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Show $ribune a January Section T 13, 1983 Page 9 v Kay and Red Retire From Cafe Home Restaurant Owners Ehcl Romance With By Trish Brink . Tribune Staff Writer To write a bock about the lives of Kay and Red Johnson, one would have to begin with Honey and end with love. It would be a romance between a husband and wife and friends who have become not patrons, but family to the recently retired owners of the little white cafe that Gary Barber says is kind of like coming home to Mama. There would have to be chapters filled with laughter and hugs, one for the year they sold out, but then returned for another 18 years. Of course, it also must include the frequent family discussions that many overheard while munching on breakfast or lunch, but which only made it more like home. End Careers It would be that way because that's the way theyve always been. And thats the way it was on the final Friday of 1982, when they ended their careers as owners of Kay and Reds Cafe, located across from Liberty Park on 13th South. A green and Kay and Reds Cafe ended 32 years under same owners. New owners say friendly tradition will be kept. white-stripe- d aw- ning covers the screen door entrance where above, neon signs conspicuously advertise Hamburgers . . . Steak and Chicken Dinners Ice Cream. Inside, lively talk fills the short-orde- r, soda fountain-styl- e dinette where pictures of the wild west accent yellow walls, ... and orange curtains cover steamy windows. Valley Institution Thats the way it was until Dec. 31, the last day of 32 years for Kay and Red as owners of what Paul Nygaard and the other regulars consider the last of the small-tow- n an inrestaurants stitution in the valley. This time we really are retiring, said Kay, 63, reminiscing about a day 18 years ago when they sold for cash, but just couldn't stay away. It was a mistake, said Red. An informal gathering to bid farewell to the couple on their last day was a heartwarming surprise for Kay and Red 0 J. Johnson). Lawyers, school teachers, professors, manufacturing company representatives and truck drivers showed up to thank Kay and Red for giving them a second home. (Mr and Mrs. Theres quite a conglomera- tion of people in here, said Lou- - Patrons Long-Ti-me ise Rushing, who, along with her husband Edward have made the trip from Murray every Saturday for years. Its a treat I look toward to all week. We relax when we come in here. Of course we like the food, but really, its just comfy. But Mrs. Rushing was taken back when she learned Kay and Red were retiring. Oh, no, she said as the tears began. Oh, goodness, that makes me so sad. She warned the new owners. "Theyve got to go some to measure up to Kay and Red. The new owners, Susan and Edward Harries, say they will try to keep the same traditions, the casual atmosphere. Well have a theme around the park, .said Mr. Harries. Some Reservations Although theyre willing to give the new owners a chance, Kay and Red's old patrons have reservations. We have three generations ' that have been coming here, said Marcia Whipps, Now well have nowhere to go when I want to bring my grandson to a place where someone will give him a candy bar and a pat on the back. Other patrons had difficulty describing bow they felt about Kay and Reds absence. Im feeling like, well, like I did last January when when I lost my grandmother, said Bill Wood, who added he's been patronizing the cafe for 12 years. Theyre the type of people who always remember you. And theyre people you cant forget. Everything Changes Everything changes in life, he continued, being both philoNotsophic and sentimental. hings permanent. But when youve got good people like this, you just appreciate them while you can. I feel like this place is my family, just like all the customers do, said attorney James Dean. They really make me feel like Tm sitting around the kitchen table. Tm glad theyll be able to relax at home and enjoy themselves. But Tm really sad because I dont know where Tm going to eat breakfast I may even have to eat at home. But some others couldnt accept such a suggestion. Gary Barber, one of several East High School teachers who make it a point to frequent Kay and Reds, said he cant eat at home. This is home, he said. Doesn't Miss Work Now, after a week as a liberated person, Kay says that although she misses the people, she doesnt miss the work. No, I dont miss it. Ive worked so hard for so long. I just enjoy relaxing and the peacefulness of it all. But Ill miss the customers. Theyre not just customers, theyre friends. What will they do to fill their leisure time? Besides staying to cook for the Harries for as long as it takes to teach them everything I know which will probably take about a half hour, Red said hell relax, play golf and chase my wife around Three Fountains (where they live). Its not the rocking chair for me, he said with certainty. I want to back off but I still want to have something to do, something with responsibility. Credits Kay Red said when they began the business it started right off with a boom. Not to steal the spotlight with his acclaimed recipes for sweet rolls, omelettes and short stacks, Red credits his wife for the success of the business. With Kay in the front end, you cant miss. And, of course, weve been fortunate to always have had very good help. Everyone would agree. But they would surely add that Reds cooking is a also a major attraction. Reminded of Mother native of Minnesota, Red met Kay on a bus to Midvale, the town where she was born and A raised. He worked for Utah Light and Traction, driving street cars and buses. One day, years and years ago (in 1940), I told her she reminded me of my mother and she kinda went for it, he chuckled. In 1950, he said, while he was driving for Greyhound, he and Kay arranged to lease the cafe. It was the spring of the big rain 13th South turned into a river. I picked up my kids and went to Minnesota. I came back in two weeks and it was still flooded. Isnt that crazy? But we opened anyway and it started right off with a boom. Resigned Bus Job He took a leave of absence from Greyhound. When the 90 days was up, the business kept he said, going. So I resigned, smiling. Now, probably hundreds of friends richer, Kay and Red plan to relax at home. And after all the offers to cook a meal here and there for friends, theyll probably take their friends home instead of bringing borne to their friends. Without a doubt, they'll have plenty of company. Tribune Staff Photos by Paul Fraughton Red Johnson, former owner of Kay and Reds, is known for his omelets, sweet rolls and. short stacks. lie will work O m i Oil nT t ft r i I for a while as long as it takes to teach them ail I know, as a chef to help new owners. which should be a half-hour, .J |