Guy Fieri Says Wife Lori Is Struggling with Son Ryder Going to College: ‘Lori Is Going to Enroll!’ (Exclusive)

"Her number one priority has been doing a great job of taking care of the family," Guy told PEOPLE at a Waterloo Sparkling Water event. "And now she's feeling it"

The Fieri nest is about to be empty.

Guy Fieri's youngest son Ryder Fieri will attend San Diego State University in the fall, PEOPLE revealed exclusively. That means no more kids at home — and Guy's wife Lori is "feeling it," he says. (The couple's oldest son Hunter lives near their California home but spends a lot of time on the East Coast with his fiancée Tara Bernstein.)

"There's a whole story about Lori's issues," Guy teased. "No, I understand. I am on the road a lot. I'm busy. I'm doing things, and her number one priority has been doing a great job of taking care of the family. And now she's feeling it."

Related: Guy Fieri’s Son Ryder Got into His First Choice for College and Is Taking After His Dad: ‘Super Excited’ (Exclusive)

Lori posted about her emotions when Ryder went off to senior prom in April. "Last one 😢 I’m not ready for him to leave the nest," she wrote.

Guy — who spoke to PEOPLE at a Waterloo Sparkling Water event in honor of their new summer flavors — compared the situation to the Rodney Dangerfield movie Back to School. (In it, Dangerfield's character goes to college in solidarity with his son.)

"So we're just like, 'Lori is going to enroll, and go to continuing education,'" laughs the Food Network star.

Related: Guy Fieri Talks Son Hunter's Wedding Plans: 'It's Going to Be Star-Studded' (Exclusive)

The Fieris' primary residence is in Santa Rosa, Calif. — a 9 hour drive or 90 minute flight to San Diego. So Guy playfully adds that they might have to buy a place in San Diego so Lori can be nearby: "You think I'm out here working because we're not going to have to be doing that?"

All jokes aside, Guy and Lori are thrilled for their son. "The campus is fantastic. Ryder is a big workout guy, and the gym there is amazing. They've got a great Greek program. There's just a lot," says the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives star.

Plus, they know a few people in the area. "We've shot so much Triple D down there. I've got so many friends down there," he says. "I love the people in San Diego and I love the restaurants, and so I know there will be a good chance for us to come down, help out, raise money and all that."

Ryder will be studying hospitality just like his dad, who is now celebrating his new partnership with Waterloo.

"One of my favorite things about them is their effervescence level. It's sparkly," he says. "You crack that can, to the last drop you're getting sparkle all the way through."

He's also a big fan of the alcohol-free, cocktail-inspired flavors: All Day Rosé, Pi-Ño Colada and Mojito Mocktail. "When they say it's going to taste like a pin-no colada, they deliver," says Guy, who is plotting his own flavor next. "This is just the beginning."

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