State Workers Clock In, and So Does Keys Cafe
Downtown St. Paul is coming back to life as state workers return to the office—and we’re feeling it here at Keys Café. In a recent MPR News story, Carol Hunn-Gregory shared how much the city has changed in five years, and how we’ve adapted through it all with tools like delivery and community support.
Now, with more foot traffic downtown, we’re asking: Are state workers finding their way back to their favorite hometown café? It’s starting to look that way.
Back to the Office, Back to the Table: Keys Cafe Keeps the Coffee Warm
Carol Hunn-Gregory, owner of Keys Cafe on Robert Street in downtown St. Paul, has noticed a quiet but hopeful shift: state workers are slowly returning to their offices—and back to Keys. “We’ve seen a few tables, a few people coming in. I anticipate it’s going to be gradual,” she shared in a recent MPR News interview. While the downtown breakfast crowd isn’t what it once was, Keys remains a steady presence, welcoming every customer like family—a tradition that’s helped keep the doors open through changing times.
From State Staff to Governors—Everyone Feels at Home at Keys
That welcoming, family-like atmosphere isn’t lost on the state workers who’ve made Keys Cafe part of their routine. Whether it’s a quick bite before meetings or a casual catch-up over coffee, Keys has become a familiar and comforting stop. “We’re pretty convenient for them to come down and have a quick meeting. It’s fun to see them coming through,” Carol Hunn-Gregory shared. Even Former Governor Mark Dayton was a regular—often taking time to greet customers, adding a touch of warmth to the cafe’s already homey vibe.
A Tasty Escape Just Steps from the Capitol
For many state workers, Keys Cafe isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a quick escape from the formality and pace of the Capitol. “I think they come in to kind of get away from the Capitol, kind of hide out, but have a good lunch while they’re at it,” Carol Hunn-Gregory explained in the MPR interview. With its warm atmosphere and hearty meals, Keys offers a familiar refuge where conversations flow easily and comfort food helps recharge the day.
Knowing the Crowd: Light Lunches, Big Hospitality at Keys
At Keys Cafe, state workers aren’t just customers—they’re familiar faces with familiar orders. Carol Hunn-Gregory can spot them the moment they walk in. “Well, more suits, for one thing,” she laughs. “And I guess the women, too—it’s the half soup and sandwich, half soup and salad. They just want a light lunch. They don’t want a big breakfast or a heavy meal.” After all, she adds with a smile, “They don’t want to fall asleep at their desk.” It’s that kind of understanding—knowing what people need before they ask—that keeps Keys feeling like a second home.
Carol’s Picks: What to Order When You Drop By Keys
If you’re a state worker—or just hungry downtown—Carol Hunn-Gregory has a few tried-and-true recommendations. From the bakery case, she highlights a customer favorite: “Our house chocolate cake, which is our dark chocolate cake and buttercream frosting.” Rich, classic, and made from scratch. And from the main menu? “Breakfast all day,” she proudly exclaims. Whether you’re craving pancakes at noon or a slice of cake to sweeten your afternoon, Carol makes it clear: at Keys, you’ll always find something comforting on the table.
Looking Ahead: Optimism on the Menu at Keys Cafe
Through every challenge, Keys Cafe has stayed true to its roots—adapting, enduring, and welcoming the community with open arms. Carol Hunn-Gregory’s steady optimism fuels that resilience. As she looks toward the future of downtown St. Paul, she sees more than just recovery—she sees growth. “Once they finish this construction, this is going to be a very vibrant, viable neighborhood, and they will get another grocery store in, I’m confident, and I think it’s actually going to be better. I really believe that.” That belief is baked into every meal served at Keys—and it’s what keeps the café not just surviving, but thriving.
You can find the original MPR story here: Carol Hunn-Gregory Interview
