This Is How Many Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Restaurants That Have Closed
Guy Fieri's Food Network TV show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" has been captivating audiences for many years. As per Insider, a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to create the show. (It took the crew 21 days to finalize its first episode, and even after having it down to a science, they still need at least two days on average to finish shooting each episode.)
Host Guy Fieri also takes the time to assist these local chefs when he's filming each episode, saying, "...If they ever ask, I always want to offer advice to them if I can, and help them out. I mean, as we all do as chefs, we all support one another, and we all try to help each other grow." That said, he never wants anyone to feel too overwhelmed or dejected. Fieri added, "I'm not there to tell them how to change their restaurant — that's not my job." In case you're wondering what happens to the eateries after they're featured on the show, some restaurants have gone on to do well for themselves (Fieri reportedly warns the owners to prepare to an influx of customers after their episode airs), while others have sadly closed for good.
Restaurant success may vary
Per Flavortown USA, 59 of the restaurants that made an appearance on "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" over the years have now closed. For example, Fat Ones in Orlando, Florida (which appeared on the show in 2017) is now closed; as is Belly & Snout from Los Angeles, California (which was featured on "Triple D" in 2016). According to a report by Reality TV Revisited, Eight Noodle Shop closed its doors in 2019 after appearing on the program just a year earlier in 2018. According to Yelp, Zazu Kitchen & Farm (which was on a November, 2018 episode), is now shut as well. Other restaurants that appear on the list are Sage General Store in Long Island City, NY; Savarino's Cucina from Nashville, TN; Harvey's Hot Dogs, which was located in Portsmouth, VA; and Yayo Taco from Las Vegas, NV.
Of course, the restaurant and bar industry is notoriously difficult to make it in, so be sure to double check the website or social medial page of any spot you plan to hit up on your next cross country road trip. Even with the best reviews, you never know when a hidden gem could close forever.
Most 'Triple D' restaurants are still in business
Overall, quite a few eateries featured on "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" have unfortunately failed to survive the test of time for a number of reasons. While 59 closures may seem like a lot, considering the show has been on since 2006 and visits more than one location each episode (via IMDb), we'd say that's not a bad average. According to Diners, Drive-In's & Dives Locations, Guy Fieri and his signature Camaro have visited at least one restaurant in each of the 50 states, highlighting 1,250 local favorites and counting.
With news of Fieri's massive Food Network contract (making him officially the highest paid chef on television), we're sure "Triple D" fans can count on Fieri and his team to continue to discover and share those can't miss meals. If you are really worried about hitting one of the rare duds, rest assured there are plenty of lists covering the best restaurants featured on "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" to point you in the right direction.