Johnny Garlic’s Inc
Chief Operating Officer
5 Unit Company: Johnny Garlic’s, Tex Wasabi’s
National Restaurant Association
Serve Safe Instructor
California Restaurant Association
Board of Director / Educational Foundation
Restaurant of Redwood Empire
Past President 2000-2003
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management 1990
Guy Fieri began his career in foodservice at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels in his 3 wheeled bicycle cart that he
built with his father. The “Awesome Pretzel” as it was know by in his community of Humboldt County was seen at
almost every community event. While washing dishes and selling pretzels, Guy was able to earn enough money in 6
years to sponsor himself to study abroad in France.
While in France he gained his true appreciation for food and culture. Upon returning to the United States he decided
at the age of 17 to forego high school and begin Junior College. While attending college he held various positions
from Flambé Captain to Matre’d. Guy attended University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1987 and worked as a plant
supervisor in a meat distribution supplier. Upon Graduating in 1990 with a Bachelors degree in Hospitality management,
he was recruited by Stouffer restaurants to manage in their flagship restaurant in Long Beach California.
After 3 years with Stouffers he was recruited by a 7 restaurant unit, Louise’s Trattoria, as a General Manager. There
he was promoted to District Manager of 6 restaurants and was in charge of recruiting and training for the growing
chain.
In 1996, Guy and fellow District Manager Steven Gruber, left Louise’s to embark on their own concept, Johnny
Garlic’s. Guy and Steve opened their first Johnny Garlic’s in the fall of 1996. They opened 2 more locations within
the next 3 years, and then opened their catering division in 2001. Their most recent ventures, Tex Wasabi’s, a sushi
and southern style BBQ concept opened in the fall of 2003, and Russell Ramsay’s Chop House opened in the spring
of 2004. They are currently planning on opening their largest location, a Tex Wasabi’s in Sacramento in the fall of
2006.
During this time Guy has been a 3 term President of the Restaurant Association of the Redwood Empire, and
currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Educational Foundation of the California Restaurant Association.
Guy is a national culinary competition judge and competes on a professional BBQ team. Guy and Lori have two
sons, Hunter and Ryder, and live in Northern California.
From Guy's Official Bio
