Keke's Breakfast Cafe

<a href="https://www.kekes.com/our-company?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>® is rewriting the playbook for breakfast and brunch franchising. With a proven model, best-in-class support and soaring demand across the nation, Keke’s offers the ultimate opportunity for entrepreneurs to create a fresh start — both for themselves and their communities. Backed by the powerhouse of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dennys.com/company?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Denny’s Corporation</a>, Keke’s is positioned to become a household name in every major market — and now is the perfect time to get in on the ground floor of its next chapter.<h3>A Beloved Brand, A Bold New Phase</h3>Keke’s Breakfast Cafe was launched in 2006 by two brothers who had recently relocated from Philadelphia to Florida. Disappointed by the lack of great breakfast spots reminiscent of their hometown favorites, they set out to create something better — a modern take on the classic American cafe, built around fresh ingredients, generous portions, a spotless environment and warm, efficient service. “The community embraced it immediately, and from there it grew,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardag-tachian-34831025?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ardag Tachian</a>, senior director of franchise development. “About three years ago, Denny’s acquired the concept from the founders, Kevin and Keith — that’s where the name Keke’s comes from, the first two letters of each of their names.”Since the acquisition, Keke’s has doubled down on growth, expanding into markets like Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, Nevada, Colorado, California and beyond. With its impressive average unit volumes and simple, streamlined operations, Keke’s has become a standout opportunity in the breakfast segment.“We’ve been around for almost 20 years,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-ahrendt?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jon Ahrendt</a>, senior director of franchise relations. “We know what we’re doing, we know our model works and we’re now investing in markets we know are good for us. Keke’s corporate will look to maintain 5% to 10% of the system as company-owned locations. We also do what we call ‘seed and feed’ — investing our own resources into launching new markets. Sometimes we’ll keep those locations corporate, or we may transition them to franchisees later. That kind of financial and operational commitment from corporate is a huge advantage for our franchise partners.” Keke's Breakfast Cafe has received several awards in the past year, including one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrn.com/regional-chains/100-under-100-emerging-restaurant-chains-that-are-thriving-in-the-u-s-?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nation's Restaurant News' 100 Under 100: Emerging Restaurant Chains</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-02-19-beloved-florida-eatery-crowned-best-pancake-house-in-the-state/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Best Pancakes in Florida by Love Food</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://tampamagazines.com/2025-best-restaurants-best-breakfast-joint/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Best Breakfast Joint in Tampa by Tampa Magazine</a>.<h3>High Volume, Short Hours, Strong Margins</h3>Keke’s is a made-to-order breakfast and lunch concept that operates just one shift per day — typically 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. That schedule allows franchisees to enjoy a better work-life balance, while staff scheduling becomes dramatically simpler in a challenging labor market.“Our menu focuses on breakfast but also includes a robust lunch offering,” said Tachian. “The benefit is that we’re doing high volume all within a 7.5-hour window. Breakfast tends to carry lower food costs than other dayparts, which is another advantage for franchisees. It's an incredibly efficient business model.” One key advantage of this model, Tachian points out, is that franchise partners only need to staff for one shift. “Labor is a real challenge in the industry right now, and this model helps ease that burden,” he said. “Plus, it gives the franchise owner and employees more personal time. It's pretty unique to be in the restaurant business and still be home in the afternoons and evenings with family and friends.”With fresh ingredients, very limited frozen products and food costs typically lower than other dayparts, Keke’s combines quality with profitability. Signature items like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/menu?