After working in the food industry for several years, Siukey Payne no longer wanted to work for someone else. Noticing a need in Cypress, Payne set out to make a longtime dream of opening her own bistro a reality. 

Payne said she often looked for a place to spend time with friends without going to a bar or franchise coffeehouse. Originally from Venezuela, she also wanted to share her country’s culinary traditions with Cypress residents.

“I’ve lived in Cypress almost 20 years, so I have ownership of the area,” she said. “I felt like this was all mine, and I wanted to give back.”

Last May, Payne opened The Cast Iron Cafe, where she serves breakfast, lunch and dinner alongside specialty coffee drinks and desserts. Payne said her Grant Road location gives the bistro a relaxing environment.

It has taken time for customers to understand exactly what the cafe offers, Payne said, especially since Mexican food and culture has such a heavy influence in the area.

“We have lots of Mexican restaurants but very few bistros, and a lot of people don’t know what that means,” she said.

Homestyle meals in small portions incorporate a lot of natural herbs and simple ingredients.

Payne said she prefers to take her time in preparing everything from scratch, focusing on delivering quality food instead of fast food. The kitchen staff does not cook with frozen ingredients. Orders are prepared one at a time.

Payne envisions The Cast Iron Cafe as a place for families to have Sunday brunch on the patio or bring beer to enjoy with friends. In a fast-food culture packed with franchises, Payne said she wants the people of Cypress to make themselves at home and venture to try something new.

“This is a place to come and take it easy,” she said. “We don’t have anything frozen and ready to go. We chop up fresh vegetables from local producers, and it takes time.”

10609 Grant Road, Houston 832-604-6546 www.facebook.com/thecastironcafe Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.