Guy Fieri revealed that his youngest son, Ryder, who is currently studying at San Diego State University, gets to pick the family's meals during his visits home for the holidays. Ryder has expressed that although the college offers a solid meal program, he finds that food prepared at home has a unique taste that cannot be replicated, which touches Fieri deeply.

During his time at home, Ryder takes the lead in planning their meals, often creating a menu of dishes he wishes to enjoy. Fieri mentioned that Ryder asks for specific meals for dinner, highlighting their close family bond and Ryder's appreciation for his father's culinary skills. Fieri also expressed eagerness for Ryder to move into an apartment in the future, joking that he would embrace a nurturing role, akin to that of an old Italian grandmother, by sending him off with homemade food staples like chili and marinara sauce.

While college dining halls usually earn a reputation for less-than-desirable food, some institutions, such as UCLA, have made a name for their quality meal options. A recent ranking by Niche, a company that gathers school data, placed UCLA at the top of the list for the Best College Food in America, followed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Virginia Tech. A perspective from a mother with college-bound sons emphasizes the importance of ensuring a dining hall environment is welcoming and suitable for prospective students.