ALONZO KEYS, SR. – 2007

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK COOPER

When Alonzo Keys, Sr. moved to Panama City in 1953, he never dreamed he would one day appear on the cover of Panama City Living Magazine for his accomplishments as a chef. In 2007, Alonzo Sr. was photographed with his son Alonzo Jr., and his grandson, Javon.

Alonzo Sr. was featured for his creation of “Daddy’s Dust,” the unique blend of spices he uses when creating recipes. The article emphasized that the dust has become a symbol in the Keys family so each member can be reminded to be the best they can be in their life, their family, and their career.

“People were proud that I made the cover,” says Alonzo Sr. “But I didn’t do it. It’s the people around me that did it. You might be the boss, but you don’t have to do everything. You have people that work with you and I like to give my backup people the glory.”

He says it is due to “One of the finest men I’ve ever met—Johnny Patronis.” Alonzo Sr. moved to Panama City on Nov. 7, 1953. The next day, Johnny Patronis hired him to work in his restaurant. Alonzo Sr. was 17 when he was hired to wash dishes. His hard work led him all the way to the executive chef’s position. His son, Anthony, works beside him and is the master of everything fried.

Alonzo Jr., since 2005, has worked as kitchen manager and head cook at Captain’s Table in St. Andrews, says people that come in to apply for jobs still remember him being on the cover of Panama City Living Magazine beside his Dad. Both men say that not much has changed for them since that first photo was taken, except for a few more years and more gray hairs.

The real changes are yet to come for the father and sons, including Anthony Keys, who works alongside Alonzo Sr. at Capt. Anderson’s.

“We eventually want something with our name on it. We want something that can be Alonzo’s.” The sons agree. “We are the three musketeers.”