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Staff Report Updated 11:35 AM Tuesday, March 23, 2010

CINCINNATI — When Guy Fieri’s car is parked outside of a restaurant, the owner can pretty much bet he’s going to pick up a lot of business.

That’s why the Insco family, who owns Blue Ash Chili restaurants in Blue Ash and Mason, were sworn to secrecy by the producers of the Food Network’s road-trip show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” which filmed at the Blue Ash location last week.

Fieri, the host of the show, chose to come to the Cincinnati area to taste the most popular dishes at Terry’s Turf Club and sought the best chili at Blue Ash Chili.

The show’s crew spent two days at Blue Ash Chili taping an episode that will reach viewers some time this spring or summer.

Fieri, a native of Columbus, says he selected Blue Ash Chili for its diner feel and because it is family-owned. He was lured by the signature double-decker sandwiches and special chili.

“We are thrilled Guy and his crew responded to the many e-mails our loyal customers sent to him without our knowing it, and his producer approached us a month or so ago to see if we were interested,” said Charlene Insco, co-owner of Blue Ash Chili with her husband, Nick.

“Were we ever — it’s a terrific way to kick off our 41st year in business.”

To avoid having crowds get in the way of the “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” filming, the Inscos were sworn to secrecy. Blue Ash Chili signed a contract that prohibited it from publicizing the visit until the crew left town late Thursday, March 18.

“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” officials said the crew came to Cincinnati looking for the best example of Cincinnati-style chili. Dozens of e-mails and comments from Blue Ash Chili customers made Fieri aware of the iconic chili parlor, leading him to choose it.