Update on Guy Fieri Food, the Road Show, more

Guy Fieri is on the road in support of the release of his new cookbook, "Guy Fieri Food." So far, the road show tour has hit Charleston, Cherokee, Windsor and Cleveland, and ten more stops are on the schedule, today through June 7, 2011.

Allan of Toohey and Fee, Q104 radio, saw Guy Fieri at Playhouse Square in Cleveland last night. Take a look at some of his pics from the show!

Fans are loving seeing Guy Fieri live. The only slightly negative feedback I've received from some is that the video montage segment is ... less (?) ... entertaining than the rest of the 2 1/2 hour show. But the majority like it, saying that the energy, music and laughs are well worth the ticket price.

There have also been many requests for Guy's Pork En Fuego recipe. Click here to download.

"Guy Fieri Food" (HarperCollins: $29.99) is listed at #7 on the New York Times Best-sellers (source). Visit BrooksPR.com for behind-the-scenes information on the launching of Guy's new cookbook.

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One of Guy Fieri's signature restaurants, Tex Wasabi's in Santa Rosa, CA, recently reopened after a 1 1/2 year closure. Brett Hutchison, chief operating officer, tells me that the first few days have been incredible!

Grand Reopening date has yet to be determined.

The Press Democrat reports that owners Guy Fieri and Steve Gruber spent $1 million to remodel the restaurant. "Santa Rosa is an extraordinary city," Guy Fieri wrote, "and we are sure that the national attention that Tex Wasabi's will generate will help to promote the entire downtown community.”

Tex Wasabi's employs 60 people and conjectures an annual revenue of $2.5 million.

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Dozens of restaurants are on pins and needles when Food Network recently removed premiere episodes of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives from their schedule. The pending lawsuit between Page Productions and Food Network has put three previously-scheduled debuts, May 30, June 6 and June 13, on hold.

Grillin' and Smokin' was scheduled for 5/30/11, featuring San Antonio's Bun 'N' Barrel, Denver's Tocabe American Indian Eatery and Munch's Restaurant & Sundries in St. Petersburg. Barbequed, Baked, and Brined (repeat) airs instead.

Southern Flavor was scheduled for 6/6/11, featuring the Broken Record in San Francisco, Denver's Bang! and Jose's Real Cuban Food in Bradenton, FL. Sauced and Spiced (repeat) airs instead.

Gettin' Fresh was scheduled for 6/13/11. The episode was to highlight Five Points Community Farm Market in Norfolk, Chicago's Nana Organic and The Sink in Boulder. At the time of this writing, the 9 pm time slot is empty.

Jose Baserva and Darlene of Jose’s Real Cuban Food said they're stressed about the news, and Mark Heinritz of The Sink said, "I can't tell you how bummed out we are. Our script was just finished 2 weeks ago."

Restaurants see a HUGE influx of business in the days and weeks following a Triple D premiere. Owners must stock up on food, supplies and staff to prepare. All of that is on hold, pending a Food Network response to allegations of breaking contract with Page Productions.

We all hope for a swift and equitable outcome.

Related Posts:
Upcoming "Guy Fieri Food Tour," Spring 2011
Tex Wasabi's Santa Rosa re-opens
Food Network splits with Diners, Drive-ins and Dives producer