Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Expands with New Locations

News Summary

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, owned by Denny’s, is set to open up to 20 new locations across the U.S. in 2023. This expansion is accompanied by the celebration of its first Georgia location and extensive remodeling of existing cafes. Keke’s is also updating its technology and menu offerings to enhance customer experience, while focusing on asset-light growth through new franchise opportunities. The brand is actively navigating a growth phase, adapting to market challenges and investing in its future.

Atlanta, Georgia – Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, a rapidly expanding brand owned by Denny’s, has announced plans to open up to 20 new restaurant locations across the United States in 2023. The expansion initiative is marked by the celebration of Keke’s first location in Georgia, signaling the brand’s continued growth and commitment to establishing a stronger presence in the market.

In the first half of 2023, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe successfully opened 10 new locations as part of its ambitious growth strategy. Currently, the chain boasts commitments for over 140 units and is actively remodeling more than 50 existing locations to enhance customer experience. As part of this reinvigoration, Keke’s has rolled out a new visual identity alongside a redesigned logo that pays homage to its Florida roots, aiming to refresh its brand image.

The recent design update is particularly noteworthy in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The revamped location features a brighter decor scheme which contrasts with the traditional darker aesthetic typically associated with Keke’s outlets. The updated stores retain their booth-heavy layout but incorporate lighter colors, white ceilings, and additional window space to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Five Keke’s cafes have already undergone remodeling, with the first refurbishment completed in July in Orlando, Florida—the company’s home base. The chain is reporting increased sales in these remodeled locations, showcasing the effectiveness of the design changes.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe plans to complete an additional three renovations by the end of the year. In addition to its physical transformation, the brand is investing in technology and menu innovation to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. New technology initiatives include the introduction of a new website and updated online ordering software, alongside a trial of a new point-of-sale and kitchen-display system in select locations, which aims to improve kitchen efficiency significantly.

On the menu side of operations, Keke’s has revamped its kids’ menu to provide a wider variety of appealing options, such as the Kids Favorite Combo, aimed at attracting younger diners and families. This initiative reflects Keke’s overall strategy to increase customer engagement and enhance dining experiences.

Operating on an asset-light growth strategy, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe actively seeks new franchisees, expanding its current franchise portfolio of approximately 20 franchisees, with an average of three units each. The franchise development strategy is focused primarily on finding experienced operators who are not currently part of Denny’s portfolio, with ambitions to secure commitments for five to ten new units in the near future.

While Keke’s aims to innovate its menu and enhance customer experience, rising operational costs in the industry may pose challenges in terms of pricing strategies and consumer sensitivity. The chain’s plans for menu innovation could also aim to encourage increased check sizes, in an effort to balance the impact of these rising costs.

Overall, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is navigating a significant growth phase, marked by new location openings, remodels, technological investments, and a renewed focus on its franchise model. As the brand continues to expand and adapt in 2023, the breakfast chain is poised to make a stronger mark in both local and national markets.

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