Celebrating 20 Years of Cate Street
A Journey of Family, Flavor, and Community
By Jonathan Wong
For 20 years, Cate Street Seafood Station has been serving delicious seafood, steak, and sushi to the people of Hammond, Louisiana. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a place where family, community, and great food come together.
Our story began in 2004 when we opened our doors in the Historic Hammond Freight Station, right along the railroad tracks in downtown Hammond, America. We didn't know then that this charming old building would become so important to our family and our community. From the start, we had a simple but powerful mantra: "We're a family who aspires daily to create something you'll love." This idea has been behind every meal we've served, every smile we've shared, and every challenge we've faced. Here at Cate Street Seafood Station, we believe in what we call FIRE: Family, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence. These aren't just words on a wall; they're the heart of who we are and how we work every single day. These words have helped us create something special – a place where food, family, and community come together perfectly.
Over the years, our family has given us wise advice that has shaped how we run Cate Street. My Uncle Frank taught me to focus on one thing and do it well. He said, "Don't be a man with many knives in his pocket and none of them sharp." He also reminded us that if we only think about money, we'll forget what's really important – the people we are here to serve. My grandmother told us to "let them eat, or they won't let you eat." We believe in providing generous portions not only to satisfy our guests' appetites but also to nourish their spirits. My cousin Jason pays attention to every little detail. He makes sure that every meal we serve is the best it can be. It's not just about giving people a lot of food; it's about making every bite special. My brother Christopher is intelligent beyond his years and has always been a problem solver. He knows when to say "no" and how to find better ways to do anything. This has helped us grow and get better. My Uncle Joe and his son, our cousin Joseph, are great at understanding what hospitality is, and making guests feel welcome. They have a special way of making everyone feel like family.
Our success over these 20 years is also owed to the amazing team at Cate Street Seafood Station. They work hard every day and are excited about what they do. They always try to "leave everyone in a better place than they arrived." This dedication has made us more than just a restaurant – we're part of the wonderful Hammond community. We've learned to cherish the people who are with us now, be kind to those who might seem distant, and remember those who are no longer with us. Everyone who has been part of the Cate Street family has left a mark on our story.
From our famous Cate Street Roll to our specialty Hangover Burger, every dish we serve is made with love. We use the traditional flavors of Louisiana but add our own unique twist. Our menu has changed over the years, but we still use fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors.Some of our most popular dishes include the Crunchy Wasabi Tuna, which mixes Asian and Cajun flavors. Our Crawfish Pepper Jack Cheese Dip is a favorite and uses local beer from Hammond's Gnarly Barley Brewery. The Fried Seafood Platter shows off the best seafood from the Gulf. And of course, our Sushi Pizza has become a Cate Street legend!
The past 20 years have been full of memorable moments. We made it through Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which forced us to add sushi to our menu – a change that would shape our future. We've hosted many celebrations, from first dates to wedding anniversaries. We've spent late nights creating new recipes and early mornings getting ready for another day of serving customers. The laughter shared among staff and the friendships made over shared meals have all been part of the Cate Street Seafood Station story.
Being in the historic Hammond Freight Station connects us deeply to the city's past. This building was built in 1912 and has seen over a century of Hammond's growth and change. We're proud to take care of this piece of history, keeping its character while creating new memories inside its walls every day. The station's rich history – from when it was a busy freight depot to its change into a beloved restaurant – mirrors Hammond's own story of growth and change. We're honored to be part of this ongoing story. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we're not just looking back – we're looking forward. Whether it's the next 1, 3, 5, or 10 years, we're excited about what the future holds for Cate Street Seafood Station. We want to keep creating new dishes while staying true to our roots, teaching the next generation of chefs, building stronger connections in the Hammond community, sharing the history of our unique location, and most importantly, keeping the warm and welcoming atmosphere that we're known for.
None of this would be possible without you – our guests, our friends, our Hammond family. Your support, your smiles, your stories shared at our tables – these are the real ingredients of our success. To everyone who has been part of our journey – whether you've been with us from the beginning or just found us recently – thank you. You are the reason we try to be our best every day. As we start our next chapter, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, know that you're not just our guest – you're part of the Cate Street family. Come share a meal, raise a glass, and help us write the next pages of the Cate Street Seafood Station story. Here's to 20 years of memories, and to many more to come! Remember, at Cate Street Seafood Station, you matter, and you inspire those around you. Stay strong, stay centered, stay serving. Cheers to the next 20 years!
