could be a product of your contribution to help build the American River College culinary arts building.”
Fieri got his start on the Food Network during season two of The Next Food Network Star in 2006. That led to Guy’s Big Bite, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and several additional productions.
Fieri is more than a television celebrity. He and business partner Steve Gruber launched their Sonoma County-based Italian restaurant, Johnny Garlic’s, followed by Tex Wasabi’s. And passionate about empowering parents to include their children in the kitchen and educate them about eating healthy, Fieri helped draft state legislation proclaiming the second Saturday in May annually as “Cook With Your Kids Day.”
