We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cassey Castro. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Cassey, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
crazy. been a chef and owner is not easy and try to be the best on the game make it much harder.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
my name is cassey castro and I am the owner and head chef of Astors Table. I started off as a little coffee shop about 8 years ago, located in katy Texas. What makes Astor’s Table unique is that we bring together bold South African and Latin flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Houston, but it’s more than just the food. We create an atmosphere where every guest feels like family, from the music to the energy to the way we greet you by name. It’s fine dining with a home vibe.”I grew up surrounded by flavors from Cape Town and Latin America, and I wanted to share that journey here in Texas. Guests aren’t just having dinner — they’re experiencing a blend of cultures, flavors, and hospitality that feels both adventurous and welcoming.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from so many people. My family taught me the values of hard work, faith, and dedication — those are the foundation of everything I do. My close friends have kept me grounded and reminded me to enjoy the journey, even when things get tough. And my coworkers, especially in the kitchen, push me every day to be better. Cooking and running a restaurant is a team sport, and I wouldn’t be here without the lessons each of them has given me.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience and faith in the process. In the kitchen, just like in life, things burn, things fall apart, and sometimes you have to start over. Success never taught me that — only struggle did. And those lessons made me a stronger chef, a stronger leader, and a stronger person.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is hospitality. Growing up, I was taught that when someone sits at your table, they’re family. At Astor’s Table, that means making every guest feel welcome, remembered, and cared for — not just served. That’s something I’ll never compromise.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t is that struggle is not the opposite of success — it’s the ingredient that makes success possible. Most people want to skip over the hard parts, but it’s in the failures, the late nights, the broken moments where you find your strength and build something lasting
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.astorstable.com
- Instagram: @astorstable
- Facebook: @astorstable
