Yesterday, Kay's Cafe in Highland permanently closed, marked by a no-trespassing sign hung by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on its door. Renowned for mouthwatering breakfast dishes, this legendary establishment, opened by Alan Holub in 1979, has fostered a wealth of memories, becoming a cherished part of the community, as reported by the San Bernardino Sun.
Originally located at the intersection of Stuart Avenue and Orange Street in Redlands, Kay's Cafe had to relocate due to a failed redevelopment project. Although the original building now houses Banned Skate Shop., Kay's remained popular even after moving, continually creating menu favorites such as spinach-based dishes like the Popeye Omelet, house made corned beef hash, and blueberry pancakes. The eatery also provided a pleasant small-town atmosphere, and guests often enjoyed watching the cooks at work in the open kitchen, according to the San Bernardino Sun.
Beyond delicious food, the diner played an integral role as a hub for locals. Civic groups and politicians often gathered at Kay's Cafe, using the space for fundraisers and meetings. Some of the staff would even later open their own establishments: short-order cook Tony Canul started Molly's Cafe in San Bernardino, and waitress Carolyn Strickland used her 11 years of experience to open Carolyn's Cafe in Redlands per San Bernardino Sun.
The reasons to the cafe's closure remain unclear as the current owners could not be reached, and the restaurant's phone line is disconnected. It should be noted, however, that Kay's Cafe was a recipient of $20,000 in coronavirus pandemic aid from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in 2021 according to San Bernardino Sun, suggesting potential difficulties due to the pandemic.
The closure triggered a flurry of nostalgia on the Redlands Buzz and Local Area News Group Facebook page, with community members recounting their experiences and reflecting on the loss. User Craig LeMere reported in an early Facebook post that the building's owner had confirmed the closure. The fate of the property at 27245 Base Line Street remains unknown, but Kay's Cafe undeniably leaves a legacy of fond memories for Highland locals to cherish.
