At Keys Cafe, the food is always hot, the portions are generous, and the coffee keeps coming. But for the people who sit in the booths and slide onto the stools every week, it’s the people behind the counter—the staff—that make Keys more than just a place to eat.

For many diners, Keys isn’t just a stop for breakfast or lunch. It’s a part of their routine, their comfort zone, and even their chosen community. Here’s what a few regulars had to say about why it’s such a special place to come back to—and why working at Keys must be something special too.

“They will call me by name. It is like a second family to me.” — Theresa Peterson

Theresa has been coming to Keys for years. To her, it’s not just about the food—though she does appreciate the kitchen’s approach. “It is one of the few places that serves home cooking,” she says. But it’s the people who keep her coming back. The staff remember her name, know her order, and treat her like more than just a customer.

“I enjoy the help,” she adds. That simple phrase says a lot—it’s about kindness, familiarity, and the kind of personal connection that’s harder to find these days.

“Not a big deal place—and for that, it is a big deal.” — Joe

Joe’s a regular on Mondays, when he and his neighbor take time to enjoy a meal together. “We come here on Mondays when we have work off. My neighbor and I.” It’s part of a tradition, a moment of pause in an otherwise busy week.

Keys doesn’t try to be flashy, and that’s exactly why it matters so much to people like Joe. It’s real, it’s grounded, and it welcomes everyone. In his words, “Not a big deal place—and for that, it is a big deal.”

“Joe always gets the pancakes. I get the cinnamon French toast with eggs.” — Cora

Cora and Joe are more than just regulars—they’re part of the Keys rhythm. The servers know their orders before they say them, and there’s comfort in that. It’s a kind of relationship that only forms when people care—not just about the job, but about the people sitting across the table.