When Ashley Webb was in college studying to become a teacher, she always felt a draw to go beyond the confines of a classroom. Although she had a passion for education, she wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like in the future. Ten years later, the picture is becoming more clear.
Ashley and her husband Mike are no strangers to the food industry. Mike spent many years in management in the restaurant industry, and Ashley, who works at Wheatgrass Juice Bar, has been learning about nutrition and understands its connection to overall health. When the opportunity presented itself for her passion and gifts to overlap, she knew it was time to take a leap of faith.
“I had been feeling a pull in my spirit to own a business for a long time,” Webb said. “I wanted the freedom to be able to teach what I wanted to teach.”
This month, Webb will start living that dream when she opens Cooking 101, a unique business that provides services ranging from kids cooking classes to private rentals and health and nutrition events.
According to Webb, creating delicious meals stems back generations deep in both her and her husband’s families. Both of their grandparents were cooks and liked to serve others through food.
“Everyone thinks their grandparents were the best cooks. Mine really were the best,” Webb said.
The official opening date is set to take place on Nov. 11, a date that is significant for Webb. When she or her husband sees 11:11 on the clock, she says they like to text the other “I love you.” She purposefully chose a date with meaning to it.
Nov. 22 will be the first official open date night available for the public to book.
In addition to these events, The little chefs class will take place on Thursday nights from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for ages 6-12. A teen cooking class for ages 13-19 will also be offered on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on a weekly basis.
Friday nights will be open to the public; those interested may book the class online. Friday’s consist of a date night type setting, but will not just be geared towards couples.
“Whether it’s a girl’s night out, friends group, come enjoy making a meal together,” Webb said. “Sometimes depending on the group, it could last a bit longer.”
Cooking 101 will offer family classes, allowing the adults and children to come together to prepare the meal. The family program will take place on the first Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. Additionally, private events will include homeschool groups, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, singles nights and girl’s night out among others. According to Webb, the table at Cooking 101 can hold 30 people.
“We love to serve others so this opportunity is perfect for us,” Webb said. “I’ve always had a strong desire for business and entrepreneurship.”
Webb says future plans include bringing in special guest chefs and teaching health and nutrition classes. Those with special dietary needs can private message her ahead of time accommodations.
“I want to share the joy of it all and invite everyone to be at our table,” Webb said. “I believe we can leave a legacy for our families. This is part of that legacy.”
For more information, visit the Cooking 101 website or call 270-302-8337 or stop by their location at 3811 KY-54 Unit 102.
