Meet Jasmine Cato | Owner of Granny Jas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Cato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking a risk is what helped me start my business. Throughout my adulthood, I’ve always fed people because it brings me joy to watch people enjoy what I’ve worked hard cooking! From feeding my college teammates, to cooking for my family when my mom was out of town, to later host gatherings where I served food, cooking really became one of my favorite hobbies! When I was younger, I never really thought to actually DO anything with it. It wasn’t until recently that I realized turning a passion (cooking) into a career is attainable. It took me years before I finally built the courage to sell plates because people are hard critics these days. I was terrified because word of mouth is critical. What if one person hated my food? Then they’d spread the word and just as quickly as my dream was started, it’d be snuffed out. I took a huge risk by selling plates in a couple cities during a pandemic when funds may have been limited. I’m so glad that I took the leap of faith because I wouldn’t be where I am today! At first, selling plates was just for fun & making sure people were fed, especially during the pandemic when a lot of places were closed, BUT the idea of “Granny Jas” became a reality with the HEAVY nudges from close friends!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Honestly, I’m proud of how far I’ve come! I never expected to turn my passion into something that consistently brings joy into others lives. I got where I am today by patience, networking, blood, sweat, and tears! This path was not easy, but worth it all the same. Learning to balance my work life, business, and personal life was extremely challenging, and I’m STILL learning time management. I continued to take it one day at a time and put my best foot forward. There were days that I felt I just wouldn’t have time to make meals, but every time, I found a way. This process has given me strength and endurance. I’d like the world to know that I intend to be a household name for catering. I want people to have events and their guests KNOW where the food came from.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I am more of a homebody!!!! But a few places I love eating/visiting:

Breakfast/Brunch: Yardbird, The Breakfast Bar, Grand Lux, Jonathan’s Oak Cliff, State & Allen, Another Broken Egg
Lunch: Catfish Connection, Fish N Tails, Wing City Sports, Nana’s Kitchen, Pepper’s Street Tacos, Aunt Irene’s, Shell & Tails Food Truck
Dinner: Kitchen + Kocktails, Drakes, Nate’s, Pangea, Trulucks, Nick & Sams

Late night views/vibes: The Exchange, The Statler, The Virgin Hotel

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of my college teammates and friends that allowed me the space to feed them while providing constructive criticism to my meals. In addition I want to thank those who have purchased plates, told someone about my food, shared my flyer or helped promote my business in any way! You all have made Granny Jas what it is today!

Instagram: Granny_Jas

Other: GrannyJasss@gmail.com