Home away from home.

Byline: Whitney Malkin The Register-Guard

The smell of sizzling bacon fills the air as booths in The Pump Cafe in Springfield fill with the morning rush of regulars.

Each person has his own spot, his own menu, his own routine.

But they all share a common bond -- a love of the downtown restaurant's family feel and an even greater appreciation for the business' owners: sisters Trudy Logan and Eva Moreland, and Eva's husband, Ray.

When the trio opened the cafe just eight years ago, they knew what they needed to do to ensure the restaurant's success. Along with a simple menu, the former owners of Rosewaters Deli in Eugene wanted to make sure customers felt at home.

"We treat everybody like they're part of the family," Logan says. "It's all about thinking how we would want to be treated when we eat out and doing that. You treat people that way, and it's a guarantee they're going to come back."

Today, Morelands and Logan say, their business philosophy has paid off.

The Pump, which the owners say is most popular for its Raspberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast, has become a mainstay in the downtown community, drawing a variety of customers, from an older early-morning crowd to a professionally oriented lunch rush.

"They don't want really fancy stuff," Logan says. "They want good home cookin' and that's why we make our own soups, chili, breads and scones. People notice that -- you can really tell the difference."

Along with moderate prices, the Pump also boasts heaping portions.

"There is no such thing as a three-egg omelet here," jokes Ray Moreland with a smile. "Here it's more like a five- or seven- egg omelet."

But more important than the food and the prices are the people. Spend more than a couple of minutes in the cafe's homey dining room, and you'll realize that everyone here knows each other. And more than that, they honestly care.

"We know who they are," Logan says of the cafe's loyal clientele. "In fact, we know what their mother's uncle's brother's dog's name is. That's really the magic of this place."

Magic must be the answer, because transforming a former gas station and used car lot into a restaurant is no easy feat.

Formerly a Richfield gas station and later a used car lot, the partners decided to leave the building's original heritage in tact. In fact, two original garage doors are still on their tracks in the ceiling of the dinning room.

Signal gas pumps, hub caps and parking meters give a distinct small-town feel to the restaurant, located at the corner of Seventh and Main streets.

It's The Pump's signature feel of community that 85-year-old Jeanette McNamee says keeps her coming back five days a week.

"This is a wonderful place," says McNamee, who meets her friends for breakfast after church. "The people are just amazing. They really do care."

Logan says they've started selling cards called "love thoughts" at the cash register. The owners set aside the money they make from the sale of the cards, and at the end of the month give it to a customer who needs it.

A few months ago, a customer's father passed away, and Logan found out she didn't have the money to travel to his funeral.

Armed with money from her till, Logan gave the customer enough to afford the trip, no strings attached.

"We try to make sure we give out blessings," Logan says. "But let me tell you, running this place, we are blessed more than you can imagine."

The Pump Cafe

Where: 710 Main St., Springfield

Hours:7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Phone: 726-062