Keke's Breakfast Cafe

<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-business-national-expansion-2729906" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a> 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,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/emerging-brands/dennys-owned-kekes-breakfast-cafe-begins-national-expansion-push?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-business-national-expansion-2729906" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Restaurant Business recently reported</a>. 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schmidt-52454378/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-business-national-expansion-2729906" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">David Schmidt</a>, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a>.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/emerging-brands/dennys-owned-kekes-breakfast-cafe-begins-national-expansion-push?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-business-national-expansion-2729906" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise.?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-business-national-expansion-2729906" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.kekes.com/franchise.</a>&nbsp;

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Expands Nationally Backed by Denny’s

1851 Franchise

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 Expands Nationally With Denny's Support

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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>.

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

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<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>, the rapidly expanding breakfast and lunch concept, is setting its sights on Columbus, Ohio, as a key market for its continued franchise growth. This expansion marks a significant step for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke's</a> as it looks to establish a strong foothold in the Midwest, bringing its unique culinary experience to a new region.<h2>Why Columbus? A Perfect Fit for Keke’s</h2>With&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_metropolitan_area,_Ohio#:~:text=At%20the%202020%20census%2C%20the,behind%20the%20Cincinnati%20metropolitan%20area.">over 2.2 million people in the greater Columbus metro area</a>, a strong mix of industries, and a thriving population of young professionals and students, the city offers fertile ground for franchise growth.“This is the capital of Ohio and is a hub for major industry — it is the headquarters for several major companies,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardag-tachian-34831025">Ardag Tachian</a>, senior director of franchise development for Keke’s. “What we like about Columbus is that it’s got a nice mixture of population — a nice cross section of industries, start-ups, young professionals and the university with a thriving student population.”Keke’s currently has no locations in the Midwest, and Tachian says Columbus represents an ideal entry point into the region.&nbsp;<h2>A Restaurant Market Built to Thrive</h2>Ohio’s affordability is another key factor fueling Keke’s expansion strategy. The state boasts a relatively lower cost of living compared to much of the country. “People have incremental money to spend on going out,” said Tachian. “The lower cost of living in the Midwest is typically very appealing to restaurants.”For a brand like Keke’s, known for massive, fresh Florida Pancakes, made-to-order omelets and a daytime-only 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. model, this environment is ideal. The concept has already proven its ability to generate high volumes in other markets,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/the-top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-in-2025-2729573">averaging more than $2 million in annual sales per unit in 2024</a>, according to the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document.*Keke’s is looking at several high-potential areas within the greater Columbus metro, including: Westerville, Dublin, Hilliard, New Albany, Upper Arlington and Reynoldsburg.<h2>What Keke’s Looks for in Franchise Partners</h2>Keke’s prides itself on being a people-first company, and the brand is looking for local entrepreneurs who share that same philosophy.“We are a very people-centric company, so we are looking for folks who are compassionate about the food industry and have a good understanding of the importance of hospitality,” Tachian said. “They also have an interest in developing a team to work with — solid, good business people. Restaurant experience is helpful but not necessarily required. We are just looking for good people to partner with and align with.”With strong unit economics, a single-shift operational model, and the backing of Denny’s Corporation for supply chain and infrastructure support,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-franchise-investment-2729451">Keke’s offers an opportunity that is both compelling and lifestyle-friendly</a>.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>While Columbus is the top priority, Keke’s also has its eyes on other Ohio markets like Cleveland and Cincinnati. But Tachian makes it clear — Columbus is the ideal launchpad.“Columbus is the right market at the right time,” he said. “It’s vibrant, growing, and full of the kind of people and energy that Keke’s thrives on. We’re excited to find partners here who want to build something special with us.”For entrepreneurs in Columbus eager to bring a fresh breakfast experience to their community, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe presents a rare chance to join a proven brand at the ground floor of its Midwest expansion.For more information on franchising with Keke’s, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe">https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe</a>.*Average net sales of $2,089,007 in 2024 are 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. Please consult our franchise disclosure document for more information.