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Florida Pancakes</a> — stacked high with vibrant fresh strawberries, banana, blueberries and powdered sugar — and edge-to-edge omelets made with cracked-to-order eggs serve as reminders of what a great breakfast should be.And at Keke’s, exceptional hospitality isn’t a slogan — it’s a system. The team leverages advanced sentiment tracking through restaurant analytic company BlackBox Intelligence to constantly monitor reviews, ratings and social media feedback, ensuring every guest experience meets the brand’s high standards.“Our ability to take care of our guests is industry-leading,” said Ahrendt. “We’re highly rated and proud of that. And it’s because of our focus on service — fast, friendly and consistent.” Another one of the most distinctive elements of Keke’s experience is its local-first atmosphere. “When you walk into a Keke’s in Delray Beach, you’ll see that city’s name on the wall,” said Tachian. “We aim to be part of the fabric of every community we serve.” This explains why Keke’s restaurants saw an impressive average AUV of $2,089,007 in 2024 for all franchised restaurants that reported through the iLumen Reporting Software, with the top half of franchise restaurants seeing net sales of $2,589,666, according to the brand’s most recent Franchise Disclosure Document. The total investment necessary to establish one Keke’s Restaurant ranges from $622,825 to $1,887,313.<h3>Backed by Denny’s, Built to Last</h3>With more than 70 years in the restaurant business, Denny’s Corporation brings deep operational expertise, supply chain strength, vendor partnerships and franchising know-how to the Keke’s model.&nbsp; Franchisees benefit from shared services including site selection, lease negotiation, kitchen equipment sourcing, training and ongoing support, not to mention an ownership and management team who bring over 150 years of collective operational expertise from top brands like Outback, Bonefish Grill and Chili’s.&nbsp;“We’re purposefully maintaining brand separation between Denny’s and Keke’s in the eyes of the consumer,” said Ahrendt. “But behind the scenes, the support and infrastructure are incredibly valuable for our franchisees.”Real estate options are flexible, with the brand capable of operating in inline, freestanding or endcap locations, all within an efficient and cost-effective footprint of 3,800 to 4,500 square feet. Keke’s is also investing in a refreshed, modern cafe design for all new locations. The new “Fresh Starts” look includes updated colors, art, lighting and a visual identity that ladders into the larger brand positioning and hearkens to its Florida roots. “The result is a refreshed design that’s warm, clean and timeless — not just trendy,” said Ahrendt. “It creates a bright, inviting space that reflects our identity and gives guests a fresh start to the day.”Meanwhile, the brand is rolling out tech upgrades, refining off-premise dining through its Keke’s Anywhere To-Go and Catering program, and exploring new CRM and paid media strategies to amplify reach and efficiency. “We’re constantly refining the model and working to bring investment costs down,” said Ahrendt. “If our franchisees are successful and profitable, the brand succeeds as well.”<h3>Why You and Why Now?</h3>Looking ahead, Keke’s is targeting to open between 12-20 cafes in 2025. And who exactly are they looking for to help guide this growth? “While restaurant experience is a plus, it isn’t a requirement. We’re open to investor group models with designated approved operators,” said Tachian. “As long as there’s someone involved who understands how to run a business and lead a team. The ideal candidate is business-savvy, passionate about hospitality and aligned with Keke’s values of service, community and consistency.”With explosive growth, unmatched AUVs, Denny’s backing and wide-open territory, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe offers an unbeatable opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to join a purpose-driven brand with a proven track record in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/breakfast-restaurants-diners/4311/">$15.6 billion breakfast and brunch industry</a>. “Now is a great time to invest in Keke’s,” said Tachian. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve proven the concept is strong. We're on the verge of becoming a nationally recognized brand, and we have wide-open availability in many great markets — but that won’t last long. The breakfast and lunch segment is booming, and unlike other major players, many big breakfast brands don’t franchise. We do — and we’re ready to grow.”For more information on franchising with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.kekes.com/franchise</a>.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise Opportunity for High Returns

