When Denny’s acquired Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in 2022, fans of the Florida-based brand had questions. Would the welcoming, neighborhood charm survive under corporate ownership? Would the model change? For franchisee John Ehrhard, the deal wasn’t a cause for concern—it was confirmation.

“I don’t know that they could have found a better buyer than this Denny’s team,” he said. “They’ve got a fantastic culture and have elevated what [founders] Keith and Kevin [Mahan] built.”

Ehrhard didn’t start in hospitality. He and his wife, Kimberly, spent 25 years running a television production company, and when they began thinking about stepping away from that world, restaurants weren’t even on the radar. But a friend, already involved in the Keke’s system, introduced him to the brand, and things moved quickly from there.

“We had zero restaurant experience—honestly, it was the last place I ever thought we’d end up.” 

They began as passive investors in a few units. But after seeing the success and potential of the business, they bought out their partners and took a more hands-on role. Today, the couple operates nine Keke’s locations across Orlando and South Florida, with more growth on the horizon.

“It’s a great brand with great people. I genuinely love the combined Keke’s and Denny’s team—and the model works. Exceptional culture, exceptional product.”

Scaling nine units in just a few years takes more than enthusiasm, though—it requires a leadership style that keeps teams aligned and motivated. Ehrhard says his approach starts with a genuine commitment to his people.

“The biggest thing? Serving your leadership team in ways that go above and beyond—genuinely. When you lead like that, it cascades. They pay it forward to their teams, and it creates something powerful.”

Culture, he says, isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of everything, a lesson he brought with him from his time in TV production. His restaurants are built on a spirit of trust and experimentation, where trying something new is encouraged and small wins are celebrated.

“None of us will be perfect, but as long as we’re trying to be better every day, that’s all I care about,” he said. “Let’s try things—some will work, some won’t—but that’s how we grow.”

That same mindset applies to the guest experience. Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is known for its warm, home-like feel, and the couple works hard to preserve that across all their locations. According to Ehrhard, it starts with service—the way guests are greeted, how they’re treated and how they feel when they leave.

“The service has to be warm, genuine, and excellent. When guests come to Keke’s, it should feel like a treat—you see it in their faces when the plate hits the table.”

Thoughtful design plays a role too. The brand’s signature high-backed booths offer a sense of privacy and comfort, creating a space that feels more like a weekend breakfast at home than a casual restaurant chain.

“That design choice says a lot about the brand. It’s not about efficient seating—it’s about creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment.”

While his focus is always on delivering a great experience for customers and employees alike, Ehrhard is also mindful of the business mechanics behind growth. One of the biggest lessons he’s learned is how important it is to scale with the right infrastructure at the right time, a balancing act that gets trickier with every new location.

“You can’t let your infrastructure outpace your profit, but you also can’t fall behind. Scaling is a constant balancing act.”

Despite those challenges, Ehrhard believes the brand is just getting started. Though it’s long been a favorite in Florida, national awareness is still relatively new, and that excites him.

“We’re a young brand with a huge runway. For a concept that already works this well, it still feels like we’re just getting started.”

He encourages other operators — especially experienced ones — to consider joining the system. The brand is hungry for new ideas, he says, and the corporate team is open to innovation from the field. “They let you test, tweak, and build—if it works, they’re ready to scale it. It’s a great setup for experienced operators who want to bring fresh ideas to the table.”

For Ehrhard, joining Keke’s wasn’t just a business decision — it was the beginning of something meaningful. The day-to-day work is about more than transactions. It’s about connection, community, and creating something lasting.

“Being part of the Keke’s family is incredibly rewarding. The community, the commitment to quality, the joy we bring guests every day—it’s special. It’s not just food; it’s creating a place that feels like home. And the support from the Keke’s network has been a huge part of our growth. We’re genuinely proud of the journey.”

To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://www.kekes.com/franchise.