Keke’s Sets Sights on Columbus for Franchise Growth

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Franchise support is often talked about as a buzzword in the restaurant industry, but at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>, support takes on a very real, very tangible meaning. The brand has built one of the most comprehensive training and onboarding systems in the segment — a process that, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliapacheco2020">Natalia Pacheco</a>, Senior Director of Training and New Cafe Growth, is designed to set franchisees up for long-term success from day one.<h2>A Systematic, Hands-On Approach to Opening</h2>From the moment a new franchisee signs on,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> team begins preparing them for a successful launch. “Following leadership approval and the signing of a development agreement, we partner with franchisees about 12 weeks before opening their doors,” Pacheco said. “We conduct an introduction — this is who we are, and this is how we will partner with you to open your cafe.”That partnership unfolds in a structured, bi-weekly cadence of meetings with every shared service department: IT, design, construction, marketing, and more. A new cafe coordinator oversees the process, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks, while a project manager handles much of the behind-the-scenes coordination.“We make sure construction is going well, equipment delivery is on track, and franchisees understand what accounts they need to set up and what orders are coming in,” Pacheco said. “Everyone comes together to make it happen.”As opening day nears, the cadence moves to weekly meetings focused on hiring and staff preparation. Franchisees are provided with a playbook and participate in a one-week “experience week” to get a real sense of operations. On-site training then follows: four days of robust, hands-on instruction covering both classroom learning and guest-facing execution, capped by a “friends and family” day to put their skills into practice.“The training environment is fun but very comprehensive,” Pacheco said. “It allows franchisees and their teams to really comprehend the tasks at hand and how they’re going to serve our guests.”<h2>Beyond the Grand Opening: Continuous Guidance</h2>The support doesn’t stop once the doors open. The Keke’s training team remains on-site through the opening weekend, conducting daily debriefs with managers, identifying top performers and areas of improvement, and offering recommendations.“We’ve built a relationship with franchisees over those 12 weeks, so by the time we leave, they feel comfortable enough to pick up the phone and call us anytime,” Pacheco said. “We also schedule intentional feedback sessions to learn what they enjoyed and what we can improve. That feedback helps us refine our model.”Within the first 90 days, a brand standards coach also visits each cafe to evaluate operations top to bottom, ensuring franchisees are maintaining Keke’s high standards.<h2>Leading Training the Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Way</h2>As a fast-growing company, Keke’s recognizes that success depends on the strength of its people. The brand believes that great leadership begins with great training. Its best-in-class management training program is designed to equip new managers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to deliver the exceptional Keke’s experience its guests have come to expect.Over the course of an intensive two-week program, managers are fully immersed in what is called&nbsp;The Keke’s Way. This experience centers around the four pillars of the brand:&nbsp;Guest Experience, Quality of Food, Speed of Service, and Cleanliness. Each element plays a vital role in ensuring that every visit to Keke’s feels special, consistent, and memorable.From the moment a guest walks into a cafe to the moment they finish their meal, Keke’s takes pride in every detail. The focus behind signature dishes, such as its three-egg omelets, the freshness of its hand-cut fruit on the signature Florida Waffle, and the warmth of service, sets the franchise apart in the breakfast segment. Its managers are trained to execute each dish with care and consistency, upholding standards day in and day out.A typical day for a Keke’s manager goes far beyond operations. It’s about creating an exceptional guest experience, developing future talent, and leading by example. Through the training program, Keke’s empowers managers to embody the values that make it unique, ensuring that every cafe reflects its passion for hospitality, quality, and community.At Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, training isn’t just about process; it’s about culture. It’s how it continues to grow while staying true to itself.<h2>The Power of Denny’s Backing</h2>In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/franchise-times-kekes-breakfast-cafe-expands-nationally-with-dennys-support-2729931">Keke’s was acquired by Denny’s Corporation</a>, bringing decades of operational expertise and resources without compromising the Keke’s identity. This backing elevates the support franchisees receive, strengthening the system’s ability to deliver results.“Denny’s is a 70-year-old brand and they’ve done this plenty of times,” Pacheco said. “These departments are all from shared services, which makes us that much stronger in terms of the support we can provide. They are very invested in the growth of Keke’s and our franchisees. From construction to real estate to operations — they can provide that guidance.”<h2>Why Support Makes Keke’s a Top Investment</h2>Keke’s has already carved out a place in the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity-2729429">booming $15.6 billion breakfast and brunch segment</a> with its daytime-only model, strong average unit volumes and high guest satisfaction. What makes the brand stand out even more is its steady focus on helping franchisees succeed.At Keke’s, support is more than a promise — it’s a playbook, a team and a proven system that has created one of the best investments in franchising today.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise.">https://www.kekes.com/franchise.</a>&nbsp;

Inside Keke's Breakfast Cafe's Hands-On Training System: How the Brand Sets Franchisees Up for Success from Day One

