AUSTIN, Texas — Bobbi Jo Rice turned her love for food into a business called Bobbi Jo Catering.

She has loved cooking since she was a child.

“When I was a little kid, my dream was definitely to be a chef. We did a lot of cooking around my house and my family. I’m driven by food and delicious things,” said Rice.

She comes from a long line of chefs and restaurateurs. Rice grew up in New York. It’s where her grandfather served as head chef at the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

“I’m not exactly sure how he fell into that position there. I know he worked at a bunch of really nice high-end clubs and restaurants. At one of them, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack would go only when he was working. He would feel special that they loved his cuisine so much,” said Rice.

In the mid 2000s, Rice, her mother and sister, moved to Austin and opened a food truck. Everything was deep fried and full of flavor.

“Fried twinkies, corn dogs, and we had these really delicious sweet potato fries,” she said.

Rice didn’t think her stint as a fry cook would last long. She thought about going back to New York, but stayed in Texas after she fell in love with the Lone Star State.

“Have you ever been to New York? Texas is far better! It’s just peaceful here. Texas is sweet and welcoming and has that southern charm that I just love,” she said.  

Rice began her catering business a few years ago. She says that’s where her heart is.

“I love that I can do what I’m passionate about for a living. That is very special to me," she said.