From Server to Owner: David Castro’s Journey in the ‘Noble’ Food Service Industry
For David Castro, owner of Applause Catering, hospitality isn’t just a business—it’s in his blood. Growing up in his mother’s restaurant in Mexico, Castro developed a passion for both cooking and eating, but more importantly, he discovered a love for people.
“I’ve always enjoyed seeing people happy,” he says.
Born in Querétaro, Mexico, Castro was the youngest of four children. His early years were filled with travel—first to Spain in 1993, then back to Mexico, and eventually to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his family put down roots.
The move to Michigan wasn’t just for a change of scenery—it was out of necessity. An economic crisis in Mexico had cost his family everything, and they sought a fresh start.
“My mother had friends here, and she wanted us to fully integrate into the culture,” Castro explains. “She believed that if we moved somewhere like Texas or California, where there are many Spanish-speaking communities, we wouldn’t learn the language or assimilate as well.”
That leap of faith eventually led Castro to Applause Catering. He first walked through its doors 21 years ago as a server. Within just six months, he knew he had found his calling. His passion for the company grew so strong that he set his sights on one day leading it.
In 2020, that dream became reality—Castro became the sole owner of Applause Catering. Today, he runs the business like a family, and not just because his wife and two daughters work alongside him, but because he extends that sense of unity to his entire staff.
“My father always told me that the food industry is a noble profession,” Castro says. “People trust us with what they eat—they put it directly into their bodies. That trust means something, and it’s why this industry is built by people who genuinely careabout others.”
Founded in 1989, Applause Catering specializes in weddings, corporate events, cookouts, and also offers takeout and delivery services. Under Castro’s leadership, the company continues to uphold its commitment to hospitality—one meal, and one happy customer, at a time.
