Meet Keith Lewis. Keith was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He received a scholarship for football to the University of Oregon. He was then drafted by the NFL to the San Francisco 49ers in 2004. For 6 years Keith played in the NFL bouncing from Arizona to Carolina. He retired in 2010, when he made the decision to move back to Eugene where he started his coaching career. He started at Churchill and then went to North Eugene. Keith is a man of many talents and opened up a food cart around 2016. Keith owns Once Famous Grill, if you have not tried his cooking do your taste buds a favor and give his food cart a visit. He is located at the Beer Garden and well worth the trip.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is still in Sacramento, CA. I am the middle child, all boys. My Mom and Dad are still happily married, they are both retired. My brothers both work for the State of California. My Mom worked at Pacific Bell since she was 16 and my Dad retired with the State of California. My little cousin Tj Lewis is apart of the Jabbawockeez. He has done tours and award shows with people like Bruno Mars and Cardi B.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was involved in the gang activity. That is why my wife and I give back so much now. I got kicked out of two Jr. High School’s, getting suspended and getting into trouble, before I turned things around. So it is always good to be a voice now and to talk to the troubled youth because I can relate in a lot of ways to show them that, that is not your only option. Now it feels good to be in a position to be able to help others, and the less fortunate. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas we feed 150 families. I own Once Famous Grill and my Wife owns Quacker’s Last Stop. We are expanding with our painting business J.A.K.E.S. Painting.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tony’s BBQ, Game Days Pizza, Ciao Pizza Trattoria (I love the pasta)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here 2000-2004 and 2011 until now
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Keith has met so many amazing people it was hard to pick just one 🙂
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go back to Belize to Caye Caulker, it was so beautiful and relaxing place and it was very diverse.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Bad Boys 1 & 2. My Wife and Kids and Fresh Prince.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
There’s no such thing as luck. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Coach Al Everest shared that with me and I really believe in that.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To go to Australia.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Maroon 5, some people give me a hard time but I love their music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen and BBQ
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Floyd Mayweather. He has an interesting past with a hell of a drive. To have the same passion for years and years and still have that flame is amazing. I lost the love for Football and that’s why I retired I didn’t have the same passion. So for him to have the same passion for years and years and keep doing the same thing to be the best. What ignited that flame?
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love I can put on anything I want and not give to hells. I can drive a dirty car, the little things that you wouldn’t get away with in California. I can wear flip flops if I want all the time.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself honestly just living life. Really retired, not semi-retired, with successful businesses running themselves.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I like to try adventurous things every year. Like skiing, riding dirt bikes, sky diving. I like to try it all every year.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Its a tie between Belize and Cayman Island.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
February (Black History Month) , Thanksgiving I have a lot to be grateful for, and October 20th that’s my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Tacos
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents, they set such a good example. They inspire you to keep pushing and pushing.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of Marijuana even though I don’t smoke it, and Tar.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Loyalty, Family, Respect
