Three years after joining the Denny’s family, Keke’s is gaining ground across the country with a reenergized brand identity, strong development momentum, and growing appeal among franchisees in the booming breakfast segment.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe started as a beloved Florida staple, known for its fresh-made breakfasts, neighborhood feel and early-day hours that fit neatly into guests’ lives. Now, with 135 franchise agreements signed and a presence expanding far beyond its home state, Keke’s is making the leap from regional gem to national contender — without losing sight of what made it special in the first place.
The Right Partnership at the Right Time
When Keke’s joined the Denny’s family in 2022, the timing couldn’t have been better. The acquisition gave the brand access to a seasoned franchise system, operational support and infrastructure built over decades, while still preserving the DNA that made Keke’s so successful in Florida.
“The opportunity to scale with support from a company like Denny’s has been a game changer, but we’ve remained firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to what Keke’s is and what it stands for,” said Jon Ahrendt, senior director of franchise relations for Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. “Our focus has always been on maintaining the guest experience and culture that built this brand in the first place.”
That strategy is paying off. In the last 18 months, the brand has opened 17 new locations and expanded into six additional states, building momentum for a future with 200 units and beyond.
Growth That’s Intentional, Not Aggressive
Keke’s isn’t chasing growth for growth’s sake. With a sharp focus on finding qualified operators and strong real estate opportunities, the brand’s expansion has been thoughtful and steady. New markets in Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee have shown early success, as have individual locations in California, Colorado and Nevada.
“We’ve turned down plenty of deals that didn’t feel like the right fit,” Ahrendt said. “We’re not interested in fast growth if it comes at the expense of who we are. Every new franchise partner has to believe in the model, the lifestyle, and the quality we’re committed to delivering.”
Franchise agreements have poured in from both first-time owners and seasoned multi-unit operators — proof that the brand’s promise of operational simplicity and strong unit economics resonates across the board.
Familiar, With a Fresh Perspective
Even as the brand expands, Keke’s has taken care to refresh its identity in a way that enhances rather than erases its legacy. A redesigned cafe layout features lighter interiors, warmer materials, and a more welcoming flow for dine-in and carryout guests. Branding has been modernized to match today’s aesthetic without abandoning the approachable neighborhood feel that built its fan base.
Most importantly, the food hasn’t changed. The menu still leans into hearty breakfasts, pancakes, and fresh-cut fruit that keep guests coming back.
“We didn’t overhaul anything just for the sake of change,” Ahrendt said. “We evolved the brand to make sure it still feels current while staying true to the things that matter most to our guests, which are fresh food, great service, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere.”
Why Breakfast Is the Smart Bet
Franchisees are flocking to breakfast concepts, and Keke’s checks a lot of boxes. The brand’s limited hours (7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) allow for better work-life balance and easier staffing. The menu is streamlined but high quality, and the kitchens are built for speed and efficiency. That makes Keke’s especially attractive to operators who want a business with predictable routines and strong returns.
Combine that with the cultural boom of brunch, early-day dining, and a renewed consumer focus on experiences, and the timing couldn’t be better.
A New Chapter Beyond Florida
Keke’s may have started in Florida, but its story is expanding quickly. As new franchisees introduce the brand to markets across the country, the Keke’s team is focused on supporting them every step of the way with site selection guidance, training programs, and systems designed to scale.
The results speak for themselves. Early performance in new markets has outpaced expectations, reinforcing confidence that the brand’s appeal travels well and has plenty of runway ahead.
Building a National Brand, One Cafe at a Time
With more than 135 agreements signed and a development pipeline that stretches across the country, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is no longer just a Florida favorite. It’s a national brand in the making.
“We’ve built something special, and now we get to share that with a much wider audience,” Ahrendt said. “Our goal isn’t to become the biggest name in breakfast, it’s to become the most loved.”
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 shortly. For more information, please visit www.kekes.com/franchise and follow Keke’s on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.