For more than 40 seasons, Diners, Drive‑Ins & Diveshas taken viewers on a wild ride through America’s most flavorful roadside gems. With his signature bleach-blonde spikes, bold button-downs, and a heart as big as his appetite, Guy Fieriturned what could’ve been a niche food show into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. But now fans are wondering: What happens when the keys to the red Camaro get passed on?
As Fieri inches toward his 60s and grows busier with a growing food and beverage empire, viewers are asking whether his sons, Hunter and Ryder Fieri, are next in line to inherit the crown of Flavortown. And according to Guy himself, it’s not out of the question.
Hunter Fieri Is Already in the Driver’s Seat (Almost)
At 28, Hunter Fieri is already proving he’s more than just the son of a celebrity chef. He’s earned a hospitality degree from UNLV, recently completed his MBA from the University of Miami, and has become a familiar face across Guy’s various shows, including Tournament of Champions.
In a recent interview with People, Guy hinted that Hunter might one day step in. “Maybe he’ll take it over,” he said. “We’ll see.” It’s clear he sees the potential, especially given Hunter’s ease on camera and culinary know-how.
Guy’s also made it clear how proud he is of his son’s growth. “I love how he gains confidence each season,” he said, even recalling how some of his favorite meals now come straight from Hunter’s kitchen. Hunter, for his part, isn’t shying away from the possibility of leading the DDD legacy. “When the time comes,” he’s said, “I will be ready to roll.”
Ryder’s a Wild Card—but Don’t Count Him Out
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ryder Fieri is still finding his flavor. A freshman at San Diego State University, Ryder has been less visible in the food TV spotlight, although he did make a brief appearance on DDD in Boise last year. That segment may have sparked something. After moving into his college dorm, Ryder complained about the bland food and suddenly took an interest in cooking for himself. “Now he’s really into it,” Guy said. “The clouds have parted.”
Still, there’s a lot of growing up ahead. And in the Fieri household, nothing gets handed over easily, not even a legacy like Triple D.
No Free Rides in Flavortown
Fieri’s parenting philosophy is as bold as his buffalo chicken. He famously enforces a “no inheritance without two degrees” rule. While Hunter recently checked both boxes, Ryder’s reportedly trying to negotiate a workaround based on his GPA. Good luck with that! Fieri didn’t even let his sons drive his cars until they proved themselves in hand-me-down clunkers.
That work ethic runs deep. “My dad told me, ‘When I die, I’m leaving you nothing except a funeral bill,’” Guy once said. That belief in earning your stripes—whether in a kitchen, a classroom, or behind a food truck—is part of what’s made Diners, Drive‑Ins & Dives feel authentic for nearly two decades.
Passing the Torch Without Losing the Flame
The idea of anyone other than Guy Fieri hosting Triple D might seem sacrilegious to longtime fans. His charisma, curiosity, and full-throttle energy have made the show what it is. But if anyone has a shot at preserving the soul of the series while bringing something fresh to the table, it’s Hunter.
With his restaurant chops, business acumen, and on-camera confidence, Hunter could carve out his own flavor of Flavortown. The next-gen version of Triple D doesn’t need to be a copy — it could evolve with a younger, more digitally savvy audience, a wider lens on cuisine, and fresh takes on what qualifies as a “dive.”
Still, for now, Guy isn’t going anywhere. In true Fieri fashion, he keeps it casual but open-ended: “I don’t know that I’ll do Triple Dforever,” he told People. “Maybe [Hunter will] take it over. We’ll see.”
The Future of Flavortown Is Still Cooking
Whether or not the Fieri sons officially inherit the Triple D franchise, one thing’s clear: they’re already living the brand. From co-hosting gigs to back-of-house prep to tequila and wine ventures with their dad, Hunter and Ryder are being seasoned behind the scenes.
There’s no pressure to clone Guy, but there is an opportunity to carry forward his ethos: spotlighting small businesses, championing community, and celebrating the joy of a good bite in an unexpected place. So if you’re wondering whether Flavortown will stay in the family… it just might. But like all great dishes, the next course is still being prepped.
