Why We Love Working at Keys: Voices from the Inside
At Keys Cafe, it’s not just about the food—though that grilled cheese sandwich might hold a special place in your heart. For the people who work behind the counter, on the grill, and with the customers every day, Keys is more than a workplace. It’s family. It’s history. It’s home.
Here’s what the people who know it best—Keys employees—have to say about why working here means so much.
“That was my training. I have been here since 1994.” – Leann Kopic
For Leann, Keys is a place where experience and heart matter more than a manual. Her first “training” consisted of a simple, “If you have any questions, let me know.” But she stayed, learned, and became part of the fabric of the cafe over decades.
“Am I part of the family? No, but yes I am part of the family.” Leann says, capturing the beautiful contradiction that many long-time staff feel. Whether by blood or by bond, Keys brings people together.
“I was 15. My uncle asked if I needed a job.” – Juan
Juan’s journey began with a bus ride and a dishwashing job. Seventeen years later, he’s built a life around Keys—both inside and outside the kitchen.
“I have kids that are 5 and 13 and they are always talking about Keys.” It’s more than nostalgia—it’s legacy.
Juan started as a dishwasher and then chef/line cook and is now the kitchen manager and an integral part to the day to day operations. “What does it take to work at the grill? A lot of work and heat. You have to work well under pressure.”
“I came here with my mom and grandma. I always ordered grilled cheese.” – Keanu Traynor
Keanu’s Keys story began as a kid on the other side of the counter. The comfort food became a comfort place, and years later, he’s part of the team that keeps that same magic alive for the next generation.
“I love working here. The weekends are crazy, but I am very comfortable.” That balance of fast-paced and familiar makes Keys special. But for Keanu, it goes even deeper:
“I don’t know where I would be without this place.”
“I have worked here since 1989. I used to box. They know me as the boxer. I need time to do boxing. They give me the time here. It is perfect!” -Miguel Ramos.
At Keys Cafe, our employees aren’t just part of the team — they’re part of the family. Miguel Ramos, who has been with us since 1989, is a perfect example of the dedication and heart that make this place special. “I have worked here since 1989. I used to box. They know me as the boxer. I need time to do boxing. They give me the time here. It is perfect!” Miguel shares.
His passion doesn’t stop at the ring — he’s also the man behind some of our most beloved house-made dressings. “I make dressings. If I don’t make the dressings, the customers notice right away,” he says with pride. It’s this kind of commitment and care that shows in every detail — and why our team loves being part of Keys.
A Place That Feels Like Home
From dishwashers to grill masters, from childhood customers to seasoned veterans, everyone at Keys shares a story rooted in hard work, community, and connection.
Whether you’ve worked here for a week or a few decades, the message is clear: At Keys, you’re part of something bigger. Something real. It’s more than just a job.
And that’s what makes it a great place to work. And a place where our customers testify to how much they love our workers.
