Keke's Breakfast Cafe

At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-fresh-experience-2729430" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>®, morning is more than a time of day — it’s a feeling. Whether you’re stopping in for a stack of Florida-famous pancakes or grabbing a hand-crafted omelet before your commute, Keke’s offers a fresh, welcoming experience that elevates the ordinary breakfast into something memorable.With nearly 20&nbsp; years of strong community roots and a growing presence across the U.S., Keke’s is redefining what consumers can expect from a breakfast and brunch destination. “Keke’s represents that elevated American breakfast,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaashleylaw?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-fresh-experience-2729430" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jenna Law</a>, senior director of marketing. “We want a service that makes everybody feel like a regular, and abundant portions that are more important than ever to today’s value-conscious customer.”<h3>A Fresh Start, in Every Sense of the Word</h3>The “fresh start” philosophy at Keke’s runs deep — from the quality of ingredients to the warmth of its hospitality. “It has a few different meanings,” Law said. “Fresh food, a fresh start to the day, and also giving team members a fresh start through meaningful careers in hospitality.”Unlike chains that rely on frozen or pre-prepared fare, Keke’s is all about made-to-order meals, hand-cut fruit and cracked-to-order eggs. The menu highlights are unmistakable — thick, golden pancakes stacked high with fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas; omelets that span edge-to-edge on the plate; and house-made home fries that deliver that nostalgic, just-like-home flavor.“Our pancakes, for example, are a signature item,” said Law. “They’re massive — the size of the plate — and stacked high with hand-cut fresh fruit. They’re showstoppers. Our omelets are another standout. We crack three eggs to order, coach our team to ensure every bite is packed with ingredients, and serve them with house-made home fries. It’s nostalgic — the kind of breakfast people grew up loving.”And word has gotten out —&nbsp; 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-fresh-experience-2729430" 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-fresh-experience-2729430" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Best Pancakes in Florida by Love Food</a> for the second year in a row, 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-fresh-experience-2729430" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Best Breakfast Joint in Tampa by Tampa Magazine</a>.“Our accolades and local awards really pay homage to the fact that we are very committed to sticking to the recipe — we stick to the things that work and we don’t change the core tenets of the brand,” said Law. “We aren’t just chasing the next trend.”<h3>A Cafe That Feels Like Home</h3>Step inside a Keke’s, and you’ll feel the difference right away. From the bright, cheerful design to the friendly greetings from staff, every detail is crafted to make guests feel comfortable and cared for.“We aim to create a ‘Welcome Home’ atmosphere,” Law said. “You’ll see that reflected in the service, but also in the design of the restaurant itself. We’ve recently gone through a full brand refresh to align our cafes with that feeling of optimism and energy.”That new design — which includes lighter color palettes, high-back booths, localized art and a nods to its Florida roots — is now featured in every new Keke’s location and is being rolled out across existing cafes as well.“We wanted the look and feel of Keke’s to match what people already love about the food and service — bright, clean and refreshing,” Law said. “We’re creating something timeless.”<h3>Where Quality and Consistency Matter</h3>Keke’s has long been recognized for its dedication to consistency, and now, it’s leveraging smart technology and data to stay ahead in customer satisfaction. Through its partnership with Black Box Intelligence, the brand monitors online reviews, social sentiment and ratings in real time across all locations, keeping quality at the forefront.“We are one of the highest-rated restaurant brands in terms of net sentiment and guest satisfaction,” Law said. “That’s not by accident — it’s because we listen, adapt and genuinely care about creating great experiences.”Even as the brand expands into new markets like Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville and beyond, that consistency remains a cornerstone of the Keke’s experience.The feeling of community is another cornerstone. All Keke’s are now designed to reflect the community they’re in, with murals and signage featuring the city name prominently on the walls. The brand also prioritizes local involvement, partnering with charities and inviting micro-influencers and content creators to engage with the restaurant and its mission.“We always want to reflect the communities that we serve and that our team members live in,” Law said. “Whether it’s through local art or community give-backs, it’s important that people feel connected when they walk into a Keke’s.”<h3>Good Morning, Wherever You Are</h3>While the in-cafe experience remains the heart of Keke’s, the brand is also meeting guests where they are, with convenient to-go and catering options designed for the modern lifestyle.“Off-premise dining is a growing part of the business,” Law said. “We call it ‘Keke’s Anywhere.’ It includes takeout, delivery and catering — and we’re continuing to build out that program over the next few years.”This initiative aligns with broader consumer trends while keeping Keke’s signature quality intact, offering guests more flexibility without sacrificing the hospitality that makes the brand so beloved.<h3>Building for the Future</h3>Keke’s isn’t just expanding its footprint — it’s also building a best-in-class foundation behind the scenes. From new digital platforms and CRM tools to a fully redesigned website, integrated POS and KDS, and paid media strategy, the brand is investing heavily in the tools that will fuel future growth.“There’s so much happening behind the scenes right now to support the brand’s next chapter,” Law said. “Technology, marketing, design — all of it is aligned around one goal: making Keke’s the go-to breakfast destination in every city.”With its fan-favorite menu, community-first culture and unwavering commitment to quality, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is emerging as one of the most compelling restaurant brands on the rise. Whether you’re a pancake purist, an omelet aficionado or just someone in need of a fresh start to the day — there’s a seat for you at Keke’s.For more information on franchising with Keke’s, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kekes-breakfast-cafe-fresh-experience-2729430" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.kekes.com/franchise</a>.

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe: Fresh, Made-to-Order Breakfast & Brunch

1851 Franchise

Indulge in freshly made breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites in a welcoming atmosphere, where quality and a fresh philosophy come together to create your perfect start.

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

Your Day Starts Fresh at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: Experience the Difference

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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.

Your Day Starts Fresh at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: Experience the Difference

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