Books

From Bars to Jars: A Saucy Redemption Story

By Joe Gallagher Jr. (Chef Giuseppe)

From Bars to Jars is the unforgettable true story of a man who lost everything — and found faith, purpose, and redemption in the unlikeliest of places: a jar of homemade spaghetti sauce.

Once a rising rock musician, Joe Gallagher Jr. spiraled into addiction, legal trouble, and public humiliation. After hitting rock bottom, he found recovery through a spiritual program, rebuilding his life one step — and one recipe — at a time. What started as a simple act of gratitude at a recovery meeting soon became Apastioli, a gourmet Italian food brand born in Charleston, South Carolina.

This deeply personal memoir takes readers from the chaos of addiction to the quiet redemption of creation. It’s about second chances, divine timing, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Through raw honesty and Southern charm, Joe reminds us that no matter how far we fall, grace can always find us — sometimes in the most unexpected forms.

Heartfelt, redemptive, and inspiring, From Bars to Jars is more than a comeback story. It’s proof that your greatest failure can become your greatest ingredient for change.