Bio of Chef Giuseppe
Joe Gallagher Jr., aka Chef Giuseppe
Founder & CEO of Apastioli Specialty Foods
Joe Gallagher Jr., affectionately known as Chef Giuseppe, is the visionary founder of Apastioli Specialty Foods, a rapidly growing Italian-inspired food brand rooted in tradition and authenticity. Joe’s culinary journey is steeped in family heritage, with recipes passed down from his grandmother, a proud native of Naples, Italy. Known for his deep love of Italian cooking, his creations have become a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts, earning widespread acclaim for their flavor and authenticity.
Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured by his father, Joe Gallagher Sr., a successful business owner in the automotive paint distribution industry, who taught him the value of resilience and dedication. Joe also honed his creative and marketing skills under the mentorship of celebrity graphic designer Jason Hutton, learning to market “like a pro” and establishing a unique brand identity for Apastioli.
Before founding Apastioli, Joe was a prolific singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist, penning over 2,000 songs across ten genres since the age of 17. He was mentored by Greig “OB” Session, a renowned producer and Godson of the legendary hip-hop artist LL Cool J. In 2017, Joe was on the cusp of a Grammy nomination for Best New Rock Artist with his hit song Thunder, produced by OB. However, his promising music career took a devastating turn when he was rear-ended by a diesel truck, resulting in two spinal surgeries and the loss of sensation in his hands. This life-altering accident led to years of physical and emotional recovery, including struggles with depression and anxiety.
Joe’s breakthrough into the culinary world came serendipitously in April 2024, when he brought his homemade spaghetti and meatballs and eggplant Parmigiana subs to an event at the American Legion. The rave reviews led the Post Master to ask if he’d ever considered bringing his marinara sauce to market. Inspired by the suggestion, Joe visited a local Piggly Wiggly in North Charleston, and by the following month, the store placed an order for six cases of his classic Italian red sauce. From that moment, Apastioli was born, and demand for his products skyrocketed.
Today, Apastioli Specialty Foods has grown from humble beginnings to distribution in over 50 stores, with plans for national expansion. Joe’s journey from aspiring rock star to culinary entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unwavering belief in the power of family, tradition, and a good plate of pasta.
