FORT WORTH, TX — A Fort Worth man with down syndrome isn't slowing down anytime soon. He is still chasing after his dreams.
Austin Underwood always wanted to be a chef.
His mom, Jan Underwood, knew she needed to make his dream come true. So, she helped put him through college to become a prep chef.
"We needed to find a job setting that he would be able to work in," Jan said.
Then, a food truck popped into their minds. On the menu - hot dogs. Jan said she knew it was the best option because hot dogs are Austin's favorite food.
Now, at 41, and three and a half years into the business, Austin was the first business owner with down syndrome. He got his start in Fort Worth.
"I have a lot of supporters and everybody came out to support me," Austin said.
He also has three food trucks and a group of workers that help run the business. Now, looking to franchise, he wants to help others with down syndrome make their dreams come true.
"We can try to find them to get jobs and live on their own and they can have their own dream like I do," Austin said.
"The franchise is designed as only one for a person with intellectual developmental disabilities," Jan said.
Austin and Jan want to make it known that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Whatever the future may hold, Austin will always be serving his hot dogs with a smile.
