Julie Summers
Owner / Jam-Making Extraordinaire
Building a Legacy Through Flavor
My dream for Red Dirt Kitchen has always been about building something meaningful for my family while bringing people together through great food. I would love to see RDK become a household name known for bold flavor, quality, and products people can count on for every gathering. More than anything, I want to create a legacy for my son and build something we can both be proud of for years to come.
Love for People & Community
When I was younger, I always wanted to be an elementary school teacher because I loved the idea of helping children grow into who they were meant to be. While my path ended up looking different, that nurturing spirit is still a huge part of who I am today. Being Jake’s mom has been the greatest joy of my life, and I’ve always loved creating a home where not only he, but also his friends and the people around us, feel welcomed, loved, and supported.
What Fuels My Passion
I believe in treating people with kindness, standing up for what’s right, and working hard for the things that matter most. My parents taught me early on to appreciate what we’ve been given, to love people well, and to never take life for granted. Those values shape the way I live, lead, and build Red Dirt Kitchen every day.
The Heart Behind the Dream
From the beginning, Andy has been by my side and a huge part of Red Dirt Kitchen's story. When I started making pepper jams at home to help fund my cancer treatments, I stirred each batch while Andy kept the jars moving in and out of the pressure canner so we could keep production going. As the business grew, he was always the first to lend a hand by hauling supplies, picking up large orders, working vendor markets, handing out samples, and welcoming customers with a smile.
Through every challenge, milestone, and leap of faith, Andy has encouraged me to dream bigger and believe in what Red Dirt Kitchen could become. His unwavering support, hard work, and belief in this dream have been a driving force behind Red Dirt Kitchen, and I'm grateful to have him by my side every step of the way.
Finding Joy in the Simple Things
I feel most at peace outdoors, especially near the ocean with sunshine on my face. Some of my happiest moments are spent at the beach simply slowing down, soaking in the beauty around me, and thanking God for His blessings. Traveling is something I love, and someday I hope to take a Mediterranean cruise and visit Ireland to experience the culture, food, and connection to my heritage firsthand.
