Guy Fieri Makes His Kids Work for Millions, No Trust Fund Babies Here

Guy Fieri, 2009. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Defense Current Photos. Public domain.

What happens when your dad is a $100 million celebrity chef but refuses to hand over the keys to the kingdom without a double dose of academia? If you're Ryder Fieri, youngest son of TV personality Guy Fieri, you roll up your sleeves — or try to negotiate your way out of it.

A Recipe for Inheritance: Work, Then Wealth

Guy Fieri isn't just the flame-shirted Food Network^® icon behind "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." He's also a firm believer in old-school values — especially when it comes to raising his children. Despite landing a massive $100 million contract with Food Network, Fieri's kids aren't guaranteed a slice of the pie unless they follow one very specific rule: earn two college degrees. (https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/guy-fieri-children-inheritance-20279924.php)

The rule isn't a casual suggestion — it's a household mantra. Fieri has long told his kids that if they want to inherit anything, they must complete their education. "If you want this cheese, you got to get two degrees," Fieri said, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Degrees Over Inheritance: The Fieri Family Code

The two-degree requirement isn't just about education — it's about instilling values. Fieri credits his own father for shaping his mindset. He often recalls being told he wouldn't inherit anything except a funeral bill. That tough talk was meant to teach that success comes from effort, not entitlement.

His sons — and his nephew — are living proof that the system is working. Hunter Fieri, now 28, is on track to graduate with an MBA from the University of Miami.

Jules, his 26-year-old nephew, whom Fieri helped raise after the death of his sister in 2011, recently completed law school at Loyola Marymount University.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ryder is just wrapping up his freshman year at San Diego State University — and already testing the limits of the rule.

Ryder's Rebellion: One Degree ... With Honors?

Fieri shared that Ryder tried negotiating an alternative. The idea? Skip the second degree if he maintains great grades throughout undergrad. But the proposal didn't fly. The rule was set, and there were no exceptions — not even for the baby of the family.

To add some pressure, Ryder's older brother and cousin have taken to teasing him. They're done. He's just getting started. The message is clear — Ryder has a long way to go if he wants his share of the cheese.

No Free Rides — Not Even to School

Growing up as Guy Fieri's kid doesn't come with the perks you might expect. For example, when Hunter was in high school, he drove a beat-up green 1990 Chevy pickup while his classmates showed up in Range Rovers and Corvettes.

Hunter worked as a dishwasher at one of his dad's restaurants to save for a new vehicle. That same truck was later passed to Jules. By the time Ryder was ready to drive, the truck was dead. So, he asked if he could borrow one of his dad's vehicles.

Instead, he got the keys to his grandparents' old champagne-colored minivan. Ryder refused to drive it. Fieri's response was, "Then ride your bike," as reported by Business Insider.

The Real Flavor of Flavortown

Fieri is focused on giving his children the tools to thrive — not just a pile of cash. He said he's always been clear that he will support and help them, but they still need to stake their own claim and figure out their path.

Ryder works with San Diego State's basketball team while in school. Hunter, on the other hand, helps with several of his father’s shows, including "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and "Guy's Grocery Games." Hunter is also working on his own Food Network project called "Station Nation."

The family plans to celebrate Hunter and Jules' graduations with a trip to Italy — a well-earned reward that Ryder might also enjoy someday if he hits those two degrees.

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