Established
2006
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$800,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Keke’s Breakfast Café has become one of America’s most beloved daytime dining brands, known for delivering a fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch experience in an inviting, modern café environment. With its Florida origins and an ever-growing national presence, Keke’s has positioned itself as a premium breakfast franchise offering high-quality food, exceptional service, and a community-focused atmosphere. For entrepreneurs seeking a strong, reliable, and fast-growing franchise within the booming breakfast and brunch category, Keke’s Breakfast Café stands out as one of the most promising opportunities in the USA.
The brand has captured the hearts of families, professionals, and weekend brunch-goers with its commitment to fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a dining experience that feels local no matter how big the brand grows. From gourmet waffles and fluffy pancakes to omelets, sandwiches, and specialty coffees, Keke’s offers a refined yet approachable menu that keeps guests returning week after week.
As consumer demand for all-day breakfast continues to climb and “brunch culture” becomes more mainstream, Keke’s Breakfast Café has carved out a strong competitive position—delivering premium quality without the complexity of late-night operations. Franchisees benefit from a proven system, strong brand loyalty, and an operating model designed for both scalability and long-term profitability.
Why Invest in the Keke’s Breakfast Café Franchise?
Investing in Keke’s Breakfast Café means entering one of the fastest-growing segments in the American food-service industry. Breakfast-focused restaurants consistently outperform many other categories due to lower operating hours, lower labor overhead, and high repeat customer frequency. Keke’s adds to this advantage with a menu centered on fresh ingredients, scratch-made dishes, and a polished casual dining environment that attracts both families and professionals.
The brand’s partnership and current ownership under Denny’s Corporation has further strengthened its infrastructure, supply chain, marketing capabilities, and national expansion potential. This backing allows franchisees to leverage the expertise of a major restaurant group while maintaining the independent, hometown feel that Keke’s is known for.
Keke’s offers a balanced blend of profitability, operational simplicity, and brand power. With growing consumer interest in premium breakfast dining, the franchise is well-positioned to succeed in suburban, urban, and high-traffic commercial markets across the United States.
Top reasons to invest:
• Strong national brand with growing demand
• Daytime-only model (typically 7 AM–2:30 PM) with work-life balance
• Backed by one of the largest restaurant companies in the USA
• High customer loyalty and repeat visits
• Scalable business model with multi-unit potential
• Streamlined operations with reliable supply chains
Background
Established Year: 2006
Founders: George & Kevin Mahler
Headquarters: Florida, USA
Industry Category: Breakfast/Brunch, Fast Casual Dining
Ownership: Acquired by Denny’s Corporation in 2022
Current Franchise Active Units: Approximately 50+ locations across Florida and expanding into new states
Keke’s Breakfast Café was founded in Orlando, Florida, when brothers George and Kevin Mahler recognized a growing gap in the daytime dining space. Their vision was simple: serve high-quality breakfast and lunch with fresh ingredients, exceptional service, and a clean, modern setting. What began as a local café quickly gained a loyal fan base and grew into one of Florida’s fastest-rising breakfast brands.
The company expanded steadily through franchising and eventually attracted the attention of major industry players. In 2022, Denny’s Corporation acquired Keke’s, strengthening its operational backbone without compromising its values or guest experience. Today, the brand is experiencing accelerated national expansion, backed by robust franchisor support and a proven operational framework.
Support Training
Keke’s Breakfast Café offers comprehensive support designed to prepare franchisees for both the launch and long-term operation of their restaurant. Whether you are an experienced restaurateur or an investor entering the food-service sector for the first time, the brand’s training system ensures you have everything needed to succeed.
Pre-Launch Support
• Assistance with site selection, market analysis, and demographic research
• Lease negotiation guidance and architectural design standards
• Construction and project management support
• Access to approved vendors and equipment suppliers
• Pre-opening marketing plan to build local awareness
Operational Training
• Intensive hands-on training at a certified Keke’s café
• Instruction on food preparation, service standards, and safety procedures
• Systems training for POS, inventory, staffing, and daily operations
• Recipe execution and kitchen workflows for menu consistency
Marketing & Branding Support
• Local store marketing strategies
• Professional branding assets and promotional materials
• Grand-opening marketing campaigns
• Seasonal promotions and national marketing tools
Ongoing Support
• Regular field visits and performance reviews
• Operational updates, menu innovations, and new product development
• Continued training programs for franchisees and staff
• Access to proprietary systems and franchisee community
Ideal Candidate
Keke’s Breakfast Café is best suited for entrepreneurs who are passionate about hospitality, community engagement, and delivering memorable dining experiences. The franchise welcomes both first-time business owners and seasoned multi-unit operators.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
• A commitment to providing exceptional service
• Strong leadership and team-management skills
• Prior restaurant or retail experience (recommended but not mandatory)
• Financial capability to invest in a premium breakfast franchise
• Ability to follow a proven system and maintain brand standards
• Interest in suburban shopping centers, residential zones, or high-traffic commercial districts
This opportunity is especially attractive to investors seeking a business that aligns with a balanced lifestyle. With daytime-only operating hours, franchisees and managers enjoy more predictable schedules without late-night shifts or the complexities of dinner service.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount / Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $800,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $300,000+ |
| Net Worth Required | $850,000+ (estimated) |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Average Unit Size | 3,500 – 4,200 sq. ft. |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost | $450,000 – $700,000 |
| Equipment & Furnishings | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Training Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Brand Fund Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Average Operating Hours | Daytime only (approx. 7 AM – 2:30 PM) |
| Expected ROI | 2 – 3 years |
| Break-Even Timeline | 12 – 18 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Online Delivery, Catering, Specialty Drinks |