People in business attire sit at tables in the Union basement, quietly chatting with one another over their food.

Servers in white aprons distribute helpings of roasted turkey and potatoes onto plates.

It's just another day in the Heritage Café.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every weekday, the cafeteria attracts patrons ranging from university personnel to Lansing-area residents.

Executive chef Chris Stefanko says he sees the same customers - mostly staff and professors - every day.

"We've been catering to a specific clientele that's been coming in for decades," Stefanko said.

The Heritage cafeteria evolved from an upstairs cafeteria that was an MSU fixture for about 50 years. The Union Station food court, which houses a Little CaesarsPizza Station, Wendy's and a Blimpie Sub Shop, now occupies that space.

Stefanko said the cafeteria brings in about 200 people a day, but the capacity is 300, so new customers are always welcome.

"Drawing students in is difficult," Stefanko said.

"We're not part of the meal plan, but we do take Spartan Cash."

After walking in, customers' choices range from a simple deli sandwich to a full-course meal. Rotisserie turkey, vegetable lasagna, London broil and fish and chips are among the things on the daily-changing menu.

The cafeteria specializes in serving homemade food in large portions, Stefanko said.

Phillip Lamoureux, a research assistant at MSU, recommends the London broil to every customer.

"This is a hidden treasure in the basement," Lamoureux said.

"They have good food that's well prepared, and there are so many good things, it's hard to choose."

Heritage Café is open when most students have class or little time to break for lunch, but there are a few students who manage to stop in from time to time.

Michael Shepard, a first-time customer, said he was always curious about what smelled so good whenever he got a haircut in the nearby T Styles II barbershop.

"I always walk through here and smell the food," the advertising senior said.

After deciding to try out the cafeteria, he was pleased with the amount of food he got for the price.

"Once you move out of the dorms, it's hard to find good, healthy cooked food," Shepard said.

Shepard hasn't lived in a dorm since his freshman year and said the cafeteria helps him stay healthy.

"It's important to eat healthy. I'm 22 - I should be in the best shape in my life," he said. "What am I going to look like when I'm 40?"

Shepard said he enjoys lunch, but wishes the cafeteria was open longer.

"The hours should be more flexible," he said.

"I think it would be cool if they had breakfast."