Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has turned countless hidden gems into overnight sensations, with lines snaking out the door and a buzz that electrifies small kitchens. But for some, that rush of fame became a double-edged sword. From beloved family diners to daring fusion kitchens, these 17 restaurants once sizzled under the bright lights of Guy’s spiky-haired spotlight before quietly closing their doors for good. Whether it was rising rents, shifting tastes, or pandemic struggles, these spots couldn’t withstand the heat, leaving behind only memories and flavor-packed episodes for fans who still crave one last bite.
1. Joe’s Cable Car Restaurant
Fresh ground burgers made this San Francisco landmark a must-visit destination for nearly five decades. The restaurant’s commitment to quality—grinding fresh chuck daily—earned them a spot on Triple D and a loyal customer base.
Despite the fame from Fieri’s visit, owner Joe Obegi decided to retire in 2014, closing the beloved institution after 49 years. The restaurant’s vintage cable car-shaped building and hand-formed patties had become neighborhood icons.
Locals still reminisce about their juicy burgers served with a side of nostalgia in a uniquely San Franciscan atmosphere.
2. Byways Cafe
Nestled in Portland’s Pearl District, Byways Cafe captured hearts with its nostalgic American diner atmosphere and hearty breakfast offerings. The walls adorned with vintage postcards and license plates created a time-capsule experience that complemented their famous corned beef hash.
After welcoming hungry Portlanders for 20 years, Byways served its final blue plate special in 2019. The closure wasn’t due to quality issues or lack of customers—lease complications forced the beloved diner to shut down.
Even Guy Fieri’s stamp of approval couldn’t save this breakfast institution from Portland’s changing real estate landscape.
3. Blueplate Lunch Counter & Soda Fountain
Remember when comfort food meant grilled cheese sandwiches and hand-mixed soda fountain drinks? Blueplate captured that nostalgia perfectly in downtown Portland. Their creamy milkshakes and melty sandwiches transported diners to a simpler time.
Owner Jeff Reiter created a genuine 1950s lunch counter experience that caught Guy Fieri’s attention. The vintage blue stools and classic American fare made it a perfect Triple D feature.
Sadly, after nearly ten years of serving up nostalgia with a side of tater tots, Blueplate closed its doors in 2016, leaving Portland with one fewer spot for old-school comfort food.
4. Yonder
Southern hospitality found its Portland home at Yonder, where Chef Maya Lovelace’s fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits transported diners straight to Appalachia. Her grandma’s recipes and dedication to authentic techniques earned a coveted spot on Triple D.
The pandemic hit Yonder particularly hard in 2022. Lovelace attempted a phoenix-like rebirth, transforming the space into Hissyfit with a new concept. Unfortunately, the reinvention couldn’t overcome the economic challenges of the time.
Both iterations closed permanently, leaving Portland without its celebrated temple to Southern comfort cuisine that once had diners lining up around the block.
5. Aviv
Vegan Middle Eastern cuisine found its champion in Aviv, a Portland hotspot that proved plant-based food could be both traditional and innovative. Their silky hummus and smoky baba ganoush converted even dedicated carnivores.
Owner Tal Caspi created a menu that honored his Israeli heritage while embracing Portland’s progressive food scene. The restaurant’s bright, airy space matched its fresh, vibrant dishes. Despite Guy Fieri’s enthusiastic endorsement and a devoted following, Aviv couldn’t weather the pandemic storm.
In 2021, they announced their permanent closure, joining countless restaurants that couldn’t survive the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.
6. Pizzeria Credo
Wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts made Pizzeria Credo a West Seattle gem for over a decade. Their legendary Salad Sophia—featuring an astonishing 80 ingredients—became their signature dish after Guy Fieri showcased it on Triple D.
Owner Ismail Ismail brought authentic Italian techniques and Mediterranean flavors to every dish. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients earned them a dedicated following.
After 11 years of serving creative pizzas and that famous salad, Pizzeria Credo closed in 2023. Despite television fame and loyal customers, they couldn’t overcome the challenges facing independent restaurants in the post-pandemic economy.
7. Melt Bar and Grilled
Grilled cheese sandwiches reached epic proportions at Melt, where founder Matt Fish transformed a childhood favorite into culinary art. These weren’t your mother’s sandwiches—they were half-pound monsters stuffed with everything from pierogi to lasagna.
At its height, Melt expanded to multiple locations across Ohio, riding high on Fieri’s enthusiastic endorsement. Their creative comfort food earned a cult following that seemed unstoppable.
The empire gradually contracted over the years before closing its final location in 2025. Despite their innovative takes on a classic and television fame, even the most indulgent grilled cheese couldn’t shield them from the harsh realities of the restaurant business.
8. Oscar’s Taco House
For 63 years, Oscar’s Taco House served as San Antonio’s living museum of Tex-Mex tradition. Generations of families gathered around their famous puffy tacos and enchilada plates, creating memories alongside their meals.
The restaurant’s no-frills approach and consistently delicious food caught Guy Fieri’s attention, bringing national recognition to this local institution. Their house-made tortillas and family recipes remained unchanged for decades.
Summer 2025 marked the end of an era when Oscar’s served its final meal on June 28th. Despite Triple D fame, the beloved restaurant closed its doors, leaving behind decades of culinary history and a community of heartbroken regulars.
9. Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar
Those legendary cheddar fries alone were worth the trip to Snuffer’s. Piled high with melted cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and green onions, they became the restaurant’s calling card after Guy Fieri featured them on Triple D.
