10/07/2026
On 14 August, my late father's birthday, we will close the doors of Smithfield's, My Yerba Mate World for the final time.
It feels like the right day to close this chapter.
This journey didn't begin with us. It began with my dad, Juan Castro, who contributed behind the scenes of La Torre in Fairfield for many years before continuing his passion by establishing Castro's Cakes, serving Western Sydney for another 20 years. Like the businesses before it, every chapter eventually comes to an end. Buildings change, businesses evolve, but the memories, traditions and people remain forever.
Following Dad's tradition of bringing authentic South American food to Western Sydney, we continued that legacy for almost 20 years through, My Yerba Mate World. Together, our family has proudly served this community for almost half a century.
What a journey it's been.
I still laugh every time I remember hearing, "You know what you should do?" After almost 50 years in business, I think we heard that one a few thousand times!
One of Dad's greatest ideas was bringing authentic South American food together with my passion for yerba mate. It was a simple idea that grew into something special and has thrived for almost two decades.
Our mission was never just to sell food.
It was to share our culture with Australians from every background, to introduce people to traditions they may never have experienced, and to prove that innovation and authenticity can exist side by side.
We proudly reinvented products while respecting generations of tradition. We became pioneers in bringing an umbrella of Latino flavours together under one roof and creating experiences that have since become familiar across the industry.
Some of the ideas we're proud to have introduced include:
• Chorizo & Cheese Empanadas
• Dulce de Leche Thickshakes
• Serving Yerba Mate in a hospitality setting (In Australia and Internationally!)
And who could forget the day our staff member, Nicole mixed chimichurri with homemade mayonnaise? Yes... that one started with us too, 2006! It's incredibly rewarding to see so many of the concepts, combinations and ideas we introduced become part of everyday menus. Knowing we've helped shape the way South American food is enjoyed in Australia is something we'll always carry with pride.
Over the years we've shared countless sandwiches de miga, bizcochos, churros, alfajores, empanadas, chivitos, yerba mate and so many more family favourites. More importantly, we've shared conversations, friendships, celebrations and memories that will stay with us forever.
To everyone who ever walked through our doors—whether you visited once, became a regular, or have supported us from the very beginning—thank you. Your loyalty, encouragement and friendship have meant more than you'll ever know.
"The shop may be closing, but the journey isn't over. My passion for yerba mate continues through My Great Mate, where I'll keep doing what our family has always done—sharing something we truly love with people who appreciate authenticity. I hope you'll join me for the next chapter.
"So this isn't goodbye. It's hasta luego.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing our family to be part of yours for almost 50 years.
With love and endless gratitude,
Love, The Castro's and My Great Mates x
