In this episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” Guy Fieri takes us to Norman, Oklahoma, just 25 miles south of Oklahoma City. Here, he visits The Diner, a historic establishment that’s been serving up classic American fare for over a century. Known for its award-winning chili, The Diner is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike.
A Century of Tradition
Guy Fieri begins by highlighting the charm of Main Street in small-town America. He mentions that Norman is also home to the University of Oklahoma, giving the town a vibrant yet traditional feel. The Diner, which has been around for over 110 years, fits perfectly into this nostalgic picture. Guy shares that the restaurant faced hard times when its previous owners couldn’t keep it running, but thanks to the determination of Mark Patcher and Ben Benedum, it’s now thriving.
Saving an Icon
Mark Patcher, who was the manager at the time, and attorney-turned-Diner-regular Ben Benedum joined forces to save The Diner. Ben handled the legal work, and Mark took on the task of reviving the business. Two decades later, the restaurant is still a local favorite, drawing crowds for its homestyle cooking and classic dishes.
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Championship Chili
The highlight of the episode is The Diner’s Championship Chili, a recipe that has won the Oklahoma State Chili Championship not once but twice. Guy gets an inside look at how this award-winning chili is made.
The Recipe
Mark walks Guy through the process, starting with 5 pounds of 80/20 ground beef. Instead of cooking the meat first, all the ingredients are added together, allowing the flavors to meld as they cook. The chili includes diced tomatoes, dark chili powder, ground chili pepper, paprika, diced fresh onion, fresh pureed garlic, cumin, crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance it out. The mixture is cooked on low heat, stirred every 15-20 minutes, and then additional spices are added about two hours into cooking. After three hours, the chili is ready.
“This is really good chili, bro.” Guy says after tasting it, noting the chili’s gentle texture and perfect heat.
A Versatile Dish
The chili is extremely versatile and is used in a variety of dishes at The Diner. From chili on fries and hash browns to the famous chili dog, the options are endless. One local even mentions:
“I always get my hash browns covered with chili and cheese. Their Frito chili pie is amazing.”
More Than Just Chili
While the chili steals the show, The Diner offers a range of other delicious options, including a green chili sauce inspired by mexico/" class="ddd-auto-link">New Mexico flavors. This sauce is used in their beef and bean burrito, which Guy also gets to try.
The Green Chili Sauce
The green chili sauce is made from diced green chilies, crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken stock, and a blend of spices including salt, cumin, coriander, and oregano. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, making it a flavorful addition to many dishes. Guy tries the beef and bean burrito topped with this sauce and is thoroughly impressed.
“That’s a lean, mean, pinto bean,” Guy exclaims, appreciating the tender beans and the not-too-spicy ranchero sauce.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
The episode showcases not just the food but the experience of dining at The Diner. Regulars love sitting at the counter to watch the head cook, Juan Herrera, in action. With a friendly atmosphere and a menu full of comfort food classics, it’s easy to see why The Diner has been a staple in Norman for so long.