What began as an unexpected break during the global pandemic has transformed into Australia's most remarkable culinary success story. Andy Hearnden, the mastermind behind Andy Cooks, has become the nation's biggest cooking sensation through a simple yet brilliant online formula.
From Kitchen Professional to Social Media Phenomenon
In 2021, amidst the pandemic's uncertainty, Hearnden found himself taking his first career break after years working in professional kitchens and restaurants. Like many Australians during lockdown, he spent increased time online and noticed something fascinating: people couldn't get enough of cooking content.
"I'd deliberately taken about six months off for the first time in my career, which was really nice. But then, like a lot of people, I started getting a bit bored," Hearnden recalls. "I saw that TikTok was kind of popping off and I thought, 'I can cook. I better do something here'."
Thus, Andy Cooks was born - but success didn't come overnight. The experienced chef quickly discovered that culinary skills alone weren't enough for social media stardom.
"I quickly learnt that, yes, I can cook, but no, I have no idea how to talk to a camera or edit a video or anything like that," he admits. "So I had to pretty quickly upskill myself and figure all that out. Here we are, four years later, and it's kind of my whole life."
The Recipe for Viral Success
Hearnden's breakthrough came with a simple format that resonated with millions. In his videos, he calls out to his wife, Katelyn Flood, affectionately known as "Babe," asking what she'd like for dinner. Whether she requests Korean barbecue, chicken teriyaki, or pork schnitzel with spatzle, Hearnden demonstrates how to prepare the dish with professional ease.
This straightforward approach has generated staggering numbers: 6 million TikTok followers, similar subscription numbers on YouTube, and 4.6 million Instagram followers. Combined, his content attracts approximately 140 million viewers monthly across all platforms.
"Everyone does it, right?" Hearnden says of cooking content's universal appeal. "Everyone eats, everyone cooks. And I think everyone's always after 'what's a good idea for dinner?' So that's what we focus on most of the time. Just food that's accessible and for the everyday home cook."
From Screen to Plate: Pair'd Festival Appearance
Western Australian food enthusiasts will soon experience Hearnden's culinary skills firsthand when he travels to Margaret River for the Pair'd Festival later this month. The four-day celebration of food and drink will feature Hearnden collaborating with local producers and chefs.
"I'm super excited to be working with one of the local fishmongers there from Revolutions Fisheries, Anthony," Hearnden shares. "We're going to be filming some YouTube videos while we're there, we're going to go fishing with them, try and get some nannygai, and then we're gonna go foraging for some local native ingredients as well to make a native-ingredient salsa verde."
The festival dinner at Wills Domain will see Hearnden teaming up with chefs Sergio Labbe and Jed Gerrard from Wills Domain, Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, and local barbecue expert Don Macdonald. Attendees can expect dishes prepared directly from grills and fire pits, offering fans their first opportunity to taste Hearnden's creations beyond the digital screen.
Hearnden's journey from pandemic break to culinary stardom demonstrates how adaptability and understanding audience needs can transform unexpected circumstances into extraordinary opportunities. His focus on accessible, everyday cooking continues to resonate with millions seeking inspiration for their next meal.