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The Simple Secret Behind Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: Design for People, Then Scale

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After spending more than 20 years growing 140 Bojangles restaurants, Kim and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rigsby-a753b0b6/">Jeff Rigsby</a> are taking on their next chapter with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe,</a> signing a five-unit development deal for Upstate South Carolina. The husband-and-wife team plan to bring the Florida-based breakfast favorite to Greenville and Spartanburg, continuing their track record of building thriving restaurant brands in the region.They’re no strangers to multi-brand success. The Rigsbys currently operate Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill and Donato’s Pizza, and they’re also the founders of Rigsby’s Wings and Grill, their own full-service concept.&nbsp;The Rigsbys first discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a> during visits to their second home in Orlando, Florida. They were immediately drawn to the warm atmosphere, attentive service and how Keke’s elevated classic breakfast dishes without losing their comfort and familiarity. When they discovered the brand had franchising available, they jumped at the opportunity.&nbsp;“My wife and I were out one day and ran into someone from Keke’s that we’d known for years. They mentioned the brand was starting to franchise outside of Florida, and we both laughed because it’s always been our favorite breakfast spot," Jeff said. "At the time, Keke’s was only in Florida, so we never imagined bringing it to South Carolina. After a couple of years of conversations — and already being big fans as customers — we decided Keke’s would be our next growth opportunity.”Keke’s checked every box — strong unit economics, approachable hours and a product they already loved as regulars in Florida. With the Carolinas continuing to see population growth and rising demand for daytime dining options, the timing was ideal for a seasoned operator to introduce the brand to the region.<h2>From Crew Member To Multi-Brand Leader</h2>Jeff Rigsby’s restaurant career began humbly — as a 16-year-old crew member at KFC in 1979. He quickly rose through the ranks, spending 17 years with the brand before joining Bojangles in 1994 as a multi-unit manager. Over time, he worked his way up to director of operations, overseeing 40 restaurants before taking the leap into ownership.“I had the opportunity to buy six restaurants in Asheville back in 2001,” Rigsby said. “We started there and grew to operate in six states — North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. When we sold our majority interest a few months ago, we had 126 restaurants.”After stepping away from Bojangles to focus on more lifestyle-driven growth opportunities closer to home, the Rigsbys saw an opening in the Upstate market for a high-quality breakfast and brunch concept, such as Keke's Breakfast Cafe.&nbsp;“What really stands out to me about Keke’s is the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients,” Rigsby said. “They don’t try to reinvent breakfast — they take the classics and make them special, from the way the food is prepared to how it’s presented on the plate. But the biggest difference I’ve noticed is the service culture. In this segment, guests often visit two or three times a week, and Keke’s does an exceptional job of building relationships that keep people coming back.”<h2>Bringing Keke’s To The Upstate</h2>The Rigsbys see Upstate South Carolina as an ideal spot for Keke’s. Since moving there in 1988, they’ve watched Greenville and Spartanburg grow into busy, fast-developing communities drawing people from all over the country.“Upstate South Carolina is really growing,” Rigsby said. “We’ve seen so many people moving here, and it’s just a great place to live. We think there’s a tremendous opportunity for Keke’s in this market.”The team plans to open the first location soon, with an emphasis on strong operations and thoughtful site selection. “It’s about getting quality sites and quality restaurants,” Rigsby said. “Once the first one is dialed in, we’ll expand.”<h2>Why Keke’s Stands Out</h2>Rigsby credits Keke’s success to its simple yet elevated approach to breakfast and brunch.“They take breakfast classics and really elevate them,” he said. “People in this segment come in two or three times a week, and Keke’s builds those relationships that keep them coming back.”The cafe’s operating hours, which end at 2:30 p.m., are another major advantage. “That schedule helps us attract great managers,” Rigsby said. “It’s a great quality of life for people in the industry, which helps us bring in top talent.”<h2>Building The Next Chapter Of Growth With Keke’s</h2>Supported by a proven management team and a focused development strategy, the Rigsbys are preparing to launch Keke’s Breakfast Cafe across Upstate South Carolina.“The unit economics are solid, the food and service are excellent, and the brand aligns perfectly with what we value,” Rigsby said. “We’re excited to get started — and my wife’s a big fan, so she’s ready for us to get rolling quickly.”As the first Keke’s cafes open across the Upstate, they’ll not only bring a fresh new breakfast option to South Carolina diners but also extend the Rigsbys’ legacy of people-first hospitality and community impact.If you’re interested in franchise opportunities with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe.">https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe.</a>&nbsp;

