Keke's Breakfast Cafe

When Adam Perez first stepped into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/our-company?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=adam-perez-interview-2730317" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a> nearly a decade ago, he wasn’t sure what the next phase of his career would look like. After years in high-volume, late-night restaurant operations, Perez was eager for something different — something that gave him a chance to balance his passion for hospitality with his growing family life. What he found in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> was more than a fresh start; it was the beginning of a journey that would define both his career and the future of the brand.“I’ll never forget my first moment walking into Keke’s — it felt a lot like Disney,” Perez said. “You felt the energy at the door, and customers were waiting outside. There was something different.”<h2>A Career Built on Hospitality</h2>Perez’s love of hospitality began in childhood, visiting his mother while she worked as a nurse aide assistant and cook at a retirement center.&nbsp;“I think that is where the origin of my hospitality career started,” he said. That early spark grew into a career at Disney’s Epcot and Disney Springs, followed by years working under Wolfgang Puck, at Rosen Property Hotels, and opening new concepts for B.B. King. Each experience gave Perez a unique perspective on the restaurant industry — from luxury hotels to high-energy entertainment venues.But the long hours eventually took their toll. “I remember doing inventory at late hours and watching my kids grow up on Facebook,” he said. “I realized I was really missing out.” That search for balance ultimately brought him to Keke’s, where the daytime-only model felt like “magic.”<h2>Growing With the Brand</h2>Perez started at Keke’s as a general manager for the flagship store, quickly becoming enamored with the system and culture. “I was obsessed with their system, who they were, and what they stood for,” he said. “It was the first time in my entire restaurant history where I was in the door at 6:30 am and we were closed at 2:30 pm.”His dedication and leadership soon propelled him into roles overseeing brand standards, new store openings, and auditing programs. “My biggest contribution to the team is knowing who we are and staying true to who we are. They say I am a historian for the brand — some call me the godfather,” Perez said.Today, as director of supply chain and support for product innovation, Perez ensures consistency from “the back door all the way to the customer’s mouth.” He oversees everything from vendor partnerships to menu development, all with a sharp focus on speed, quality, and consistency. “Our goal is to get our customer in and out as fast as we possibly can,” he said, “while making sure we can provide a high-quality product made fresh every time.”<h2>What Makes Keke’s Unique</h2>Perez credits all of Keke’s success to the culture established by its founders, brothers Keith and Kevin Mahen, and now&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/how-kekes-is-evolving-its-growth-model-to-thrive-in-every-market-2730103">bolstered by Denny’s Corporation</a>.&nbsp;“Keith was the genius behind how we ran Keke’s, and Kevin is really the heart of the methods,” Perez said. “Being able to be in front of the two of them and asking for more details really helped set the brand standards of who we are today.”That culture extends beyond the menu to the employees themselves. “In my hiring days, parents and moms and anybody who had kids who went to school loved Keke’s. You can be in the door at 8 o’clock and be out by 1 o’clock and make a really good paycheck,” Perez said. “We have people waiting out the door to apply for this concept.”<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>For Perez, the future of Keke’s is nothing short of explosive. “We are up for the challenge of being one of America’s favorite breakfast concepts,” he said. “We take classic items and make sure we protect them. We have award-winning pancakes, for example. As we evolve with diverse menus, like our Nutella Stuffed French Toast, we are very excited.”He’s also excited about&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-dave-schmidt-interview-2729445">the people-first culture</a> that continues to shape the brand. “Culture has been a massive undertaking for the Keke’s brand,” he said. “We make sure that our team members enjoy what they do and enjoy where they work.”As Keke’s expands nationwide with the backing of Denny’s, Perez believes franchisees have a unique opportunity to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-breakfast-cafe-celebrates-10-openings-in-the-first-half-of-2025-eyes-continued-growth-in-key-us-markets-2729885">get in at a pivotal moment</a>. “We already have the architectural work of what a successful breakfast concept looks like,” he said. “We are an explosion waiting to happen.”Learn more about franchising with Keke’s at:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe">https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe</a>.

Adam Perez Fuels Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise Growth

1851 Franchise

As one of Keke's longest-serving team members, Adam Perez has shaped the brand's evolution, giving future franchise owners an insider's perspective on what makes Keke's a standout investment.

