Ampol Keith Gateway Cafe
Great Specials and Local Service!
Located on the busy Dukes Highway and known as the northern gateway to the Limestone Coast. The town of Keith is a classic South Australian stopover, where wide farming landscapes, country hospitality and a steady stream of travellers all meet. With its strong agricultural roots and growing reputation as a convenient break between Adelaide and the South-East, Keith has become a natural hub for tourism, offering visitors a taste of rural charm and warm community spirit.
At the centre of this experience is the Ampol Keith Gateway Café, a standout destination that has evolved far beyond the expectations of a simple highway pit-stop. Known for its Country Fried Chicken, generous meals, consistently fresh food and friendly service, the café has earned a reputation for quality that keeps both locals and long-haul drivers coming back. Their achievements include delivering reliable, delicious fare, whether it’s a hearty cooked meal, a perfectly baked Jill and Jack’s pie, or gourmet grab-and-go delights. This has cemented the Gateway Café as an essential part of the Keith travel experience and a proud example of country hospitality done right.
Tereena Wilsdon, the Principal of Keith Gateway Café, took over the site from her parents 10 years ago. What began as a simple petrol and convenience stop has been transformed into a vibrant, fully fledged café thanks to Tereena’s genuine passion for food and hospitality.
Tereena’s love of fresh flavour-driven cooking has reshaped the site into a destination in its own right, where travellers and locals alike can enjoy gourmet delights and great coffee that go far beyond the expectations of a traditional service station.
What was your vision when you first took over the site 10 years ago?
My vision was to be known as the best one-stop shop between Adelaide and Melbourne, offering great customer service, clean toilets and shop front, great food and great coffee.
What are 3 of the most successful strategies that you put in place?
Modernising our site with brand new toilets, fully renovated kitchen, upgraded fuel pumps and new truck park and car parking.
We have increased staffing levels to ensure customers receive outstanding service with maximum efficiency which has reduced waiting times.
Introducing a wide range of healthy options in our display fridge including: sushi, Thai cold rolls, paninis, sandwiches, wraps, salads and granola cups. This gives customers fresh, nutritious choices alongside our traditional convenience favourites.
Plus, regularly updating our Facebook with weekly specials.
How has the Jill and Jack’s range enhanced your hot pastry food offer?
Since introducing the Jill and Jack’s range, our morning pastry trade has grown significantly. Customers consistently share positive feedback and we’ve seen a strong uplift in sales.
What is your advice to members who are looking to improve their food offer?
My advice would be to cater for all types of customers by offering both healthy and indulgent options, while ensuring displays remain appealing, fresh and clean.
New Sunrise would like to thank Ampol Keith Gateway Café for their ongoing support and look forward to working with them into the future!
