Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is kicking off a major national expansion. After being acquired by Denny’s in 2022, the Florida-based chain has grown to 76 units and is now opening new locations at a record pace, Restaurant Business recently reported. In 2025 alone, the brand expects to surpass 85 locations, with plans to continue expanding at a rate of 25% to 30% annually.
“We want to achieve a much more aggressive growth strategy across the country,” said David Schmidt, president of Keke’s.
The growth follows a period of strategic updates, including a refreshed restaurant design, the addition of cocktails like mimosas and sangrias, and a new kids menu. These updates have helped boost sales, with total revenue up 9% in 2024 and same-store sales already climbing nearly 4% in the first quarter of 2025.
Keke’s is also putting more energy into digital marketing and growing its takeout and delivery business. Off-premise orders now make up a bigger slice of overall sales, thanks in part to better packaging and additional staff support.
Another advantage is its operating hours. Open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Keke’s attracts quality employees who appreciate the work-life balance, which is a key factor in strong in-store execution and retention.
With most locations still in Florida, Keke’s is now expanding into six additional states and has signed agreements for 140 more locations, largely with current Denny’s operators. This strategy allows Keke’s to break into new markets using experienced local partners.
Read the original article here.
To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://www.kekes.com/franchise.
Keke's Breakfast Cafe
Backed by Denny's and driven by quality and daytime dining, Keke's Breakfast Cafe is expanding into new markets across the U.S. with aggressive growth plans for 2025 and beyond.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is kicking off a major national expansion. After being acquired by Denny’s in 2022, the Florida-based chain has grown to 76 units and is now opening new locations at a record pace, Restaurant Business recently reported. In 2025 alone, the brand expects to surpass 85 locations, with plans to continue expanding at a rate of 25% to 30% annually.
“We want to achieve a much more aggressive growth strategy across the country,” said David Schmidt, president of Keke’s.
The growth follows a period of strategic updates, including a refreshed restaurant design, the addition of cocktails like mimosas and sangrias, and a new kids menu. These updates have helped boost sales, with total revenue up 9% in 2024 and same-store sales already climbing nearly 4% in the first quarter of 2025.
Keke’s is also putting more energy into digital marketing and growing its takeout and delivery business. Off-premise orders now make up a bigger slice of overall sales, thanks in part to better packaging and additional staff support.
Another advantage is its operating hours. Open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Keke’s attracts quality employees who appreciate the work-life balance, which is a key factor in strong in-store execution and retention.
With most locations still in Florida, Keke’s is now expanding into six additional states and has signed agreements for 140 more locations, largely with current Denny’s operators. This strategy allows Keke’s to break into new markets using experienced local partners.
Read the original article here.
To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://www.kekes.com/franchise.
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