1851 Franchise

Backed by Denny's and known for its fresh ingredients and welcoming vibe, Keke's is poised to grow in the $15.6 billion breakfast and brunch industry.

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

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - High-Volume Franchise Opportunity

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Daily Meal: Keke's Breakfast Cafe Recognized as a Rising Restaurant Chain To Watch in 2026

Building a People‑Powered Breakfast Franchise: How Christie Schatz Shapes Culture at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

Veteran Restaurateurs Jeff And Kim Rigsby To Open Five Keke's Breakfast Cafe Locations In Upstate South Carolina

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Breakfast may be the most underappreciated daypart in the restaurant industry. But for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>, it’s a competitive advantage. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasjovita/">Lucas Jovita</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722276#stories">Keke’s</a> senior director of finance, lies at the heart of turning that advantage into measurable growth.With a deep understanding of franchise finance, operational efficiency and cost management, Jovita is helping&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe">Keke’s</a> navigate everything from labor and food costs to site selection, construction optimization and scaling strategies. Under his leadership, the brand is balancing affordability with a high-quality guest experience, keeping costs low while helping franchisees maximize profitability.&nbsp;As&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> continues to refine its model and plan for expansion, Jovita is looking ahead to what could be a pivotal year for the brand and the franchisees who are part of its growth story.1851 Franchise sat down with Jovita to discuss the benefits of a limited-daypart model and what’s in store for 2026. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise:&nbsp;When we talk about the breakfast and brunch segment, it inherently has lower food costs. What are the key ingredients in the categories (eggs, dairy, bread, produce, meats)? Where do the advantages lie and how does that compare to full-service operations?Lucas Jovita: From an operations standpoint, the number of ingredients is pretty small. Our top 20 ingredients represent about 60% of everything we buy. So, we have a tight number of SKUs. There’s a lot of velocity with our top 20 items, which helps with waste.Last year wasn’t a great example because of the egg crisis. Eggs are a huge part of what we do (about 12% of everything we buy). But in a typical year, theoretical food costs for breakfast items range from 15% to 20%. Many of those items go through the egg station (about 30 to 40% of what we sell). They’re high-velocity items, easy to cook and have a 15 to 20% food cost. That makes it attractive from a food cost standpoint.That’s excluding the challenges we faced with the avian flu this year.1851:&nbsp;When targeting those food cost percentages for Keke’s, how does that compare with benchmarks in full-service restaurants or the fast-casual/QSR space?Jovita: Full-service depends on the concept. But it’s generally 25 to mid-30%. Our food cost is about five to 10 basis points lower than full-service concepts. Dinner tends to have a higher cost of goods as a percentage of sales and lunch has a little leverage. But breakfast is even better.1851:&nbsp;To what extent does having a limited daypart simplify operations? It obviously reduces waste. But are there hidden cost trade-offs like idle equipment or staffing flexibility?Jovita: There are fixed costs. But limited hours help. For example, if you’re driving $2 million in sales over six hours, really, your busy hours are nine to one. You’re driving most of your sales in that particular window. Labor costs are more efficient because you can schedule team members when it’s busy (as opposed to during slower periods, like in full-service restaurants).Now, with full-day operations, you have unproductive hours after lunch before dinner or happy hour. Whereas here, it’s turn-and-burn. When you’re busy, team members are in. When you’re not, you can cut them. That makes labor more efficient.Limited hours also allow us to have one or two managers per store, depending on volume. Full-day operations might require four or five managers to cover all shifts.1851:&nbsp;But, even in this segment, there are still things squeezing margins. What are the biggest factors and how are you coaching franchisees to mitigate those factors?Jovita: There are three main components: labor, food cost and rent. Labor is a big input cost. Food cost is also important. Rent is critical because the business only has limited hours to generate revenue. So, you don’t want to overextend on rent in a location that looks busy at night but is closed during your operating hours.I’ll give you an example. You wouldn’t want to be next to an NBA stadium because the games played in that stadium are at night. You’d pay high rent – but miss the foot traffic.&nbsp;Selecting the correct site is really key.1851:&nbsp;The last few years have obviously been turbulent economically. Inflation has affected everyone. How are you navigating that without frequent price hikes that could upset your core customers?Jovita: Even with inflation, our guest satisfaction scores and net sentiment are best in class. That gives us some pricing power. We’ve increased prices modestly (while not fully covering input costs). Supply chain efficiency and menu engineering are also a focus. But the ultimate goal is pricing. We’re hoping to price for two-thirds of inflation and find efficiencies to cover the rest. Not all those costs are passed on to guests.1851:&nbsp;In your capital structure and footprint – kitchen size, equipment, square footage – it’s similar to full-service or fast casual, right? How do you optimize fixed overhead to ensure franchisees are profitable?Jovita: Keke’s restaurants saw an impressive average AUV of $2,089,007 in 2024 for all franchised restaurants that reported through the iLumen Reporting Software, with the top half of franchise restaurants seeing net sales of $2,589,666, according to the brand’s most recent Franchise Disclosure Document. * This allows our franchisees to see a bigger return on investment. Brand standards and demand, particularly on weekends, help cover fixed costs.1851:&nbsp;And as you scale more franchise units, when do economies of scale kick in? Are there frictions in realizing efficiencies now?Jovita: Having been a part of a larger system like Denny’s gave us some leverage for contracts, purchasing and support. This allowed us to generate savings and economies of scale, which we maintain today. Technology transitions are helping as well. Construction costs are a focus. We aim to bring them down even more.When you hit a 1.5 to 2 sales-to-investment ratio, that’s the sweet spot. A payback period of three to four years allows any concept to grow quickly.1851:&nbsp;That three to four-year payback seems to be the magic number. Brands that can engineer that model tend to explode because institutional investors and multi-unit operators can see the ROI.Jovita: We’re always working hard to get there. Reducing construction costs is a big initiative and will drive growth.1851:&nbsp;The brands that can do it attract serious growth…Jovita: Next year is going to be massive for us. With the egg crisis behind us, we’re focusing on franchise growth, controlling costs and leveraging technology. The foundation is laid for robust comp sales and profitability.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.* ( We had 25 franchise restaurants report full-year information through iLumen.)&nbsp;

