
Cassie Ghaffar, Co-Founder
Cassie Ghaffar, native Houstonian & University of Houston alum, her love for hospitality begins in the kitchen. Long before working in professional spaces, her passion was shaped at home cooking alongside family, gathering friends around the table, and learning that food is one of the most meaningful ways to show care. For Cassie, meals have always been about more than what’s on the plate; they’re about connection, comfort, and shared moments.
She brings that same spirit into everything she creates, with a focus on thoughtful flavors, inviting dishes, and food that feels both satisfying and personal. Cassie believes the best meals tell a story of culture, memory, and the people you share them with.
Her approach to food is simple and heartfelt: cook with intention, serve with warmth, and make every guest feel like they’re sitting at her table.

Sandy Nguyen, Co-Founder
Sandy Nguyen, native Houstonian & University of Houston alum, she is the heart behind Sunday Press, bringing her love of hospitality, thoughtful design, and community-centered spaces to life. With a background in building welcoming food and beverage concepts, Sandy is passionate about creating places where people can slow down, connect, and feel at home.
Her approach blends warm service, intentional atmosphere, and a deep appreciation for how food and coffee bring people together. Every detail at Sunday Press from the menu to the mood reflects her belief that everyday moments can feel special with the right setting.
Sandy’s vision for Sunday Press is simple: a neighborhood café that feels like a breath of fresh air, where conversations linger, creativity flows, and guests always feel genuinely cared for.
Eliu Palacios, Director of Kitchen Operations
Eliu is a highly experienced veteran of the food industry, with an impressive career spanning over three decades. He has held notable positions at Cheesecake Factory, Grand Luxe Cafe, and Crave Cupcakes, where he played an instrumental role in launching multiple locations nationwide.
Eliu's expertise extends to fine dining establishments like Noé Restaurant, Providence, Spago, and Vic and Antony's Stakehouse, where he worked as a pastry chef. He has honed his skills by learning from renowned pastry chefs such as Ramon Morato, Melissa Coopel, Andres Lara, Antonio Bachour, Jean-Philippe Maury, and Cédric Grolet.
Recently joining Ordinary Concepts, Eliu now oversees operations across all kitchen concepts, utilizing his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to drive positive transformations within the organization. Eliu's unwavering commitment to quality and his strong leadership make him an invaluable asset, ensuring exceptional culinary experiences for customers.
With Eliu's unparalleled work ethic, strategic mindset, and deep understanding of the intricacies of kitchen operations, Ordinary Concepts is poised to achieve new heights. His strong leadership and ability to implement effective systems ensure that the company consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences.
Desaree Castillo, Garden Oaks Store Manager
Desaree Castillo brings strong leadership, sharp attention to detail, and a deep background in hospitality to her role as Garden Oaks Store Manager at Sunday Press. With extensive catering experience at Goode Company BBQ and management experience at Adair Kitchen, Desaree has built her career on delivering quality, consistency, and exceptional guest service.
Her foundation in high-volume catering taught her how to execute events with precision while never losing the personal touch that makes guests feel truly cared for. From daily operations to special gatherings, she has a talent for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes while creating a warm, welcoming environment out front.
Desaree takes pride in the little things the details that elevate a visit from good to memorable. Her dedication to hospitality and team leadership helps make Sunday Press Garden Oaks a place where both guests and staff feel right at home.
