Denny's bought a restaurant chain from Florida for $82.5 million and plans expansion beyond Florida

Photo byTripAdvisor

Keke's Cafe, a popular breakfast and brunch chain originating from Orlando, Florida, is on the brink of a major expansion, spearheaded by its recent acquisition by Denny's.

From Florida Waffle Shop to Keke's Cafe

Initially known as "Florida Waffle Shop," Keke's Cafe has its roots deeply planted in Orlando. The chain, which has steadfastly focused on Florida's market, has garnered a loyal following. Co-founder Kevin Mahen's vision of saturating the Florida market before branching out has been the driving force behind the chain's growth. As of 2019, Mahen envisioned the potential of opening up to 80 stores within the state.

Denny's Acquisition and Expansion Plans

In a significant move, Denny's acquired Keke's in the summer of 2022 for $82.5 million. Despite the acquisition, Keke's continues to operate independently. With the backing of Denny's, Keke's is set to extend its reach beyond Florida, eyeing a national footprint with plans to open 100 restaurants across the United States, including in Tennessee, California, and Texas.

Growing Presence in Florida

Keke's isn't slowing down in its home state either. 2023 saw the addition of new stores in Jacksonville, with plans for further expansion in South Florida. According to 1851 Franchise, under Denny's ownership, Keke's aims for more aggressive expansion, a sentiment echoed by Nation's Restaurant News.

Customer Experience at Keke's

Focusing exclusively on breakfast and lunch, Keke's wraps up daily operations by 2:30 pm. Patrons at the Citrus Park location rate it highly on TripAdvisor, often drawing comparisons to a classic diner. The freshness of the food, along with keto and gluten-free options, has been particularly appreciated by customers. One reviewer, Robin, highlighted the excellent service, delicious omelets, home fries, and the peaceful, sunny ambiance conducive to conversations.

This expansion signifies a new chapter for Keke's Cafe, blending its cherished Florida roots with a broader vision, set to bring its unique dining experience to more patrons nationwide.