Keke's Breakfast Cafe

1851 Franchise: What’s your franchise story? How did you accidentally fall into franchising?<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schmidt-52454378?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-dave-schmidt-interview-2729445" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave Schmidt</a>, President of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-dave-schmidt-interview-2729445" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>®: I was a huge fan of Keke’s long before I ever joined the brand. I used to go to the location near the north side of Tampa in Citrus Park Mall with my family — we were regulars, going once a week, even while I was running a different casual dining concept.One thing I always noticed during every visit was how attentive the service was. I was so impressed that I actually tried to recruit some of Keke’s staff to work night shifts at my casual dining restaurant!So, when the opportunity to join Keke’s came up, it was a no-brainer for me.1851 Franchise: The single-shift model at Keke’s is unique. Why hasn’t this style been more widely adopted, especially as other restaurant segments struggle with operating costs?Schmidt: It’s a great question. I think you’re seeing a boom in breakfast and daytime eateries that are using the limited-hour model, especially after COVID. Surviving through COVID changed everything, and one big change is how operators and employees think about work-life balance.Today, a lot of talented restaurant workers want to be home in the evenings. They want to pick up their kids from the bus at 3:30 p.m. They don’t want to work late Friday and Saturday nights anymore.From an operator standpoint, it also makes sense: the extra revenue from staying open late often isn’t worth the extra cost. A focused business model that zeroes in on a specific daypart, with simple execution and great service, is extremely powerful — and it’s working.1851 Franchise: What’s your vision for Keke’s going forward?Schmidt:&nbsp;The runway of opportunity is endless. When I joined two years ago, Keke’s had about 50 units, all in Florida. Not small, but definitely still a regional brand.In the past two years, we’ve expanded into six new states, growing from just Florida to seven states overall. That growth hasn’t been without challenges, but it's been largely successful.Now, the goal is to move smartly and strategically into high-value markets. We want to grow quickly, but we also have to grow smart. One of the biggest mistakes young brands can make is growing too fast without the right partners.For me, success comes down to partnering with the right franchisees — people who will be with us for the next 20 years. Commodity prices like eggs will go up and down. But strong franchise relationships? Those are what last.1851 Franchise: Who is your ideal franchise candidate?Schmidt:&nbsp;If someone is investing in a franchise just thinking about 2025, they're not the right fit. You have to be thinking about 2030, 2035. There’s going to be turbulence every year — economic ups and downs are part of it.We’re looking for franchisees who are long-term thinkers, who understand this is a 10-, 15-, 20-year investment. This is not a business for someone looking for a short-term flip. It’s not a business for the faint of heart either.Even though Keke’s has no nights or late hours, it’s still an intense business. Our rush between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., especially Friday through Sunday, is a full-on blitz. In every location, we push to turn tables in under 38 minutes without sacrificing the guest experience.So we need operators who have a ruthless focus — speed in the kitchen like a QSR mindset, but hospitality and attentiveness in the dining room like a full-service casual restaurant.1851 Franchise: How does your background influence your approach at Keke’s?Schmidt:&nbsp;My background is in finance, so I always look at decisions through the lens of the P&amp;L. Yes, the customer experience has to be amazing, but margins are tight in restaurants. When we engineer a new menu item or LTO, it has to delight customers&nbsp;and protect franchisee profitability.I spend a lot of time with our franchisees — probably more than most presidents — because if they’re not successful, we're not successful. We don't make money unless they do.That finance background has helped me stay ruthless about maintaining simplicity in our business model, while still adding innovation that drives topline growth, like catering, cocktails and off-premise sales.1851 Franchise: What do you think makes for the "magic" of a perfect franchise relationship?Schmidt:&nbsp;You could list the obvious things — strong capitalization, restaurant experience, etc. — but to me, the magic is open, honest communication.We’ve made mistakes in my two years here, and I’m open about them with our franchisees. Not everything we test works, but our franchisees know we’re always operating with their best interest at heart.What’s new since I came in is that we now actively include franchisees in the testing process. They provide feedback — both good and bad — and that collaboration makes the system stronger.1851 Franchise: Culture seems to be a big part of Keke’s. How would you describe the internal culture you’re building?Schmidt:&nbsp;When new prospective franchisees visit us, we encourage them to talk openly with our existing franchisees — no scripting, no prepped answers.Not every conversation is full of sunshine and roses, and that’s intentional. We want to set a real, honest tone for the kind of relationship we want over the long term.I think that transparency and respect trickle down: we treat our staff well, they treat our franchisees well, and our franchisees treat their customers well.At the end of the day, running a business is hard. There will always be challenges. But addressing those head-on instead of sweeping them under the rug builds a culture of trust and accountability.1851 Franchise: Any final thoughts on what makes Keke’s special for prospective franchisees?Schmidt:&nbsp;I always say: we can win a customer for life by how we handle challenges. The same goes for franchisees.Our 19 franchise groups today are our best advocates for future franchisees. They’re the ones who will tell you honestly why they continue to invest in this brand.When I think about scaling Keke’s from 50 units to 500 or even 1,000 someday, I know I can’t do it alone. It’s about building the right team, the right culture, and the right partnerships — and protecting what makes this brand special along the way.<h4>Startup Costs</h4>The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Keke’s Breakfast Café ranges from $622,825 to $1,887,313, depending on the size and location of the restaurant.If you sign a multi-unit development agreement, incentives and reduced franchise fees may be available.To learn more about franchising with Keke’s Breakfast Café, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-dave-schmidt-interview-2729445" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.kekes.com/franchise</a>.

Dave Schmidt, President of Keke’s Breakfast

Keke's Breakfast Cafe Franchise: Dave Schmidt Interview & Growth Insights

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/BU-F74ZYjpU

Schmidt spoke with 1851 Franchise about fostering lasting franchise relationships while balancing efficiency and service to support Keke’s Breakfast Café®’s long-term growth.

Executive Q&A: Dave Schmidt, President of Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

Executive Q&A: Dave Schmidt, President of Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

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