March 7, 2023
A recent feature in PUNCH Magazine gave me the opportunity to share my journey from Buck’s of Woodside to global adventures and back.
The interview took place at Buck’s, my family’s restaurant in Woodside.
Sitting in a booth surrounded by our eclectic decor – including our famous 12-foot unicycle and flame-painted shark – provided the perfect backdrop for sharing my story.
Early Years at Buck’s
The article traced my history with the restaurant, starting from my childhood. As I shared with Johanna, I began working here at age 12, pouring coffee and learning every aspect of the business.
“Growing up in Buck’s showed me that you can have fun while doing whatever you’re doing,”
Film Years
My filmmaking journey took center stage in our discussion, highlighting several key projects:
- Kintaro Walks Japan – A 2,000-mile trek across Japan
- I Ran Iran – Documentary cut short at 100 miles
- Wrestling Mongolia – An adventure comedy featuring 100 wrestling matches (a project that my friends still tease me about)
- Cuban documentary – Documenting 1,000 hugs across Cuba
The Amazing Race
The conversation naturally turned to my time on The Amazing Race.
BJ and I became “The Hippies” – two long-haired guys racing through 10 countries with barely $900 in our bank accounts, somehow managing to win the whole thing.
Looking back now, it really was like being on the world’s most intense roller coaster.
“When I think about The Amazing Race, it feels like going to an amusement park,”
“Was getting on that roller coaster challenging? It was nothing but exhilarating.”
Coming Home
Today’s chapter of my story feels like the most meaningful.
Running Buck’s with my brothers, overseeing our San Francisco restaurants, and developing new concepts like Pizzeria Deluna – it’s all about continuing our family’s legacy while creating something new.
Reflection
The interview wrapped up just as the afternoon crowd was rolling in.
Watching people swap stories over coffee and pancakes, I found myself sharing with Johanna what I’ve learned since coming back to the restaurant business: sometimes you don’t need to travel the world to see it – just open your doors and let the world come to you.
I’ll admit, there’s something surreal about seeing your life story laid out in print.
A special thank you to writer Johanna Harlow and photographer Annie Barnett for capturing my story so wonderfully in PUNCH Magazine.
Read the full article “A Gloriously Wild Ride: Tyler MacNiven” in the December 2024 issue of PUNCH Magazine.