Guy Fieri’s hit show ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ has changed the fate of countless eateries across America. When the spiky-haired Food Network star rolls up in his red Camaro, restaurants often see their business explode overnight.
These 15 restaurants didn’t just get a temporary boost from their TV appearance! They transformed into must-visit food destinations that continue to thrive years after Guy’s visit.
1. Hodad’s Burger Paradise
This San Diego burger joint became an overnight sensation after Guy sampled their bacon cheeseburger. Lines wrapped around the block following the episode’s airing.
Sadly, owner Mike Hardin passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on through these legendary burgers that continue drawing crowds from across the country.
2. Northern Waters Smokehaus: Sandwich Sensation
Tucked away in Duluth, Minnesota, this smokehouse crafts incredible sandwiches that caught Guy’s attention. Their ‘Cajun Finn’ sandwich – house-smoked salmon with scallion cream cheese and peppers – became their signature dish.
Customers now travel hundreds of miles specifically to taste this creation that Guy famously declared ‘dynamite!’
3. Southern Soul Barbeque’s Smoky Success
Located on St. Simons Island, Georgia, this BBQ joint faced disaster when a fire destroyed their original location shortly after filming. Remarkably, the publicity from Guy’s visit helped them rebuild bigger and better.
Today, their pulled pork and brunswick stew draw barbecue pilgrims from across the South.
4. Magnolia Pancake Haus: Breakfast Revolution
Before Guy’s visit, this San Antonio breakfast spot was a local secret. His enthusiastic reaction to their ‘Famous Buttermilk Pancakes’ changed everything.
Owner Robert Fleming had to open a second location to handle the influx of new customers. Now both locations have lines out the door every weekend morning.
5. Boston Burger Company’s Creative Explosion
Guy fell in love with their ‘420 Burger’ topped with mozzarella sticks, fried mac and cheese, and onion rings.
The restaurant expanded from one location to three and launched a nationwide shipping service for their famous burgers and ‘freak frappes’ – all thanks to Guy’s golden touch.
6. Oinkster’s Pastrami Phenomenon
Chef Andre Guerrero’s Eagle Rock, California eatery combines fast food convenience with slow-cooked quality. Guy raved about their house-cured pastrami, which takes two weeks to prepare.
Following the feature, The Oinkster became a cult favorite, eventually opening a second location in Hollywood to satisfy demand from new fans.
7. Pies ‘N’ Thighs: Brooklyn’s Southern Comfort
This Williamsburg spot serves Southern classics that impressed even Guy, who grew up with similar cooking. Their fried chicken and apple pie combo earned his highest praise.
After their Triple D feature, they expanded to a larger location and opened a Manhattan outpost. The restaurant now sells their famous donuts and biscuits at multiple markets across NYC.
8. Steuben’s Comfort Food Revival
Denver’s beloved diner specializes in regional American classics like Maine lobster rolls and Philly cheesesteaks. Guy particularly loved their green chile cheeseburger.
After the show aired, Steuben’s reported a 25% increase in business. They’ve since opened a second location in Arvada and launched a food truck to meet growing demand.
9. Pam’s Kitchen: Caribbean Flavor Explosion
Pam Jacob brought authentic Trinidadian cuisine to Seattle, creating a unique spot Guy couldn’t resist. Her roti and curry dishes had him declaring ‘this is unlike anything else!’
The Triple D effect helped Pam relocate to a larger space in the University District. Her restaurant now attracts customers seeking Caribbean flavors they discovered through Guy’s enthusiastic endorsement.
10. Swiss Hibiscus: Portland’s European Secret
This family-owned Portland gem serves authentic Swiss cuisine rarely found in America. Guy was blown away by their schnitzel and spätzle.
Owner Jennie Wyss saw business double after the episode aired. Tourists now make special trips to Portland just to experience the Swiss comfort food Guy showcased on his show.
11. Pizzeria Lola’s Wood-Fired Wonder
Chef Ann Kim’s Minneapolis pizzeria caught Guy’s attention with Korean-inspired pies like the Lady ZaZa with kimchi. Her unique approach to pizza-making earned his enthusiastic approval.
Following their feature, reservations became nearly impossible to get. Kim has since opened three more acclaimed restaurants and won a James Beard Award.
12. Smack Shack: Lobster Truck to Empire
Starting as a food truck, this Minneapolis seafood spot was featured just as they opened their first brick-and-mortar location. Guy raved about their lobster rolls served in a casual setting.
The timing couldn’t have been better – lines formed immediately after the episode aired. They’ve since expanded to multiple locations including the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
13. Casper & Runyon’s Nook: Burger Joint Jackpot
This tiny St. Paul sports bar became famous for their ‘Juicy Nookie’ – a cheese-stuffed burger that had Guy speechless. The small 30-seat restaurant wasn’t prepared for what followed.
They’ve since expanded their space and opened a second restaurant called ‘Shamrocks’ to handle overflow.
14. Donatelli’s Italian Family Tradition
This unassuming White Bear Lake, Minnesota restaurant serves massive portions of Italian-American classics. Guy was particularly impressed by their meatball sub and ‘Luna Pie’ pizza.
Owner Trish Appleby reported that business increased 60% after their episode aired. Years later, customers still mention seeing Donatelli’s on Triple D when they visit for the first time.
15. Dari-Ette Drive-In: Nostalgic Revival
This seasonal St. Paul drive-in has operated since 1951, but Guy’s visit introduced their Italian specialties to a whole new generation. Their homemade meatballs and spaghetti sauce served to your car window amazed him.
Owner Angela Fida saw business increase dramatically, helping preserve this nostalgic gem for years to come.