The Cook's Nook has been addressing the crucial topics of food access and equity since it was founded in 2017 by Joi Chevalier.
After five years, the company has entered a new phase, as Chevalier moved from CEO to president June 20 and welcomed Amy Bell as chief executive.
Bell was previously senior principal of the strategic investment arm of Austin-based Whole Foods Market Inc.
Prior to Whole Foods, Bell led the social finance business at JPMorgan Chase in New York and managed $100 million in service of low-income and underrepresented populations. Additionally, Bell had leadership positions at EcoEnterprises Fund and Tideline, early-stage businesses in impact investing.
Bell had previously been an adviser to The Cook's Nook. She and Chevalier partnered to profitably scale the company by building on its Mosaic Meals, which are fully cooked and delivered meals with affordable pricing and convenience. This portion of the business began as a way to provide healthier and high-quality options for people lacking access to nutritious food or seeking to change their diets to manage disease.
Aside from Mosaic Meals, The Cook’s Nook works with farmers, investors, retailers, elected officials and others to champion food access. It offers programming to aid food professionals in business skills and promote diversity in the culinary world. The company also provides a shared production space and business development opportunities for startup caterers, consumer packaged goods businesses, mobile vendors and others.
The Cook's Nook, which operates legally as Chisos Star LLC, has 20 employees.
Bell will lead development of the company's strategy and build the team and organization, providing structure to expand the offerings in Central Texas and beyond.
Chevalier's new role means she can continue to lead product strategy, operations and marketing.
"The addition of Amy to lead our team confirms our transition toward a national market and through a highly impactful offering that is already resonating with buyers and consumers," Chevalier stated. "Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and a global network that will bring broader visibility to our work, take us into new channels, and move us further forward in our mission of providing highly nutritious food access to a variety of communities and populations."
The company earlier in June hired chef Adrian Lipscombe as director of culinary operations, overseeing meal production, food safety, food quality and culinary staff development.
The Cook's Nook is partnered with public sector agencies such as county governments and private companies such as healthcare providers to supply Mosaic Meals. The Cook's Nook distributes to more than 80 organizations in Travis County.
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