This brand page has been paid for by KEKE'S BREAKFAST CAFE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

How Adam Perez Strengthened the Kekes Breakfast Cafe Brand

adam-perez-interview

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

About Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Create Your Fresh Start

Experience the Difference

Why You Should Invest in a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

Franchisee Highlight

Executive Q&A

Learn

Download Brochure

Visit Website

KEKE'S BREAKFAST CAFE

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

SOCIAL MEDIA

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Has Bold Franchise Growth Plans for 2026

Why Breakfast-Only Franchises Might Be the Secret Weapon of Restaurant Profitability

Keke's Breakfast Cafe Expands into Sacramento with Three-Cafe Deal from Denny's Franchisees Neetu and Sanjeev Bali

KEKE'S BREAKFAST CAFE MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT KEKE'S BREAKFAST CAFE

CONTACT KEKE'S BREAKFAST CAFE

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City Of Interest

State

Do you have at least $300,000 of liquid capital available?

Do you have a net worth of $1M+?

Do you have experience in restaurant ownership or operations?

Why do you want to own a Keke's Breakfast Cafe?

Own a Keke's Breakfast Cafe Franchise

ORLANDO, Fla.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>, the rapidly growing breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant with more than 80 locations, is accelerating its Midwest franchise expansion with Ohio emerging as a key market for future growth. The company is actively seeking franchise partners with long-term plans to develop 25-30 locations across the state.&nbsp;“We believe&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> will thrive throughout the Midwest, and Ohio sits at the ‘crossroads of America,’” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardag-tachian-34831025">Ardag Tachian</a>, senior director of franchise development at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe.&nbsp;“There are several Ohio markets with strong population density, steady job growth and a favorable cost of living that leaves residents with some extra disposable income.”Keke's is targeting four markets: Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Columbus is attracting young professionals at a higher rate. Cleveland is experiencing a steady revival in dining and its neighborhoods. Cincinnati's growth across the river into Northern Kentucky is creating new retail areas. Dayton has lower real estate costs and a loyal customer base. These markets provide Keke's a clear path from entry-level locations to larger metro opportunities as development in Ohio moves toward the brand's goal of 25 to 30 locations.As Keke’s continues to grow, the brand is looking for franchise partners across Ohio who are strong business leaders, understand how to build and manage teams, and genuinely care about creating a great experience for both team members and guests.&nbsp;“While restaurant experience can certainly be helpful, it is not required,” Tachian said. “We are looking for passionate businesspeople who value hospitality, culture and building strong teams within their communities.”Keke’s ideal real estate opportunities include end cap, free-standing or outlot locations ranging from approximately 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. Patio space is preferred but not required, and the brand favors co-tenancy alongside daily-needs retailers such as higher-end grocery stores and fitness centers. Each Keke’s cafe is expected to employ approximately 35 team members, two managers per restaurant, and additional district leadership roles across each market.With continued franchise momentum and growing interest from prospective operators, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe sees Ohio as one of the brand’s strongest long-term development opportunities in the Midwest.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe">https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe</a>.&nbsp;About Keke's Breakfast Cafe:Keke's Breakfast Cafe is a Florida-born restaurant chain specializing in breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites. Known for its freshly made meals, Keke's offers a wide range of options, including pancakes, waffles, omelets and other classic dishes. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients and excellent customer service, Keke's Breakfast Cafe provides a welcoming and relaxed dining experience for customers of all ages. The cafe currently operates in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada, Texas, Colorado and California, with other locations in multiple U.S. states slated in the near future. For more information, please visit<a href="http://www.kekes.com/"> www.kekes.com</a> and follow Keke's on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

The breakfast franchise is continuing its Midwest growth push with a focus on Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Identifies Ohio as Prime Target Market With Plans for 25-Plus New Cafes Across the State

