Keys Cafe: A Story of Family and Food
Keys Cafe is a family-run restaurant built on simple values—fresh food, hard work, and strong relationships. It all started with Barbara Hunn, who once dreamed of becoming a pop singer but instead found her stage in the kitchen. In 1973, she opened the first Keys Cafe in St. Paul. Since then, it has grown into a local favorite with nine locations across the Twin Cities and in Hudson, Wisconsin. At the heart of it all is Barbara’s belief in making everyone feel at home—staff, family, and customers alike.
Who is Barbara Hunn?
Barbara Hunn once wanted to be a pop singer. Instead, she got married, worked as a nurse, and raised a family. She held a variety of jobs before eventually opening her own restaurant. Today, she’s a proud restaurateur. “The restaurant became my stage,” she says. Her path may have changed, but she still found a way to do what she loves—connect with people.
She opened the first Keys Cafe on Raymond Avenue in St. Paul in 1973. Ten years later, she opened a second location in New Brighton. Over time, Barbara refined her approach to food and service, always focused on building a place where everyone feels welcome. “I am so blessed and honored, and it makes me cry,” she says when talking about the restaurant.
Barbara Hunn has four children: Carol, Jean, Celine and Roy, all of whom started working at Keys in their early teens and now own their own locations.
Keys Cafe Today
With help from her family, Keys Cafe now operates nine locations. The restaurant has been recognized both locally and nationally for its food, but the mission remains the same: serve great meals and treat people like family.
The philosophy is simple—memorable service and food made from scratch using recipes “you grew up with.” From breakfasts to dinners to desserts, everything is made with care.
Fresh Food, Made to Order
Keys Cafe uses fresh ingredients, and every meal is cooked to order. Each location has its own prep team and kitchen staff, making food from scratch for every customer. Every cafe also has a bakery that bakes fresh rolls, breads, and desserts daily, keeping quality high and consistent.
Family-Owned and Operated
Every Keys Cafe is owned and run by members of the Hunn family. They believe in working hard to create a place where everyone—employees and customers—feels like they belong. “The essence of Keys is family,” says Don Collyard, a longtime employee. Barbara’s daughter, Jean, started as a breakfast cook at age 15. Her granddaughter, Francesca, began helping out at just 12.
A Family Workplace
The staff at Keys also feel like part of the family. They take the time to get to know customers by name and build relationships. Many employees stay for years. Leann, who has worked at Keys since 1994, summed it up well when asked if she was part of the family: “No, but yes!”
Customers Are Family Too
Customers are treated like part of the extended family. Every location puts them first and takes time to build real connections. Many people come back regularly, not just for the food, but for the people. Joe, for example, comes in every Monday with his neighbor Cora. “Joe always gets the pancakes with the real maple syrup. I always get cinnamon French toast and eggs,” says Cora.
From its start on Raymond Avenue to nine locations across the region, Keys Cafe has kept the same values—fresh food, friendly service, and a family atmosphere. Whether you’re in the kitchen or at a table, Keys Cafe is a place where everyone knows your name.
