Truckee diner star of Food Network show

Don’t be surprised if you see some familiar sights while channel surfing, as Truckee’s JAX at the Tracks will be featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives beginning June 7.

According to owner Bud Haley, the show’s producers were drawn to the restaurant’s “comfort food with an attitude” vibe, as well as the fact that it is housed in an original circa 1940s diner.

Guy Fieri of the Food Network at JAX in Truckee. Photo/Provided

Each episode features the affable bleached blond host Guy Fieri visiting everything from venerated greasy spoons to classic establishments that provide distinctive food. And while the show may look like Fieri drops in for an impromptu visit, nothing is farther from the truth.

“It’s a three-day process that required intense preparation and filming,” Haley said in a press release. “Guy was so happy to see what we are doing here, which is truly unique. The staff was a little awestruck at the beginning, but Guy put everyone at ease; he’s a gregarious and fun guy – exactly like he seems on TV.”

During the January shoot; JAX was open on a limited basis to accommodate the army of Food Network staffers who brought truckloads of film and audio equipment, not to mention a large rack of wardrobe selections for the host.

“They were here 12 hours a day, I was really impressed with how detail-oriented the staff was,” Haley said.

On the first day the program staff concentrated on still shots of the interior and the exterior. Day 2 was all about the exacting preparation of some of the restaurant’s signature items: Kobe meatloaf, Maryland Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and homemade pulled pork sandwiches.

Day 3 was all about capturing Jax’s friendly ambiance as Fieri interviewed diners about their favorite items and tried some himself.

“Guy never ever eats eggs, and his staff had told me this, but he tried our Eggs Benedict and he truly enjoyed it,” Haley said.

JAX is located at 10144 West River St. in downtown Truckee.

For information about program days and times, click here.