Having lived and raised their children in Austin since 2013, the Gagliardis had long been driven to run their own business. Inspired by Austin’s vibrant local feel and foodie culture, they aimed to share the lifelong skill of cooking, along with food and fun, not only with their own children but with the children of the Austin community.

Sarah Gagliardi’s love of cooking was inherited from her father, a Nevada cattle rancher who enjoyed cooking from scratch over a hot cast iron skillet. His culinary creations often included sourdough bread and pancakes made on crisp mountain mornings. Jim Gagliardi, a Minnesota native, brought an extensive business and entrepreneurial background to the table. When they decided to combine their passions and expertise, they conducted thorough research and discovered Young Chefs Academy, a franchise headquartered in Waco, TX. After meeting the Young Chefs Academy Corporate team, the Gagliardis knew it was the perfect fit—an amazing opportunity to channel their passions and give back to the next generation.

In 2024, Sarah and Jim assumed ownership of Young Chefs Academy of San Antonio and then opened their brand-new location, Young Chefs Academy of Austin Southwest. Since opening the Austin location in August, the Academy has been offering a variety of engaging culinary experiences, including weekly classes, school break camps, culinary birthday parties, and workshops.

“Our joy comes from seeing our students’ excitement about the lessons and watching the confidence and independence that develop from learning to cook,” Sarah shared. “But ultimately, it’s the sparkle in the young chef’s eyes that makes it all worth it.”

Young Chefs Academy is conveniently located in the Oak Hill Shopping Centre off 290 and William Cannon. Whether your child dreams of mastering a whisk or just wants to explore the joys of cooking, the Gagliardis are thrilled to welcome families into their kitchen.