The family of famed Italian chef Lidia Bastianich, which partnered with Batali on a number of restaurants, said Wednesday that they had bought out his shares.

Joe Bastianich has since issued a statement claiming the comments are "not reflective of his views."

"I'm a compulsive entrepreneur," said Joe Bastianich, "it's all I want to do all the time, so Restaurant Startup is the perfect show for me." In its third season and wrapping tonight with the season finale, Bastianich took some time to chat with me about his career on television and as both a highly successful restaurateur and investor.