Amber Kay’s Café Provides Not Just a Meal, but an Experience

Amber Hutchinson, a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry for over a decade, strives to provide not just a meal but also an experience. Her commitment to delivering quality food in a welcoming atmosphere is the driving force behind Amber Kay’s Cafe, which began serving breakfast and lunch in Cedar City in 2020. 

In October 2022, her Main Street site changed ownership, and Amber had to find a new location, apply for financing, and wait for the new space’s construction. During that time, Amber and her staff had to get creative. They decided to open a food truck and partner with a local restaurant to use their space on Sundays. They also remained available through catering and online ordering companies like DoorDash.

“Turnover in the food service industry is typically very high, but our staff has remained loyal to the business, and our customers have stayed with us through the difficult relocation period,” she said. “Our staff is amazing, and they work hard to truly get to know the customers and remember their favorite menu selections.”

Amber, her friend and mentor Gerald VanIwaarden, and Joni Anderson first met at the Cedar City Small Business Development Center in September 2022 when Amber learned she would need to relocate. Over several months, the three worked together to analyze historical financial data and create financial projections and a business plan for the new restaurant space. At the same time, Amber and her staff continued serving their customers via the food truck at events and through DoorDash.

After all the hard work, Amber Kay’s new location officially opened on October 27, 2023. 

“We are so grateful for our customers’ patience and support, and we will continue offering great food, great customer service, and support for local charitable causes, which are very near and dear to our hearts,” she says.

Amber says Joni Anderson has been an incredible source of information and helped her prepare the documents for her SBA loan application.

“She is very well respected in the business community, and she has helped give me credibility that I feel I would otherwise not have,” she says. “I have been in business for a little over three years, and she has been very supportive and especially helpful during this recent opening at our new location.”