Restaurateurs Jeff And Kim Rigsby To Open 5 Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Locations In South Carolina

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

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<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a>, the rapidly expanding breakfast and lunch concept, has been a familiar name in the Florida breakfast scene for years, but its profile is starting to grow well beyond its home state. In The Daily Meal’s new list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/2026195/restaurant-chains-take-over-in-2026/">10 Rising Restaurant Chains That Will Take Over in 2026</a>, the publication included&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> as one of the concepts gaining traction at a time when the breakfast category continues to strengthen.The restaurant first opened in 2006 and has built a loyal following with a menu centered on made-to-order breakfast and lunch classics. Growth has historically been steady, but 2025 marked a turning point. Earlier in the year, Keke’s projected that it was on track to open more new restaurants than ever before.&nbsp;The Daily Meal also noted a major ownership change that was announced later in 2025, when the brand’s parent company was acquired by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.triartisan.com/">TriArtisan Capital Advisors</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://treville.com/">Treville Capital Group</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/yadav-enterprises-inc/">Yadav Enterprises</a>. Once closed, the move will take Keke’s private, giving the chain more room to focus on long-term decisions rather than quarterly pressures with significant runway.&nbsp;All of this comes during a period when breakfast chains are seeing renewed interest from consumers looking for value and consistency. Keke’s, with its clean menu, craveworthy classics, approachable price point and established customer base, fits neatly into that demand.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/2026195/restaurant-chains-take-over-in-2026/">here</a>.&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;

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

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Recent studies indicate that&nbsp;<a href="https://moodle.com/us/news/ai-for-workplace-training-in-america/">nearly two-thirds of Americans feel some sort of burnout</a> in the workplace. The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/is-the-great-resignation-officially-over-2720536#stories">Great Resignation</a>, making a positive work environment essential for attracting and keeping employees.&nbsp;In curating a workplace culture that recognizes and rewards great work,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ehrhard-9b191917b/">John</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-belcher-ehrhard-0524146/">Kimberly Ehrhard</a> are bucking the trend, building and maintaining success in their Florida-based, multi-unit franchise of nine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kekes.com/franchise">Keke’s Breakfast Cafe</a> locations.Following nearly three decades spent running a television and film production company, the Ehrhards&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise-2729755#stories">made a pivot toward entrepreneurship as restaurant franchisees</a>. Today, their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/info">Keke’s</a> in Parkland, Florida, stands as the chain’s largest, seating over 200 hungry patrons, with employee morale helping drive that success.“Our Keke’s have been way more lucrative than we ever thought they would be. It’s pretty amazing when you consider we didn’t have any restaurant background before we did this,” John said. “It’s a great way for us to reward frontline employees for their excellent work, which gives us the opportunity to recognize their accomplishments and reward them with prizes.”Placing electronic “scoreboards” in their kitchen, the Ehrhards have come up with a novel way to track metrics, building morale while tracking workplace efforts.The scoreboards populate sales info as well as key performance indicators alongside data like employee birthdays, Google reviews, promotions and more, part of an interactive approach to ensuring employee engagement, with the husband-and-wife team, who also run a technology firm, patenting their kitchen scoreboards.Founded in 2006,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kekes-breakfast-cafe/kekes-breakfast-cafe-adam-perez-interview-2730317#stories">Keke’s was purchased by Denny’s in 2022</a>. Given the green light when it came to introducing the kitchen scoreboard concept, the Ehrhards further experimented by introducing an indoor breakfast counter with seating, a concept that has since found success at other Keke’s locations.Achieving franchise success is one thing, but maintaining it is another.Moving forward with their nine Florida-based Keke’s Breakfast cafe locations, the Ehrhards see employee engagement and Denny’s growth of the brand as a viable path forward centered upon potential growth.“They are doing a great job getting the Keke’s name out there and because of that we’re seeing so much growth now across the country. Our employees really enjoy it because they can see how their cafe is doing,” John said. “I never imagined I’d end up in the restaurant business after 20-plus years in television, but my kids think making pancakes and waffles is way cooler than anything I did at MTV!”Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_news/keke-s-breakfast-caf-franchisees-find-success-leveraging-technology/article_863d2e6b-5bf0-41c6-80ce-08db6a938cff.html">here</a>.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>.

How Two Keke's Breakfast Cafe Owners Are Solving Workplace Burnout With A Novel Incentive System

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe Expands Nationally With Denny's Support

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