Meet the Team
Coray Kitchen is owned by husband and wife duo, Javier Villatoro and Casey Carroll.
Casey and Javier met in 2014 while both working at Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco, and moved to the Capital Region in 2018 to be closer to family and contribute to the thriving local food community here.
They are united through their deep love for regional food and culinary traditions, a shared belief in the importance of community and gathering together around the table, and a clear vision for how to combine their skills to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Their 7-year-old daughter, Magdalena, is the artist in residence at the restaurant, with her mixed media art fills the walls of the restaurant.
Coray Kitchen is their first project, realizing their dream of opening a restaurant right in the heart of the town they feel lucky to call home.
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Business Development & OwnerBorn and raised in Delmar, NY, Casey spent 12 years working in food and hospitality in Denver, CO, and San Francisco, CA, before returning back to the Capital Region in 2018.
Casey’s front of house experience, commitment to service, and career in food marketing is the perfect complement to Javier’s culinary skill.
Her passion lies in making meaningful connections with guests to deliver an unmatched dining experience, and ensure folks feel at ease, at home, and like an integral part of the magic in the restaurant.
She is dedicated to transforming the food industry from the inside out and focuses on establishing inclusive work environments, re-imagining industry standards, creating collaborative team cultures, and providing unique staff trainings and professional development opportunities.
Throughout her career, Casey has developed and led growth initiatives and communications programs for industry leaders Straus Family Creamery, Community Grains, Oliveto Restaurant and Cafe, Fruition Restaurant, 18 Reasons, Avocados From Mexico, and Ardent Mills.
Casey is also the founder and creative director of BWB - a holistic brand and business development firm, and is the creator of the Questions to Hold - a leadership platform and practice.
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Executive Chef & OwnerJavier is a diligent and inspired chef with robust experience developing culinary programs, scaling operations, and managing high volume retail and foodservice outlets.
After 14 years leading and developing the progressive food program for Bi-Rite Events and Catering, Javier took the helm as executive chef of Hooked Market & Kitchen in Latham, NY.
As a self-taught chef, Javier originally learned to cook from his mom, where all meals were prepared over the open fire at their home in Honduras. He continued to cultivate his talents when he moved to the United States, starting as a dishwasher and growing into roles as a prep cook, sous chef and executive production chef.
He grew up farming and continues to tend a robust garden where much of the restaurant’s produce is sourced.
Javier’s inspiration lies in making people happy through his food and flavors. He is known for his generous spirit, creative flavors, and honest, down-to-earth approach to cooking.
¿Cora, hay?
Coray is the name of Chef Javier’s hometown. As an immigrant, carrying his culinary traditions in his food has been an essential part of celebrating his roots, and grounding his identity in his life, and cooking in the United States.
Javier’s family still lives in Coray today where they operate their family farm, fish in the river behind their home, and tend hundreds of acres of land.
Located in a beautiful, quiet valley in a mountainous region of central Honduras, Coray Valle, sits with a local legend.
According to oral history, Coray got its name from a man who worked the fields, and his wife, Cora. As the story goes, the man would come home from working the fields. After a long day of work, he was always hungry, and would ask his wife, “¿Cora, hay?”, which translates to: “Cora - do we have food?”
To which we say: “¡hay!” There is always food here for you.
Press & Media
Food, Farms and Chefs Radio Show, Amaris Pollock
plant a seed and watch your business grow
Authority Magazine, Martita Mestey
5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became a Restaurateur
Hudson Valley Magazine, Kayla Sexton
Coray kitchen embraces global and seasonal flavors in delmar
Daily Voice, Michael Mashburn
Coray Kitchen In Delmar Hailed As 'Amazing Gem'
WTEN, News 10, ABC, Sara Rizzo
Farm to table restaurant, coray kitchen, opening in delmar
WNYT, News 13, NBC, Upstate of Business
Coray kitchen in delmar features farm-to-table food
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Wine Dinner Review
Coray Kitchen wine dinner review
Hudson Valley Hustle Podcast, Joe Amato
Casey carroll talks what it takes to run a successful restaurant
Spotlight Magazine, Meredith Savitt
Coray kitchen wins $75,000 grant to expand
Albany Business Review, Sam Raudins
Coray kitchen’s early success built on repeat customers
Capital Living Magazine, Abby Tegnelia
New & Now: Spring 2024
Times Union, Table Hopping, Steve Barnes