The National Restaurant Association today announced that students from its ProStart program will intern with Food Network star Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Big Bite and Ultimate Recipe Showdown) at all stops on “The Guy Fieri Roadshow.” “The Guy Fieri Roadshow,” produced by Fieri’s company Knuckle Sandwich, will hit 21 cities in 30 days and play in venues that seat 2,000-5,000 fans. On the tour, Fieri is taking American food culture to new heights by combining the worlds of food and rock ‘n’ roll.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our ProStart students to work with a star in the restaurant and foodservice industry and get a taste of what it takes to succeed in high pressure situations,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO, National Restaurant Association. “We’re thrilled to be taking this next step in our relationship with Guy, and look forward to continuing to work together on more exciting projects.”

At each stop on “The Guy Fieri Roadshow,” Fieri teams up with Australian-based flair bartender Hayden “Woody” Wood, a local celebrated chef, and ProStart students. Four to six ProStart students selected by state restaurant associations will serve as interns in each city. The students will work with Guy’s team to help prep food before the show and be on hand behind the scenes to help during the show itself. For a complete list of tour dates or to purchase tickets, visit www.guyfieri.com/tourdates.html.

“When I was building my teams for each stop on the Roadshow, I knew I could count on ProStart students to step up to the challenge,” said Fieri. “I’ve seen what these kids can do at competition, and can’t wait to throw them into the fire with me on the tour.”

Three years ago, Fieri competed and won the second season of The Next Food Network Star to launch his career with the Food Network. In October 2008, Guy released his first book based on his widely popular show, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives: An All-American Road Trip…with Recipes! (William Morrow). In its first week, it landed on The New York Times Best Sellers List. A follow up book, More Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Another Drop-Top Culinary Cruise Through America’s Finest and Funkiest (William Morrow), is currently available in stores.

An ardent supporter of ProStart, Fieri brought his production team to the 2009 National ProStart Invitational to film Guy Fieri’s Top of the Class, airing on the Food Network on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 7:30 pm ET/PT . Fieri has also been a three-term President of the Restaurant Association of the Redwood Empire and serves on the Board of Directors for the Educational Foundation of the California Restaurant Association. To find out more about Fieri and his shows, check out www.guyfieri.com.