A Family Legacy That Started with One Cafe
Every family has a story, and the story behind Keys Cafe is one worth sharing. Head over to the Keys Facebook page to discover the incredible journey that transformed one neighborhood restaurant into a beloved family tradition spanning generations.
It All Began with Barbara Hunn
In 1973, Barbara Hunn opened the very first Keys Cafe in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul with very little restaurant experience. After her boss, Beverly Oien, purchased the restaurant, she asked Barbara to take the reins—and the rest is history.
From the very beginning, Keys was a true family affair. Barbara’s sisters worked tirelessly in the kitchen, “even in their bras!” during the hottest days, while her youngest brother, Roy, stood on a crate to work the cash register. Before long, Barbara’s own children were eating breakfast at the restaurant before school, becoming known as the kids whose mom ran Keys Cafe.
Three Generations Strong
More than 50 years later, the Keys family legacy is still going strong. Today, four siblings and a grandchild own the eight Keys Cafe locations in Forest Lake, Roseville, two in St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Stillwater, and Hudson.
While every location shares the same welcoming spirit and homemade food, each owner brings their own personality to the restaurant. As the article describes, “Carol is the independent operator, Jean is an army cook, Celine is a creative, and Roy is the fixer.”
Built to Last
Like any family business, Keys Cafe has faced its share of challenges—from COVID-19 and road construction to the difficult decision to close the Minneapolis Foshay Tower location. Through it all, the family has remained committed to serving great food and creating a welcoming place for every guest. They’re even exploring opportunities to expand into more communities around the Twin Cities.
No matter which Keys Cafe you visit, you’ll find delicious homemade meals, friendly faces, and the same family values that have been at the heart of the restaurant since 1973.
Check out the full Facebook post to learn more about the Keys story, and be sure to read the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal article to see how three generations have kept this family tradition alive.