ohio-franchise-expansion

At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>, marketing is all about people. Under the leadership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaashleylaw">Jenna Law</a>, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, the brand has built a marketing engine designed to support nearly 100 locations while preserving the neighborhood feel that made&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> a fan favorite long before national expansion.“I’ve spent well over a decade in advertising and marketing at agencies as well as large public companies, including Darden Restaurants and Disney,” Law said. “But my love of restaurants goes back to my roots. My father was a corporate executive chef at several well-known casual dining concepts, so our kitchen at home was essentially another test kitchen–my brother and I were always immersed in culinary ideation and the hospitality industry.”She started working in restaurants as soon as she was old enough, from quick-service to fine dining in Chicago. When the opportunity arose to help build Keke’s marketing program from the ground up following its acquisition by Denny’s Corporation, it felt like a full-circle moment.“When the opportunity to join Denny’s to help build Keke’s Breakfast Cafe’s marketing program from scratch came along, it wasn’t one I could pass on,” Law said. “It was a chance to return to the restaurant industry and build a brand that I have enjoyed as a guest many times.”<h2>Building a Franchise Marketing Engine From the Ground Up</h2>When Law stepped into her role, there was little established infrastructure. Rather than seeing that as a hurdle, she viewed it as an opportunity.“From the owned side, building and fine-tuning our digital footprint is an ongoing effort, as there was very little established when this marketing team was founded just over two years ago,” Law said. “We are fully living the ‘building the plane while you fly it’ adage as we examine and enhance everything from our website to social presence to off-premise strategy.”As a franchise, that work is about balancing national consistency with local empowerment. “We design the brand centrally, but we ensure it can be activated locally,” Law said. “The corporate team owns positioning, voice, creative standards and national paid, earned and owned media, while franchisees get localized toolkits and resources that let them plug into their communities.”Every franchisee has access to a portal with pre-approved collateral, clear brand guardrails and agency partnerships when needed. But beyond templates and toolkits, Law emphasizes&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/lucas-jovita-interview-2731393">flexibility</a>.“We seek to provide as many clear guardrails, templates and tools as possible to empower them to be active in their neighborhood,” she said, “plus offer a process for requesting customized materials and support to bring their local initiatives and ideas to life.”<h2>A People-First Approach to Franchise Support</h2>Law is candid about the realities of franchise marketing. “Our relationships with our franchise owners bring both accountability and energy to everything we do," she said. "That partnership is genuinely one of our greatest strengths as a brand."At Keke’s, the guiding principle is simple. “Our most important guiding principle is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-dave-schmidt-interview-2729445">‘People First.’</a> That isn’t a phrase just printed on a poster; it’s ingrained in our culture, and it extends to our franchisee relationships, as well,” Law said. “We don’t send a playbook over email and say, ‘good luck.’ We are invested in each cafe’s success, franchise or company-operated, like it’s our own business.”From day one, new franchisees receive&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/reasons-buy-kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-2729573">brand immersion training, new cafe opening playbooks, menu versioning support and technical setup assistance, including local listings and social profiles.</a>“Whether a franchisee needs a high level of support or already has a marketing infrastructure in place, we make ourselves available to meet them where they are,” Law said.<h2>Digital as the Growth Multiplier</h2>As an emerging brand with a modest budget, Keke’s relies heavily on digital precision. “Digital channels enable us to be precise, targeted and easily test as we grow into new markets and try new things,” Law said. “We fully manage optimizing our digital channels to drive sales and traffic at the corporate level to ensure a cohesive strategy, consistency and efficiency.”But for Law, the most powerful lever is insight. “Understand the guest deeply,” she said. “Get out in the field and talk to them; don’t just rely on databases and sales data. Know the guest, know their problems and tell them how your brand solves them. The best campaign in the world won’t move the needle if it doesn’t activate the right channels and resonate with your audience.”She also sees future untapped opportunity in employee-generated content. “Team member engagement, especially in social media, is incredibly powerful,” Law said. “Influencers and UGC are great, but let’s dig into EGC: employee-generated content. When team members feel personally engaged, the guests feel it, and local storytelling creates incredibly powerful connections with the community.”<h2>Protecting the Guest Experience Above All</h2>For all the strategy and storytelling, Law is unwavering on one point:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-2730103">marketing cannot outpace operations.</a>“No level of marketing in the world can fix poor guest service and operations,” she said. “It damages the entire brand, not just one location. Don’t invest a dollar into marketing until you can deliver a superior experience to every person driven in by those tactics.”That philosophy aligns with what first drew her to the brand. “It’s something I loved from day one at Keke’s, long before this formal marketing team existed, there was a commitment to excellence in operations and service,” Law said. “That’s how this concept organically grew to more than 50 locations before being acquired, and it’s a story I now get to craft into our messaging.”Through it all, Law remains grounded in the human element that makes franchise marketing uniquely rewarding.“It’s not only the corporate bottom line anymore, but it’s also helping individuals build their businesses and support their families,” she said. “Franchisees have this incredible entrepreneurial spirit that consistently pushes me to think outside the box, be flexible and it naturally generates a pipeline of new ideas from the field.”At Keke’s, national marketing leadership isn’t about controlling the narrative from the top down. It’s about building the systems, relationships and stories that allow every cafe to thrive locally, one guest, one neighborhood and one breakfast at a time.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe">https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe</a>.

