South Carolina-based Denny’s has purchased Orlando-based Keke’s Breakfast Cafe.
The $82.5 million deal being announced during the restaurant’s May 3 first quarter earnings report which is set to be final later this year.
“Keke’s is a high-growth brand that aligns well with our core competency while providing us with an opportunity to participate in the fast-growing A.M. eatery segment. We intend to utilize the proven capabilities of our franchise-focused business model to develop Keke’s across multiple states with the long-term target of becoming the A.M. eatery franchisor of choice.” said John Miller, CEO of Denny’s, from its earnings report.
Keke’s which opened in 2006, currently runs 52 restaurants, 44 being franchises and eight company-owned. There are two dozen Keke’s in Central Florida serving a variety of breakfast items including waffles, pancakes, french toast, omelettes and more.
According to the news release, Keke’s will continue to operate independently – so Keke’s fans should be able to continue enjoying the restaurant’s delicious fare.
Denny’s says it has been making a slow recovery from the pandemic with many of its 24-hour restaurants remaining short-staffed and unable to stay open around the clock.
