Celebrity chef Guy Fieri, known for his vibrant personality and love for food, recently opened up about the unconventional rules he has set for his children's future inheritance during an exclusive interview with Business Insider. Despite boasting a substantial $100 million contract with the Food Network, Fieri maintains a firm stance on the importance of education and hard work when it comes to the legacy he will leave for his sons.

In the interview, Fieri humorously referenced a quote from basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, stating, "If you want this cheese, you got to get two degrees." This sentiment reflects his belief that success is earned through diligence and education. He commented that "everybody's taking me to the bank on this one," implying that his children are well-aware of his expectations.

Fieri's eldest son, Hunter, aged 28, is on the verge of completing his MBA from the University of Miami this coming May. Meanwhile, his 26-year-old nephew, Jules, whom Fieri has taken under his wing since the passing of his sister in 2011, has recently graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a law degree. These accomplishments illustrate Fieri's commitment to fostering a strong educational foundation within his family.

In contrast, Fieri's youngest son, Ryder, at 19 years old, is still in the early stages of his academic journey, currently finishing his freshman year at San Diego State University. Fieri shared with a chuckle how his older sons often tease Ryder about his ongoing education, playfully reminding him, "You know, we're done. You still have to go finish college and go get your postgraduate." This playful banter highlights the close-knit dynamic between the siblings.

Despite his father's firm rules, Ryder has attempted to negotiate his own terms regarding his inheritance, asking, "Dad, come on, give me a break. How about if I get great grades the whole time?" Fieri recounted this moment with laughter, illustrating both the light-hearted nature of their family interactions and the pressures Ryder faces as the youngest.

Fieri is keen on passing down valuable lessons that he learned from his own father, emphasizing, "When I die, I'm leaving you nothing except a funeral bill." This statement, while humorous, underscores a deeper message: his father provided him with the essential tools for success, including education and life skills, rather than material wealth. Fieri stated, "It was very clear at a very young age that I was going to have to go make it on my own," reinforcing the idea that self-reliance is crucial.

As part of this ethos, Fieri has instilled a strong work ethic in his children from a young age. He recalls a time when Hunter, despite attending a private school where luxury cars were the norm, drove a 1990 green Chevy pickup that he had saved up for by washing dishes at one of Fieri's restaurants. This pickup truck later became a rite of passage, eventually passed down to Jules after Hunter saved up for a new vehicle. However, by the time Ryder was ready to drive, the old truck was no longer functional.

In a memorable moment during Ryder's 16th birthday, the family surprised him with keys to a champagne-colored minivan, to which Ryder responded with disbelief, exclaiming, "No way. There's no way I'm driving that!" Fieri's response was direct: "Then ride your bike." This interaction exemplifies the tough love approach that Fieri employs to teach his sons responsibility and the value of hard work.

During the off-season, Ryder contributes to the San Diego State basketball team while his brother Hunter assists Fieri on popular shows like "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and "Guy's Grocery Games." In this collaborative environment, Fieri recently introduced new flavors for Waterloo Sparkling Waternamely, Lemon Italian Ice, Huckleberry Cobbler, and Spiced Mangoallowing his sons to partake in the creative process.

While Ryder still has many years of education ahead of him, Fieri is eagerly anticipating a celebratory family trip to Italy this summer, planned in honor of Hunter and Jules recent academic achievements. This trip not only symbolizes a family celebration but also underscores Fieri's belief in recognizing and rewarding hard work and success within his family.