Breakfast Eatery Closed in Florida for Roaches, Dirty Hands, and Cold Foods Over 41 Degrees

Photo byGoogle review | Writer's Edit

If you're a fan of hearty breakfasts and brunches in Florida, you might have had Keke’s Cafe on your radar. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, Keke’s has been a go-to spot for many. However, the Lake Mary location recently hit a bump in the road, resulting in a temporary shutdown following a state inspection that uncovered 15 violations.

Here’s the backstory: Keke’s Cafe, which started as the "Florida Waffle Shop" in Orlando, has grown significantly. It was acquired by Denny’s in the summer of 2022 for a whopping $82.5 million and has big plans for expansion beyond Florida, aiming to open 100 new locations nationwide.

Despite its impressive growth and positive feedback—like Kenneth Rodriguez’s review "Food is very good, and portions are generous (I don't leave leftovers, though). We've always received good service."—the Lake Mary location at 4225 W Lake Mary Boulevard recently faced some serious inspection issues.

On July 3, 2024, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported 15 violations. These ranged from basic concerns like a cutting board that was no longer cleanable and unwashed vegetables mixed with ready-to-eat foods, to more critical problems such as live roaches and improper handwashing practices.

The inspection also flagged high-priority issues, including cold foods being held at unsafe temperatures and an employee moving from handling raw eggs to serving ready-to-eat food without proper handwashing.

As a result of these violations, Keke’s Cafe was temporarily closed. However, after a follow-up inspection on the same day, the restaurant was allowed to reopen with eight remaining violations, none of which were deemed an immediate threat to public health.

So, if you’re thinking of visiting Keke’s in Lake Mary, it’s back open for business. Here’s hoping they’ll keep things clean and up to code so you can enjoy your breakfast without any worries.