Southern Roots by AG LLC

10/15/2026

🍪❤️ Sometimes the simplest things bring back the greatest memories.

Growing up, one of my absolute favorite cookies was the old-fashioned iced oatmeal cookie.

Both of my grandmothers always had cookie jars at their houses, and you could count on finding those cookies inside. They weren’t homemade, but that didn’t matter to me. It was something about knowing they were always there waiting for me.

Fast-forward all these years, and despite everything I’ve accomplished in the kitchen, I’ve never actually made iced oatmeal cookies myself.

Until today.

My very first batch, made completely from scratch!

It’s amazing how something as simple as a cookie can take you right back to your childhood and remind you of the people who helped shape who you are today.

This is what Southern Roots has always been about. It’s never been just about food. It’s about family, memories, and keeping those connections alive through the things we create in the kitchen.

Southern Roots by AG
Bridging the Gap Between Food and Family. ❤️

10/15/2026

🏆 Nationally accredited. Locally accessible. Career focused.

Ivy Tech Lake County’s Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC), reflecting our commitment to nationally established standards for culinary education.

Even better? We’re the only ACF-accredited culinary program in Northwest Indiana.

“We’re not just teaching students how to cook. We’re preparing them to become culinary professionals, future leaders, and the next generation of chefs who will shape our industry.” - Chef Darrick Tucker Jr.

Students gain hands-on training, industry-focused skills and preparation for careers throughout the culinary and hospitality industries.

📸 Pictured: Chef Darrick Tucker Jr. and Holly Gould, Department Chair for the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

10/11/2026

10/03/2026

What a way to close out the season! 🙏🏾❤️🔥

We want to sincerely THANK everyone who came out and supported Southern Roots today, and everyone who has supported our trailer throughout this entire year.

Every plate purchased, every event you came to, every post you shared, every friend you told about us, and every time you came back for another Piggy Mac means more to us than you know.

This season definitely had its challenges. There were a few events we weren’t able to attend because of some pretty bad storms and weather. But even when we couldn’t set up the trailer and sell food, we still found ways to do what Southern Roots is all about — feeding people.

Whether that meant donating prepared food so it wouldn’t go to waste or donating our time and talents alongside Operation BBQ Relief to help feed people in need, we were reminded that success isn’t always measured by what comes through the register. Sometimes it’s measured by how many people you’re able to serve. ❤️

This year has been about so much more than selling food. It’s been about meeting new people, watching familiar faces come back again and again, giving back to our community, and continuing to grow Southern Roots one plate at a time.

And now…it’s time to start working on NEXT SEASON! 👨🏾‍🍳🔥

We’re going to keep working, keep improving, keep experimenting, and definitely keep developing NEW recipes and ideas to make the next Southern Roots season even better. Don’t worry — your favorites aren’t going anywhere, but Chef definitely has some ideas cooking. 👀😂

Thank you for believing in our family business and allowing us to continue doing what we love.

The trailer may be wrapping up for the season, but Southern Roots isn’t slowing down.

See y’all next season.

Bigger. Better. Even more Southern. ❤️🔥

Southern Roots by AG
Bridging the gap between food and family.Southern Roots by AG LLCLodge Cast IronOperation BBQ Relief

10/03/2026

We are SO EXCITED to see you tomorrow at our annual St John Fire Department Open House! We will be grilling along with one of our favorite food vendors Southern Roots by AG LLC

This is our favorite time of the year so we will see you tomorrow from 10am-2pm!

🚨Fire Prevention and Demos
🎃Face Painting/Pumpkin Painting
🚔K9 Demo from our SJPD
🚒Engine Rides

So much more!! See you in the morning!

10/01/2026

🏆 WE DID IT!!! FIRST PLACE! 🏆

We are beyond excited to announce that Southern Roots by AG’s Piggy Mac has taken 1st PLACE in the Lodge Cast Iron Mini Contest! 🔥🐷🧀

When the opportunity came up, we knew exactly what dish we wanted to represent Southern Roots — THE PIGGY MAC.

Smoked pulled pork. Our signature mac & cheese. BBQ sauce. Crispy onions. Simple Southern comfort food done our way.

And apparently… the judges agreed! 🙌🏾

Taking first place earned us $1,000 in Lodge Cast Iron products, but what means even more is seeing a dish that has become such a huge part of Southern Roots receive this kind of recognition.

From serving Piggy Macs at local events to now being able to officially call it an AWARD-WINNING PIGGY MAC… man, this one feels GOOD. 🥹

Thank you to everyone who has supported Southern Roots, bought a Piggy Mac, told somebody about us, booked us, followed us, or simply encouraged us along the way. Y’all are part of this win too.

And a huge thank you to Lodge Cast Iron for the opportunity and recognition!

Southern Roots by AG
Bridging the gap between food and family. ❤️

🏆 1st Place — Lodge Cast Iron Mini Contest
🐷 The Award-Winning Piggy Mac
Lodge Cast Iron Hoosier Daddy BBQ sauce Southern Roots by AG LLC ACF Chefs of Northwest Indiana Inc.

10/01/2026

Here’s our menu for Saturday. Hope to see you there

09/19/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who supported, shared and helped turn an unfortunate situation into a blessing.