Our Culinary Journey - At Cate Street Seafood Station, we're proud of our food that mixes traditional Louisiana flavors with new ideas. Our menu shows our commitment to quality, freshness, and creativity. Let's take a closer look at some of our special dishes that have become favorites over the years:
Cate Street Roll: This famous sushi roll has become a symbol of our restaurant. It perfectly shows how we combine Japanese sushi techniques with local Louisiana flavors. The Cate Street Roll is an example of how we can adapt and create new things, especially after Hurricane Katrina when we started serving sushi.
Hangover Burger: Our Hangover Burger has many fans among our customers. This rich burger is more than just a burger – it's a comfort food masterpiece. It's packed with strong flavors and lots of toppings. It's perfect whether you're feeling under the weather or just want something really satisfying.
Crunchy Wasabi Tuna: This dish shows how we mix Asian and Cajun flavors. We use fresh tuna with a wasabi kick and add a crunchy outside for texture. It's a dish that surprises and delights people, showing how we like to push the boundaries of cooking.
Crawfish Pepper Jack Cheese Dip: This is a real crowd-pleaser. Our Crawfish Pepper Jack Cheese Dip captures the essence of Louisiana in every bite. We're proud to use local ingredients, including beer from Hammond's own Gnarly Barley Brewery, to make this rich and flavorful appetizer. It shows how we support local producers while making great-tasting food.
Fried Seafood Platter: No Louisiana seafood restaurant would be complete without a great fried seafood platter, and ours shows off the best seafood from the Gulf. We choose the freshest catches and fry them in a light, crispy batter that enhances the natural flavors of the seafood. It's a dish that connects us to our coastal roots and satisfies all kinds of seafood lovers.
Sushi Pizza: This might be our most unique creation. The Sushi Pizza has become a Cate Street legend. This innovative dish combines the best parts of two beloved foods – sushi and pizza – into something completely new and exciting. It shows how we're not afraid to think outside the box and create memorable dining experiences for our guests.
Sushi Pizza
Our culinary journey over the past 20 years has been one of constant change and improvement. We've stayed true to our Louisiana roots while embracing influences from around the world. Our kitchen is a place of creativity and passion, where we're always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. We believe that food is more than just something to eat – it's a way to bring people together, to create memories, and to show our love for our community. Every dish we serve is made with care, using the freshest ingredients we can find. We work closely with local suppliers to make sure we're not only serving delicious food but also supporting our local economy. As we look to the future, we're excited to continue exploring new culinary ideas. We want to stay up-to-date with food trends while still serving the classic dishes that our customers love. Whether you've been coming here for years or you're visiting for the first time, we invite you to join us on this food adventure. At Cate Street Seafood Station, there's always something new to discover on your plate.
Our Community Connection - At Cate Street Seafood Station, we believe that a restaurant is more than just a place to eat – it's a vital part of the community. Over the past 20 years, we've worked hard to build strong connections with the people of Hammond and the surrounding areas.We've been involved in many community events and fundraisers. Whether it's supporting local schools, participating in food festivals, or helping out during tough times like natural disasters, we've always tried to be there for our community.Our restaurant has become a gathering place for families, friends, and even strangers who become friends over a shared meal. We've seen first dates turn into engagements, birthdays celebrated year after year, and business deals sealed over lunch. These moments remind us of the important role we play in the social fabric of Hammond.We also take pride in being a good neighbor. We work hard to reduce our environmental impact by recycling, using energy-efficient equipment, and sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible. We believe that being a responsible business is just as important as serving great food.
Looking to the Future - As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we're excited about what the future holds for Cate Street Seafood Station. We have plans to expand our menu, offering even more innovative dishes while keeping the classics that our customers love. We're also looking at ways to improve our dining space, making it even more comfortable and welcoming for our guests. Technology will play a bigger role in our operations, from online ordering to loyalty programs that reward our regular customers. But no matter how much we grow or change, one thing will always stay the same – our commitment to treating every guest like family.We're also focusing on training the next generation of chefs and restaurant professionals. We want to pass on our knowledge and passion for great food and excellent service to ensure that Cate Street Seafood Station continues to thrive for many years to come.
A Final Thank You - As we wrap up this look back at our first 20 years, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. To our loyal customers who have supported us through good times and bad, to our hardworking staff who bring our vision to life every day, to our suppliers who provide us with the best ingredients, and to the Hammond community that has embraced us – we couldn't have done it without you. Here's to 20 years of great food, warm hospitality, and wonderful memories. And here's to many more years of serving our community, one delicious meal at a time. Thank you for being part of the Cate Street Seafood Station family. We can't wait to see what the next 20 years will bring!