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Jenna Law shares how brand storytelling, digital strategy and franchisee support drive traffic and unit-level performance.

How Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Builds Local Demand Through National Marketing Leadership

how-kekes-breakfast-cafe-builds-local-demand-through-national-marketing-leadership

kekes-breakfast-cafe-has-bold-franchise-growth-plans-for-2026

lucas-jovita-interview

Neetu and Sanjeev Bali are no strangers to the early morning rush. With 25 years of experience as franchisees and nearly three decades within the&nbsp;<a href="https://dennysfranchising.com/">Denny’s</a> system, the duo built a career on the foundational elements of the great American diner. Now, the veteran operators are channeling that expertise into a new direction by signing a three-cafe development deal with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>. This move signals a significant expansion for the brand into the growing markets of Sacramento, Roseville and Rocklin, California.<h2>A Shift Toward Modern Breakfast Efficiency</h2>What appealed to the Balis about&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> was the change in pace. Their existing restaurants require constant oversight, but Keke’s is centered on breakfast and lunch, giving the day a more defined rhythm."We still have Denny’s. But we wanted to pursue a new venture," Neetu said. "It’s a shorter operating window because it’s not 24 hours. But it has strong sales."This shift in schedule represents a major evolution for the Balis. After years of managing the complexities of a 24-hour business, the 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. window offered by Keke’s provides a lifestyle benefit that’s rare in the restaurant industry. Neetu noted that the simplicity of the model was a primary draw, explaining that after the doors close in the early afternoon, "the rest of the day is yours."<h2>Simplicity and Quality in a Growing Market</h2>Beyond the schedule, Keke’s direct approach to the menu stood out to the Balis. Unlike the expansive menus found at traditional diners, Keke’s meals are freshly crafted to order. Menu items emphasize a focused selection of fresh ingredients and elevated American classics, and a clean restaurant layout. It’s about simplicity, and that simplicity allows franchisees to focus on the quality of the food and the speed of service.The Balis say their local experience will shape how they approach each new cafe. They’re looking at fast-growing residential areas and plan to lean on the same fundamentals that have served them well for years: a clean restaurant and strong guest service."We’re going to bring that 24-hour experience of taking care of the guests," Neetu said. "We’ll run a good, clean restaurant with good food, served fast and hot. All of it will make the customer come back."<h2>Building Success Through Team Member Loyalty</h2>The couple also attributes their long-term success to a philosophy of internal stability. In an industry often defined by high turnover, the Balis maintained a remarkably loyal staff, with some team members remaining on their team for 25 years. They believe that if they take care of their staff, those team members will naturally provide the personalized service that Keke’s requires.The breakfast and brunch segment remains in the midst of an evolution of sorts. Moving toward more specialized and modern concepts, the Balis see Keke’s as a perfect Northern California fit. After visiting existing locations in Florida and seeing the positive reception from guests firsthand, their confidence in the brand has only grown.For other entrepreneurs looking at the franchise space, Neetu emphasizes that success requires a mix of financial readiness and a genuine love for people. She believes the Keke's model is ideal for those who are willing to put in the effort during a concentrated window of time."You work hard, you’re done with your day and you go home," Neetu said. "The rest of the time is with your family."To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe">https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe</a>.About Keke's Breakfast CafeKeke's Breakfast Cafe is a Florida-born restaurant chain specializing in breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites. Known for its freshly made meals, Keke's offers a wide range of options, including pancakes, waffles, omelets and other classic dishes. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients and excellent customer service, Keke's Breakfast Cafe provides a welcoming and relaxed dining experience for customers of all ages. The cafe currently operates in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada, Texas, Colorado and California, with other locations in multiple U.S. states slated in the near future. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kekes.com">www.kekes.com</a> and follow Keke's on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Neetu and Sanjeev Bali, longtime Denny's operators in Northern California, have signed a three-cafe deal to grow Keke's in Sacramento, Roseville and Rocklin.

sacramento-franchise-expansion

How Adam Perez Strengthened the Kekes Breakfast Cafe Brand

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS