Guy Fieri stopped in SLO County for ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.’ Where did he eat?
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Guy Fieri in SLO County
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When you walk into The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach, you can’t miss the massive blackboard above the central open kitchen.
It advertises the restaurant’s most recent success — a Sept. 20 appearance on popular Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” — in colorful chalk.
Known for its farm-to-table fare, The Spoon Trade earned the attention of the show’s host, celebrity chef Guy Fieri, after he made an appearance at the San Luis Obispo Costo in March to introduce his new line of tequila.
While the self-described Mayor of Flavortown was signing hundreds of bottles of Santo Tequila for local fans, two of his scouts were searching the county for tasty locations to feature on the 49th season of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
That’s when The Spoon Trade got the call: Fieri was interested in profiling the restaurant at 295 West Grand Ave.
Co-owner and chef Jacob Town said he was excited because he knew the show could bring an immediate boom in business.
When did ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ film at SLO County restaurant?
Town opened The Spoon Trade with his wife, Brooke, and business partner Patrick Bergseid in 2016.
Town said the restaurant has struggled to stay afloat at times, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic forced layoffs of kitchen staff.
“There are a lot of things that can do good things for your business – Michelin stars, James Beard Award write-ups,” he said. “But when ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ comes to your restaurant, you notice a change the next day.”
The Spoon Trade was closed for two days of filming in March.
During that time, the American eatery showcased its locally sourced dishes and fluctuating menu that changes with the seasons.
The Spoon Trade’s most popular offerings include gourmet takes on comfort food, including fried chicken served with a sourdough waffle, spiced local honey, fried rosemary and house kimchi.
The restaurant is also known for its fried bologna sandwich and chicken and dumplings.
What did Guy Fieri eat at The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach?
The first day of the shoot was spent capturing behind-the-scenes footage of how meals are made at the restaurant.
On the second day of filming, famous television chef Guy Fieri arrived with his iconic bleach-blonde hair and dynamic personality.
Town said it was “a little nerve-wracking,” to be on camera with one of the Food Network’s most well-known faces.
However, he said, Fieri and his crew effectively captured the essence of what makes The Spoon Trade special.
“He champions our industry,” Town said of Fieri. “He champions the people. He champions chefs. He champions small-business owners.”
Town said Fieri was effusive in his praise for The Spoon Trade’s food, calling the restaurant’s bologna sandwich “worth a pilgrimage” and describing its chicken and dumplings as “the most elevated” he’s ever tasted.
Where else did Food Network host go?
While Fieri was in the area, he filmed an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” at Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill in San Luis Obispo. That episode aired on the Food Network on Aug. 2.
Fieri and his crew also stopped by Flour House, Taste! Craft Eatery and Mama’s Meatball in San Luis Obispo.
How did show boost business?
According to Town, The Spoon Trade has seen an increase in customers since appearing on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Although traffic usually slows down in the fall, business was as busy as any summer weekend the week after the episode aired, Town said.
The restaurant has stocked up on ingredients for its bologna sandwiches and chicken and dumplings since the two menu items have become instant best sellers.
The Spoon Trade also brought in additional staff to contend with a flood of new customers.
Despite the restaurant’s sudden success following the episode, The Spoon Trade has no plans to expand or change its business practices, Town said.
Instead, Town said he hopes the “Diners’ Drive-Ins, and Dives” episode will help the restaurant stay consistently busy so he and his co-owners no longer have to worry about keeping its doors open long term.
“That’s what we’re going to get out of this,” Town said. “A sustainable life for us and our entire crew.”
Visiting The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach
People looking to sample some of the dishes Guy Fieri tasted on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” episode can visit The Spoon Trade at 295 West Grand Ave. in Grover Beach.
The restaurant is open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
How to watch ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’
“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” airs regularly on The Food Network.
You can also stream episodes on several major subscription streaming platforms, including Max, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon and Food Network Go.
This story was originally published October 5, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