We dig into how Keke's low food cost model changes the math for franchisees - and how it stacks up to full-service, fast casual and QSR operations.

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

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At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>,&nbsp;the high-volume, low-hour breakfast and brunch franchise,&nbsp;culture is more than a line in a corporate handbook; it’s the backbone of the brand’s identity at every level of the restaurant experience. Long before guests even receive the food they ordered, they feel the immersive atmosphere and attitude that defines the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> experience — one rooted in warmth, familiarity and comfort, creating an energy that drives a genuine experience.&nbsp;For a brand expanding briskly across the U.S., protecting that culture has become just as important as delivering a great dining experience. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christieschatz/">Christie Schatz</a>, Keke’s director of human resources, who has spent two decades helping restaurant brands fine-tune their training and empower their workforce, the chance to build on Keke’s dedication to culture was a major draw, as was a role that helps shape the decision-making behind the guest dining experience.“What really inspired me was the people at Keke’s,” Schatz said. “People first — that's in our guiding principles.&nbsp;It's a new brand, and I loved that they already had guiding principles laid out. Combine that with the growth, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is a great opportunity to take what I've learned and bring it to Keke’s to make it even stronger.’ I love the people at Keke’s; they’re warm and sincere.”&nbsp;<h2>Follow The North Star</h2>Keke’s culture begins and ends with people. In her role, Schatz is acutely aware of what can and cannot be trained. Without the right people, cultures can crumble–and finding them requires both clarity and consistency.Today, there are more than 80 locations, and franchise owners are responsible for assembling their own teams. That makes selecting the right franchisees crucial, as they set the tone for how Keke’s culture trickles down to every level.“Culture starts with guiding principles. They’re your north star, your core values. On day one, team members should understand them. You provide tools and information so they can grow within the organization,” Schatz said. “People are always the underpinning of culture. Hiring the right talent is essential.”<h2>A Strong General Manager</h2>As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, establishing a positive culture can have ramifications that go beyond the information entered on an online comment form. Empowering team members remains a Keke’s hallmark, which impacts not only talent development but also long-term retention.&nbsp;It all starts with the right people. In each location, selecting the right general manager can have a profound impact that sets the pace. A general manager with strong communication skills can help define culture and keep it a priority, leading to happier team members with a vested interest in success, which, in turn, helps deliver a better guest experience.“The war for talent is real, especially post-COVID. How you treat and engage people is key. In corporate cafes, managers focus on engagement beyond day one. Connecting people is critical. Open lines of communication and constant engagement are essential,” Schatz said. “Hiring the right manager is also critical. They shape the team member experience, which directly impacts guests, team productivity and efficiency. Focusing on management ensures the team delivers for the guest, which supports profitability.”<h2>What Sets Keke’s Apart For Franchisees</h2>People first. It’s a simple idea, but it defines Keke’s culture in terms of its approach to team members and guests. Authenticity matters. At Keke’s, culture is more than words.&nbsp;Engagement and communication help the right general manager do more than train a reliable workforce — they help build teams that drive culture. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Schatz's core vision is franchise alignment that elevates both guests' and team members’ experiences.&nbsp;“Without great people and culture, you’ll feel it right away when you walk into any restaurant,” Schatz said. “At Keke’s, I felt welcomed, important and celebrated from day one. That emphasis on people is a huge advantage. Look at people as a differentiator. Do the people in the organization have passion, care and concern for the brand? Do they live by the guiding principles, or is it just words on a wall? That was why I left a company after 25 years for Keke’s. The culture and guiding principles are authentic.”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>.

From talent strategies to leadership alignment, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe’s director of human resources shares how the brand’s culture engine fuels franchise growth and operational excellence.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - High-Volume Franchise Opportunity

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