How Honest Whole Food Came Together…
Years ago my family lived in Southern California where we were known locally for hosting great potluck dinners. Our unique approach was to have our guests prepare their signature dishes right in our kitchen. We made some spectacular memories, along with a lot of great food.
Having lost a business to the financial upheaval of 2008, we moved to Chicagoland and found ourselves on a very limited budget. Even though we made a few recipes from scratch, cooking authentically became an absolute necessity when we were forced to tighten our belts. We went from jars of expensive minced garlic straight to the clove. We swore off processed foods and ate only the best chicken, beef, and turkey.
Configuring a budget for healthy food was challenging… and inspiring! In 2021, with instrumental help from my beloved daughter Trinity, I perfected a new Italian Chicken Sausage recipe. It was wonderfully balanced, healthy, and delicious.
Sadly, Trinity passed in 2021 so I took a pause to regroup and heal. Now renewed in my desire to deliver a spectacular product to the market, I have a healthier outlook and I’m ready to cook again.
I’m thrilled to deliver The Scratch Pantry direct to you.
We Enjoy:
We get a kick out of creating something delicious with our hands and watching others enjoy it. Helping people celebrate life’s big (and small) moments is our jam, and if we can offer a little escape from the daily grind, even better! We love reconnecting with that bit of magic the world needs and savoring the deep connections people feel with food. Is there anything better than sharing a meal with the ones you love? We don’t think so.
We’re Good At:
Nurturing is our superpower. We’re pros at cooking up something special for ourselves, our families, our guests, and even the hardworking farmers who grow all those tasty ingredients. We know how to turn a meal into a memorable occasion, where it’s not just the food that’s unforgettable—it’s the whole experience (and the company doesn’t hurt, either).
How We Serve the World:
We’re on a mission to spread a little love through food and hospitality. We want to help people celebrate and create memories that stick around long after the plates are cleared. Our goal is to bring folks together, one delicious bite at a time, and add a sprinkle of joy to life’s journey—because let’s face it, everyone could use a little extra sweetness.
Made with Love in Chicago!
Meet the Team
Sarah Austin
Founder & CEO
Sarah’s culinary experience and unique flair in the kitchen collided when she became a mom more than twenty years ago. She views food as a way to show and share love. A successful entrepreneur, Sarah co-founded a thriving mortgage company, a retail food business, and has been a National Sales Director for a global financial services firm. Sarah loves balancing work with family time, staying active, and getting lost in a good book. She’s a major supporter of The Endometriosis Foundation after her daughter’s journey with the condition forever changed her life. 2024 is her third year running the NYC Marathon in support of the cause. Read Trinity’s story here.
Chef Christopher Kline
Co-Founder & CIO
Chris has over 36 years in the culinary world, starting his career at age 14. Raised outside of Chicago, he studied Foods in Business at Eastern Illinois University and graduated with honors from Kendall College’s Culinary Arts Program. His career spans major food manufacturers including SkyChefs, Pepperidge Farms, Cargill, Sara Lee, Hillshire Brands, and Tyson Foods. Chris has developed over 150 products and has likely influenced your dining experience over the past 25 years. Culinary highlights include cooking at the James Beard House with Niche’ Restaurant and co-founding The Scratch Pantry.
