Guy Fieri.Photo:Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Tyler Robinson Foundation
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Tyler Robinson Foundation
Guy Fieriis taking a moment to savor his success.
In November, the celebrity chef, 55,reportedlysigned a new three-year, $100 million deal with theFood Network, according toVariety. Now he tells PEOPLE that the accomplishment has him feeling “very humbled.” (He previously signed an$80 million dealin 2021.)
“I’m so appreciative. I really feel fortunate,” says Fieri, who will hostGuy’s Flavortown Tailgateduring the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Feb. 11. “I started at the Food Network almost 17, 18 years ago. And never thought anything like this was ever coming my way.”
Fieri, who sharestwo sons with his wife Lori, says his career aspirations back then were quite simple.
“I just wanted to be a cook,” he continues. “I wanted to own my own restaurant, be a great dad. And that was it. That’s all I really wanted I had aspirations of all kinds of things, but to think that this has happened?”
Despite being one of the most popular faces on the Food Network since 2006, with several hit shows includingDiners, Drive-Ins and Dives, he still has a hard time grasping his career trajectory.
Guy Fieri with son Hunter.Denise Truscello/Getty
Denise Truscello/Getty
“I got to be honest — no way, shape or form would any of this ever happen,” says Fieri, who is quick to give credit to the people in his life who have supported him on his journey.
He also attributes his success to a willingness to be bold and take risks. “Surround yourself with great people, work hard, stay focused, and be willing to take calculated chances,” he explains. “I think that all those things will eventually culminate to something maybe bigger than you’d anticipated.”
Guy Fieri appears in an episode of ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’.Food Network
Food Network
“We do a ton of great work,” he says. “Tonight, we’re getting ready to go serve dinner for 40 first responders and their families for the holidays as a thank you. So I really look at the things that I can do with it, the opportunities I can make happen.”
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Fieri also relishes giving back to his fans. In February, he will host aGuy’s Flavortown Tailgatefood and music festival on the Las Vegas Strip on Super Bowl Sunday. The event, a partnership with Pepsi, is free to people of all ages.
“We don’t have to make money at everything we do, but we do need to take care of one another, and we do need to be supportive of one another,” Fieri tells PEOPLE.
“I love going to the Super Bowl, and I know what it does for me, and my feeling, and my energy, and how it makes my family feel,” he adds.
Guy Fieri’s Super Bowl tailgate.Courtesy of Medium Rare
Courtesy of Medium Rare
Diplo and country singer Dustin Lynch are set to perform at the tailgating event. “So we’ve got the country music. We’ve got the mixed music. We’ve got interactions. We’ve got activities. We’ve got great cocktails. We’ve got a VIP section overlooking the entire event,” Fieri says. “There’s so much cool stuff happening and it’s right off the strip in Vegas, behind the big Ferris wheel.”
Restaurants featured on Triple D will serve up food, in addition to several Las Vegas-area restaurants.
“This tailgate really is a dream come true,” he tells PEOPLE. “I’m so passionate about football… I look forward to football season. I wish we could just have it all year round. I’d be the happiest person in the world.”
As for his Food Network gig, Fieri plans to roll up his sleeves and work harder than ever. “I’ll deliver for the next three years,” he says. “You can bet that!”
source: people.com
