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Ryan Fey of The Grill Dads Returns to Ohio Roots with Epic Culinary Retreat

February 2, 2026 at 02:44 PM UTC

Ryan Fey of The Grill Dads Returns to Ohio Roots with Epic Culinary Retreat

Ryan Fey, the charismatic half of the viral Grill Dads duo, has traded Nashville's bright lights for his Ohio hometown after 30 years away. He's building a state-of-the-art culinary studio on 10 acres in Canal Winchester, promising immersive grilling retreats and hands-on cooking adventures.[1][2] This homecoming isn't just personal - it's set to ignite central Ohio's food scene with accessible, high-energy barbecue education.[2]

Background/Context

Ryan Fey and his partner Mark Diswood exploded onto the scene as The Grill Dads, blending dad humor with pro-level grilling tips. Their Instagram boasts over half a million followers, fueled by viral videos of smoked meats, inventive burgers, and twists like elevated grilled cheese sandwiches.[2] National TV spots on shows like The Today Show cemented their fame, turning backyard cooks into social media stars.[2]

Fey's Ohio roots run deep - he grew up in central Ohio before chasing culinary dreams elsewhere. After three decades away, he's returning to launch Wright Road, a 10-acre retreat designed as a production hub for cooking content and events.[1][2] This move taps into booming trends: demand for experiential dining and outdoor cooking classes surged post-pandemic, with the U.S. grill market hitting $8.5 billion in 2024.[1]

Local contractors like Pat Zollars from Contracting Solutions are bringing the vision to life, constructing an outdoor kitchen tailored for live demos and group sessions.[1] It's a full-circle moment, blending Fey's national profile with hometown pride.

Main Analysis

The heart of Wright Road is a state-of-the-art kitchen and creative space in Canal Winchester, still under final touches but already buzzing.[2] Fey envisions weekend retreats where guests learn live-fire cooking, from perfecting burgers to advanced smoking techniques.[2] "We're able to offer a bit of a refuge... people can come and learn how to cook over a weekend," Fey shared during a pre-opening tour.[2]

Early plans include small-group experiences starting in the coming weeks, scaling to full immersive weekends within 14-18 months.[2] The setup doubles as a content studio for new Grill Dads shows, promising fresh recipes like their signature "sexy" burgers that wow on camera.[2] Partnering with local builders ensured the space handles Ohio's variable weather, with covered grilling zones and ample room for 10+ participants per session.[1]

Fey's hands-on style shines through: expect demos on reverse-searing steaks or compound butter hacks, all rooted in Grill Dads' no-fuss philosophy. This isn't elite chef training - it's for everyday grillers leveling up their game.[3]

Real-World Impact

Central Ohio foodies win big with Wright Road's arrival. Canal Winchester gains a draw for tourists and locals, boosting nearby businesses like farms supplying fresh meats and produce.[1] Small-group sessions mean accessible entry points, priced likely around $200-500 per retreat based on similar grilling workshops nationwide.[2]

For aspiring creators, it's a blueprint: Fey's return shows how influencers can leverage fame for physical ventures, creating jobs in construction, event staffing, and catering.[1] Broader implications hit the $2.7 billion experiential dining sector, where hands-on classes retain customers 30% longer than standard meals.[2] Ohio's agritourism could see a lift too, as retreats highlight local beef and veggies grilled to perfection.

Fey's emphasis on refuge addresses burnout culture - weekend escapes teaching skills that stick, like family cookouts that bond generations.[2]

Different Perspectives

Local media hails the project as a "return to roots," with WBNS 10TV securing the first tour and praising its potential as a culinary collaboration hub.[2] Business outlets like Columbus Business First focus on economic perks, noting the 10-acre site's transformation from raw land to revenue generator.[1]

Some voices question scalability: will demand match hype in a Midwest market? Fey counters optimistically, teasing multiple shows in production and phased openings to build buzz.[2] No major pushback emerges - coverage stays uniformly positive, reflecting Fey's approachable vibe.[3]

Key Takeaways

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