‘It’s been a fabulous ride’: Local server hanging up apron after 45 years at The Keg

A local server is retiring after 45 years with The Keg. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco was at the celebration and shares more.

After more than four decades of serving steaks and smiles, Jamey Duncan is retiring from The Keg — a place she’s called her second home for over 40 years.

Duncan, started serving at The Keg before the brand moved in. The building at the corner of Sydney and Division Road, used to be a Crock and Block Restaurant.

“I got hired for that and then it changed about ’83 to The Keg and stayed on and it’s been an absolutely fabulous ride.” said Duncan who plans to hang up her apron on June 1 after a 45-year run at that location.

Before her final shift, coworkers organized a surprise retirement party Sunday afternoon.

“It’s been an incredible honor having her on the team and it’s been our pleasure getting to know her as an employee and as a colleague and a friend.” said Cameron Powley, operating partner.

If you’ve been to The Keg throughout the last four decades, chances are you have had Duncan as a server. If you’ve worked with her over the 40-plus years, chances are you’ve been called darling.

“Everybody is darling,” said co-worker Heidi Gifford. “I’ve heard it so much that now I’ve started doing that so I feel like I’m turning into Jamey.”

Dan Moriarty has worked with Duncan for 30 years and smiles when looking back at their time together.

“We used to sing Happy birthday to everybody. That was always lots of fun.” Moriarty said. “So many years, so many friends, so many faces. I can’t believe many people have come back to see her and that’s just a testament to how great Jamey is.”

Duncan found more than just a paycheck at The Keg.

“Love, family, friendships, security — you know, those are pretty good things,” Duncan said with a laugh when asked why she stayed at one place for so long.

Duncan is considered a gem by colleagues and super mom by her two children whom she raised alone.

“She gave us everything we ever needed,” said her son Ryan who also worked at The Keg during his teenaged years until he was 20. “She did very well, and I can’t thank her enough.”

Duncan, who has also spent time at The Keg’s downtown location, has always been a constant in a changing world.

“It’s wonderful. It’s too bad the world’s changed that people don’t do that anymore [stay at one job,]” she reflected. “I had a fantastic career and cannot ask for anything more.”

Though she admits she’d love to work another 20 years, Duncan says the time is right to move on. Her next chapter includes travel, and perhaps a part-time job.

“We never know how long we’re going to live,” she said with a big smile. “I want to make sure I have enough money.”

Duncan looks forward to enjoying the sizzle of retirement while cherishing a job that was well done. “I couldn’t have asked for a better gig.”