“The Food That Built America” Is Back—Adam Richman Interview

Adam Richman has spent years taking on America’s most outrageous food challenges, hunting down the best bites, and uncovering the culinary traditions that define us.

From stuffing himself with massive burgers on Man v. Food to exploring the origins of legendary eats, Richman’s passion for food is as big as his appetite. Now, he’s back at the helm—contributing to the newest season of The Food That Built America, dishing out more fascinating food history.

The hit HISTORY Channel series isn’t just about food—it’s about the empires built from a single recipe, the rivalries that fueled fast-food wars, and the unexpected twists that turned small-time snacks into pantry favorites.

With Richman leading the way, each episode reveals the larger-than-life stories behind America’s most iconic food brands, proving that every bite has a backstory.

And with a new season premiering Sunday, February 23rd at 9 pm ET/PT, fans can expect even more mouthwatering tales of innovation, ambition, and, of course, food!

The Bold Ideas That Shaped America’s Appetite

The season kicks off with “Tortilla Takeover,” featuring the innovators who transformed Mexican cuisine into a nationwide favorite. Their bold ideas led to the creation of Pace Picante Salsa, the world’s best-selling condiment, and the rise of the two most famous snack chip brands of all time—Doritos and Tostitos. Find out how this duo kickstarted America’s obsession with chips and salsa.

Beyond the season opener, you’ll discover how 7-Eleven and ICEE redefined on-the-go convenience, how Top Ramen and Cup Noodles turned instant meals into a budget-friendly staple, and how Panda Express, Cinnabon, and Auntie Anne’s became the undisputed kings of the food court.

Learn about the history behind Whitman’s, Russell Stover, Mounds, and Almond Joy in a chocolate-lovers dream episode, and explore America’s caffeine craze with Folgers, Mr. Coffee, and Keurig.

With more rivalries, surprises, and flavor founders—this season is too juicy to miss!

Q&A: A Behind-the-Scenes Bite with Adam Richman

TV host, food personality, and culinary globetrotter Adam Richman has spent years traveling the world, uncovering the most mouthwatering dishes, legendary eateries, and the fascinating stories behind them.

From conquering epic food challenges on Man v. Food to tracking down the best sandwiches in America on Secret Eats, Richman has become a household name in the world of food and travel. His passion for food goes beyond just tasting—he explores the culture, history, and heart behind every bite.

From sipping cocktails with million-year-old ice to eating a moose nose in Alaska, Adam Richman shares his most unforgettable food adventures, wildest experiences, and surreal career moments with me.

Alexandrea Groves: Adam, your food journey has been incredible. Is there a moment where you thought, “I can’t believe this is my job”?

Adam Richman: One of my favorite and most memorable moments was doing a culinary demo and performing with Mike D of the Beastie Boys and E-40 on stage at the Bottlerock Festival in Napa, California. Talking food and wine with those greats is definitely a stand out memory of mine.

Alexandrea Groves: That sounds incredible! Are there any other moments that come close to that ” wow ” level?

Adam Richman: My crew and I were filming an episode of Secret Eats with Adam Richman in Greenland, and I took them on a midnight cruise when the territory had nearly 24 hours of daylight. One of our guides broke off a piece of an incredibly old iceberg and made a cocktail for us with it. Drinking cocktails with million-year-old ice in Greenland with the crew of a show with my name in the title that I was also producing was surreal. What a blessing that was!

Alexandrea Groves: Anything that happens in your personal life that continues to surprise you?

Adam Richman: Being asked for pictures and autographs in restaurants that I grew up eating at with my mom and grandma will never get old!

Alexandrea Groves: What’s the first jaw-dropping, gut-busting meal you ever took on?

Adam Richman: There is a place in Louisville, Kentucky called Genny’s Diner that serves the Sweet Daddy Burger with fries and cheese I tried in 1998. I remember that being the first time I had ever seen and been served one individual item that was so ridiculously large I attempted to eat it. Seriously, it’s a 20-ounce burger – incredible!

Alexandrea Groves: What’s the weirdest food experience you’ve ever had while traveling?

Adam Richman: The weirdest food I’ve ever experienced is probably eating a moose nose in Alaska, which is considered a delicacy in that area. The fact that it looked like a nose, was really chewy, and a part of the prep was brushing out the moose hair—that was a pretty intense experience. I’m glad I tried it once, but I wouldn’t say I would need to try it again.

Alexandrea Groves: Wow, that is wild! What’s the worst food experience you’ve had?

Adam Richman: I had a burger in 2013/2014 at a pub called Camel & Artichoke in London that was comically bad. I’ve never seen a burger that got everything wrong and was less pleasant to look at, let alone eat. It was basically a plain bun with a piece of charcoal on it and a few scraps of wilted vegetables. It was a lovely pub, but it breaks my heart to even think about that burger. Never again.

Alexandrea Groves: That’s rough! You’ve eaten your way across the country—Is there a hidden gem or underrated food city that more people need to know about?

Adam Richman: In my opinion, the North Fork of Long Island is an underrated food area. While the South Fork has the beautiful beaches and the Hamptons, it also has the price and pretentiousness that comes with it.

I enjoy the North Fork because it’s where all of the farms and wineries are and has incredible restaurants, some of which bring in their hospitality staff from NYC to deliver a high level of service like North Fork Table & Inn.

I also really love The Frisky Oyster, and you can’t miss the Berry Blast Pie from Country View Farm Stand in Southhold. Whether you source local produce to cook at home or eat out at a restaurant, you’ll have an enjoyable experience.

The North Fork of Long Island is a visual gem and a culinary haven filled with plenty of opportunities to get farm-fresh produce for cheap.

“The Food That Built America” with Adam Richman Returns This Sunday on HISTORY Channel

As The Food That Built America premiere approaches this Sunday, February 23, at 9 pm ET/PT, Adam Richman’s endless curiosity and deep love for food continue to inspire us all.

Adam’s remarkable journey through the world of food is far from over, and each new episode promises to uncover even more unforgettable stories of how the food we eat came to be.

Prepare for a season full of flavor, history, and surprises!