About Us
About the Keeping Room
The Keeping Room is in the heart of historic downtown Nebraska City. Our story began in 2005 with antiques, holiday and home decor expanded to include The Cafe in 2014 and expanded again to include The Upstairs Clothing Boutique in 2018.
The building was constructed in 1870, 16 years after Nebraska City was founded. The Keeping Room is perfectly named after one of colonial time’s oldest rooms. A Keeping Room was the heart of the home as it was close to the kitchen and provided warmth, relaxation and a place for friends and family to gather.
The Keeping Room is a destination for boutique shopping and delicious hometown dining. It has a reputation for creating lasting memories with friends and family.
Owners
Bryan and Kelly
We moved to Nebraska City after Bryan retired from 26 years in the Army. I have been in education, administration and a stay-at-home mom of three great kids. We lived in Europe and many places in the United States. We enjoyed exploring nature and history everywhere. I love The Keeping Room because it encompasses my favorite things; gardening, homemade food, antiques, unique treasures and people. It has been a blessing to build relationships with our staff, local customers and the tourists over the years.
Derek & Taylor
We are both natives of Nebraska City and love our little town. Derek always knew he would farm with his family, just southwest of town on McGinnis Family Farms, where we live with our sweet daughter, Hadlie Jade. I graduated with my teaching degree from Peru State College, just down the road from Nebraska City. I taught at Lourdes Central Catholic for five years, before venturing into the business world. My passion for home décor and interior design stems from my late mother, and The Keeping Room has always been one of my favorite spots. Derek and I purchased the retail side from Kelly and Bryan in March 2022 and feel honored to be entrusted with a business they’ve put their hearts and souls into building. We are so blessed to be a part of The Keeping Room family.
Our Team
Jennifer
Many on our team were friends with Jennifer and Bryan for years as they raised their two boys in Peru Nebraska. They moved south for a few years and joined our team immediately when she returned to Nebraska in March 2021. Her southern hospitality, compassion, and humor are a great blessing to us.
Connie
Connie just recently retired from Peru State College after 41 years and we have been holding a position for her since we opened.
Deb
Deb is a wonderful baker and chef. She makes homemade noodles for our chicken noodle soup and our cheesecake is her recipe! She is way over-qualified for her job so we’re super lucky she likes us!
Ni
Ni began at The Keeping Room in 2019. She is a fabulous cook and always a team-player! She has introduced us to homemade tomatillo sauce and now we pour it on everything. Deb also has taught her to bake delicious pies and desserts. She is such a devout and faith-filled girl. We are always confident in her prayers and advice for us.
Janet
Janet is another dear lifelong friend, from Peru Nebraska. She also knows everyone in southeast Nebraska or anyone who went to Peru State College so we put her in charge of hospitality, most of the time.
Our Farmers
Robin
Meriwether Pointe Farms
Robin keeps busy with 7 children, a farm full of animals and delivering eggs and herbs to us. She is also a very talented guest chef.
Beth
Ab-be Farms
Beth grew up on her small farm. She raises chickens and quail for eggs and meat, as well as pullets for those who would like to have their own egg-laying chickens. She feeds non-GMO feed from a fellow small Nebraska farm.
Mike
Tynon Farms
Mike’s garden produces most of the asparagus we serve and a lot of the tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and spinach. He has been farming his entire life and enjoys help from his wonderful children.
Kevin & Sandy
Kevin and Sandy have participated in Nebraska City’s local farmer’s market for years. They supply many of our green beans, tomatoes and potatoes. Sandy also sells delicious bread at the Farmer’s market.
Derek & Doug Grotrian
Grotrian Farms
Brothers, Derek & Doug, raise and butcher Angus, Wagyu and Wagyu influenced beef in Johnson and Nebraska City, Nebraska. They provide The Keeping Room with nearly all of their beef. Visit their retail store, Cornhusker Beef, in Nebraska City and take some home to grill yourself!