The Colleyville location carried on the tradition that made Snuffer’s a Dallas-area institution. Their half-pound burgers paired perfectly with those famous fries, creating a comfort food combination that kept tables full.
Despite loyal fans and television exposure, the Colleyville location permanently closed in June 2025. While other Snuffer’s restaurants remain open, this particular outpost couldn’t sustain operations, leaving local fans to travel further for their cheddar fry fix.
10. Del Toro BBQ
Smoke meets spice at Del Toro BBQ, where Texas barbecue traditions merged with Mexican flavors to create something truly unique. Their brisket tacos and smoked queso quickly earned them a reputation in Mansfield’s competitive barbecue scene.
Guy Fieri’s visit spotlighted their innovative approach to cross-cultural barbecue. The combination of slow-smoked meats with vibrant Mexican ingredients represented the evolving Texas culinary landscape. Unfortunately, Del Toro’s run proved short-lived.
Despite the Triple D boost, they closed their doors in June 2025, demonstrating that even television exposure can’t guarantee longevity in the challenging restaurant industry.
11. JY Ramen
Steaming bowls of authentic ramen made JY a standout in San Antonio’s growing Asian food scene. Their hand-crafted broths—simmered for hours until reaching perfect richness—caught Guy Fieri’s discerning palate during his Texas tour.
The restaurant’s minimalist approach focused attention where it belonged: on meticulously prepared noodles and deeply flavored soups. Each bowl represented the chef’s dedication to traditional techniques with subtle Texan influences.
After eight years of satisfying San Antonio’s ramen cravings, JY closed in June 2025. The location quickly transitioned to new ownership, continuing the cycle of restaurant turnover that defines the industry, even for establishments with television credentials.
12. Sunshine Bakery
Sweet treats and nostalgic baked goods made Sunshine Bakery a San Antonio favorite for generations. Their colorful conchas, flaky empanadas, and celebration cakes became staples at family gatherings throughout the city.
The bakery’s old-school approach and time-tested recipes impressed Guy Fieri, who showcased their traditional Mexican pastries to a national audience. Their hand-decorated cookies and custom cakes demonstrated craftsmanship increasingly rare in modern bakeries.
After struggling through changing neighborhood demographics and economic challenges, Sunshine Bakery permanently closed in June 2025. The shuttering marked the end of another family-owned business that couldn’t sustain operations despite brief television fame.
13. Ocho at Hotel Havana
Housed in a stunning glass conservatory overlooking San Antonio’s River Walk, Ocho combined breathtaking views with vibrant Latin cuisine. The restaurant’s Cuban-inspired dishes and craft cocktails made it both a tourist destination and local favorite.
The unique setting—a glass-enclosed space with panoramic riverside views—created an atmosphere as memorable as the food. Guy Fieri’s visit highlighted their fusion of Caribbean and Texan flavors.
After 14 years as one of San Antonio’s most distinctive dining spaces, Ocho closed permanently on June 29, 2025. Despite its architectural beauty and television exposure, the restaurant couldn’t overcome the economic challenges facing upscale dining establishments in the post-pandemic landscape.
14. The Frosted Mug
Cold beer and classic bar food defined The Frosted Mug, an Alsip, Illinois neighborhood staple that perfectly embodied the spirit of Triple D. Their unpretentious approach to comfort food classics earned them a spot on Fieri’s radar.
The restaurant’s signature frosted beer mugs and hearty portions created a welcoming atmosphere for locals. Their burgers and wings represented the kind of straightforward, satisfying fare that built Guy’s television empire.
Sadly, television exposure couldn’t sustain The Frosted Mug for long. Approximately one year after their episode aired, the restaurant closed its doors, with a new establishment quickly taking over the location—a common fate for many featured restaurants.
15. Spice Island Grill
Authentic Jamaican flavors transported Colorado Springs diners to the Caribbean at Spice Island Grill. Their jerk chicken—marinated for days before hitting the grill—became legendary after Guy showcased their traditional cooking methods.
Owners Claudette and Glenroy Hutchinson created a slice of Jamaica in Colorado, complete with vibrant decor and island hospitality. Their oxtail stew and curry goat introduced many locals to authentic Caribbean cuisine for the first time.
After 12 successful years and expansion to two locations, Spice Island Grill closed both restaurants in early 2023. The owners cited economic pressures and staffing challenges that have become all too familiar in the restaurant industry post-pandemic.
16. The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen
Mountain lodge vibes and hearty comfort food made The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen a Fort Collins favorite. The restaurant’s rustic decor—complete with wooden beams and taxidermy—created the perfect backdrop for their indulgent burgers and signature pork stew.
Their Sasquatch theme extended beyond decor to the massive portions that challenged even the heartiest appetites. Guy Fieri’s visit highlighted their creative approach to elevated pub fare.
Despite initial success and television exposure, The Lodge closed several years after their Triple D feature. The restaurant’s unique concept and Fieri’s endorsement couldn’t overcome the challenges of maintaining a themed restaurant in a competitive dining market.
17. Dad’s Kitchen
Farm-to-table comfort food made Dad’s Kitchen a Sacramento standout for 14 years. Their famous Dad’s Burger—topped with blue cheese and bacon—became a local legend after Guy Fieri featured it on Triple D.
The restaurant’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and scratch cooking earned them a devoted following. Their relaxed atmosphere and craft beer selection created the perfect neighborhood gathering spot.
July 2024 marked the end for this Sacramento institution when they announced their permanent closure. Despite television fame and quality offerings, Dad’s Kitchen couldn’t overcome the mounting challenges facing independent restaurants in today’s economic climate.
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