Today we’d like to introduce you to Savana And Ty Hjort
Hi Savana and Ty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Cooking has always been a big part of who I am. Some of my earliest memories are of experimenting in the kitchen with my little sister. I think our first creation was something we called “Tinkerbell Bars”—no idea what was actually in them, though!
When I was 12, I realized how much I loved cooking when I made a special dinner for my parents’ anniversary. We were on a family trip in New Braunfels, and I didn’t have money to buy them a gift, so I decided to cook instead. I ended up feeding the whole house—about 25 people—with a casserole I threw together. I couldn’t tell you what was in it (this is a theme with me), but my family still talks about it to this day. Seeing how food brought everyone together was such a lightbulb moment for me. It made me realize food isn’t just about eating—it’s about love and connection.
My parents were both entrepreneurs and some of the hardest-working people I know. Their dedication, hustle, and passion for what they do are a big part of who I am today. My dad, in particular, was a huge inspiration for the kind of food I create. He worked long, hard days outdoors, but no matter how tired he was, he’d pick us up from school and cook dinner for us almost every night. I loved watching him work in the kitchen, and the meals he made were simple but full of love. That experience really influenced my style of cooking and taught me how powerful food can be. I was also my mom’s little secretary in high school— I used to make her business cards for her, so I guess I’ve always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit! Their hard work and commitment to always showing up, no matter what, were instilled in me and have shaped the way I approach everything, from running this business to crafting each meal.
Ty and I actually go way back—we met at our first job at Cinemark in 2014. High school sweethearts turned life partners, we’ve grown up together in so many ways. He’s been my biggest cheerleader from the start, and we share a passion for building a family and creating something meaningful together.
I eventually went to culinary school, earning my AAS in Culinary Arts in 2017 right after high school, and then worked in a few restaurants, including The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen and Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Hopdoddy was where I really honed my skills. I started as a burger builder and worked my way up, getting cross-trained in everything from fry to grill to prep. I even became a trainer and traveled to help open new stores in places like Denver and Orlando. Eventually, I moved into management, but the restaurant industry can be tough, especially during the pandemic. I realized I needed a change, so I took a step back to focus on my family.
When Olive, our daughter, was born, she brought back my love of cooking. I started experimenting in the kitchen again, trying out new recipes to introduce her to different foods. In 2023, Ty got sick and was out of work for a while, and money was tight. That’s when I decided to post family-style meal prep menus on Facebook and Instagram—things like lasagna, enchiladas, and beef tips with rice. To my surprise, it took off fast, and that’s how Sav’s Comfort Kitchen got started.
What started as a side hustle quickly became a full-time business. Six months later, I was able to quit my corporate job and focus entirely on the business. Six months after that, Ty was able to leave his job and join me full-time. He’s been such a huge part of Sav’s Comfort Kitchen’s success. While I focus on the food and creating menus, Ty helps with so much of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things running smoothly.
What’s been especially rewarding is sharing this journey—not just as partners in business but also in parenthood. We’re both passionate about showing Olive what hard work and dedication look like while still making time for what really matters. Building this business together and watching it grow has been an incredible experience, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business at 26/27 years old with hardly any money backing us up was definitely a challenge. But we’ve been fortunate to have a very strong support system behind us. Early on, we relied on crowdfunding to help us get off the ground, especially when we officially moved into a commercial kitchen (because, let me tell you, permits are not cheap).
There’s no training manual for running a business, so we’ve been learning everything as we go—marketing, menu development, graphic and website design—you name it, we’ve probably Googled it or watched Tiktok videos about it! Being your own boss is amazing, but it also means you have to instill your own discipline and accountability.
Then there’s the fun dynamic of working as a married couple with a toddler in the mix. Let’s just say there’s never a dull moment! It’s not always easy balancing parenthood and business, but our shared passion for food and serving people gets us through the tough days.
Even with the hiccups, we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge we’ve faced has made us stronger as business partners and as a family.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sav’s Comfort Kitchen. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We do family-style meal prep and catering, mostly focused on Southern comfort food with a little mix of other cuisines for variety. Our whole thing is about bringing people together through food.
What makes us different from other meal prep services is that we’re all about inclusivity and making food that feels like home. Sure, we have some healthy options, but the real focus is on meals that are easy to heat and taste like you cooked them yourself—perfect for busy families running around, office lunches that don’t involve a drive-thru, or meal trains for new parents or loved ones. We want our meals to be the kind of thing that makes life a little easier and a lot more delicious.
Our catering is all about celebrating and connecting people too. We’ve done weddings, quinceañeras, PTA events, and even breakfast tacos for the Greater Leander FFA Show. It’s been so rewarding to give back to the community we grew up in, and we’re always excited to find new ways to support it.
At the end of the day, we’re just passionate about feeding people food made with love. Whether it’s a family meal prep order, a big celebration, or just lunch for the office, we want to make something that brings comfort and joy to your day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our parents have been huge supporters from the start—without their love, labor, and help with things like catering events, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Plus, they’ve been lifesavers when it comes to watching Olive. Having grandparents around is the best! 🤘
We also want to give a big shout-out to our friends who’ve pitched in with catering events, corporate lunch pop-ups, and even running meal deliveries. Kandi, Henry, Blake, and Nash, we love you guys for all the support!
And of course, we can’t forget the small businesses we’ve met along the way—whether through the farmers market, our shared kitchen space, or even from culinary school. The advice and encouragement we’ve gotten from fellow local entrepreneurs has been invaluable. We’ve learned so much from them, and we’re so grateful to be part of a community that’s always willing to lend a hand. There are too many to name, but you know who you are, and we appreciate you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savscomfortkitchen.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/chef.sav
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/savscomfortkitchen
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/27TH4lX4bn
