"With a past marked by addiction and redemption, Joe Gallagher Jr. has turned his life around by embracing his roots—and his sauce. Apastioli, his Charleston-based brand, is quickly rising from a humble kitchen hustle into a statewide sensation with its sauces, marinated vegetables, and soul."

The inspirational story of Apastioli’s founder, Chef Giuseppe

1. What inspired you to create your own sauce line, and how did the journey begin?

"It was a complete miracle. I was on the verge of bankruptcy and at the lowest point I’d ever been, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Despite my qualifications in marketing, product development, and merchandising, I couldn’t even land a job at Walmart. I was devastated. But in May 2024, on my daughter Savannah's birthday, I decided to make some eggplant parmigiana for a group from a non-profit I’m affiliated with. Their response was overwhelmingly positive—one member even suggested I try selling my sauce. I laughed at first because my wife and I had always joked that my family’s Italian Sunday Sauce was so good, people would probably buy it if it were on shelves. That encouragement sparked a new vision, and I began researching what it would take to launch a food product."