How a Small-Town Indiana Dad Built a Cooking Empire
What happens when a Bartholomew County dad starts sharing his home cooking on TikTok? You get Holmes Cooking, a viral Indiana food brand with millions of followers. Columbus native Justin Holmes blends Hoosier hospitality, family humor, and down-home recipes to make the internet a tastier place. So, how did a guy from Columbus East High School end up building a social media empire? Let’s dig in.
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A Humble Start in Columbus, Indiana
Justin grew up in Columbus, learning to cook through the C4 program at McDowell Education Center. Inspired by chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Alton Brown, he found a love for food early on. But content creation? That didn’t start until 2020, when COVID lockdowns left him experimenting in the kitchen, and posting it to TikTok. His first video? White chicken chili. His first viral hit? That same video racking up nearly 800,000 views overnight.
From Crockpots to Creator Funds: Holmes Cooking Takes Off
Justin’s recipe videos quickly resonated with home cooks and parents alike. Over the next few years, he posted daily - simple, family-friendly dishes with a dose of Hoosier charm. His wife, kids, and small-town roots played a starring role in his content. By diversifying onto Facebook, YouTube, and eventually Snapchat, Holmes Cooking grew into a multi-platform business. Now, whether it’s chicken pot pie or grilled steaks, Justin’s known for approachable meals that feel right at home in the Midwest.
Local shoutouts:
Hope Plumbing — an Indy-based plumbing company and Get IN partner, supporting this episode.
El Poblano in Greensburg — one of Justin’s favorite taco spots.
The Columbus Commons — a must-visit family destination in Justin's hometown.
Lessons from the Front Porch Griddle
Despite his success, Justin keeps his content down-to-earth. He cooks for his pregnant wife, shares bloopers, and talks openly about faith, family, and mental health. His journey from Delta Faucet factory worker to full-time creator in 2024 was powered by consistency and heart: one video a day for over a year before momentum really built. Now, he’s leaning into long-form YouTube content and building a family-centered brand that might one day include his kids.
🎥 Watch the Full Podcast with Justin Holmes
Want to hear Justin tell the full story in his own words? From his first viral TikTok to quitting his job and going full-time as a creator, this conversation covers it all.
Watch the full Get IN Podcast episode featuring Justin Holmes right here: Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
You’ll learn:
How Holmes Cooking grew to 5+ million fans.
The real story behind his viral “cooking for my pregnant wife” videos.
What it’s like building a brand from small-town Indiana.
Grab a snack, hit play, and enjoy one of the most inspiring Hoosier stories we’ve ever shared.
Keep Following the Hoosier Food Scene
Justin’s story is a testament to what happens when Hoosier heart meets hard work. Whether you’re a foodie or just love a good small-town success story, follow Holmes Cooking to see what’s next. And if you liked this story, subscribe to the Get Indiana Newsletter for more Indiana creators and culinary highlights.
