News Summary
The beloved Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has announced the closure of two of its franchise locations in Orlando due to franchise agreement breaches. The affected locations on S. Hiawassee Road and S. Chickasaw Trail will shut down at the end of December. This decision impacts employees, but Keke’s is actively assisting them in finding new job opportunities. Despite these closures, Keke’s aims to expand by opening new cafes, modernizing its stores, and maintaining its commitment to high-quality breakfast offerings.
Orlando’s Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Closes Two Locations
Orlando, get ready for some bittersweet news. The popular Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has confirmed the permanent closure of two of its franchise locations in the city. The spots at 2433 S. Hiawassee Road and 431 S. Chickasaw Trail will no longer be serving those delicious breakfast favorites after late December. The announcement comes as the franchise agreement with the previous owner faced termination due to several breaches.
A Sudden Change for Employees
Picture this: employees arriving for their shifts on December 30, only to find out from Keke’s corporate representatives that the doors will be closing for good. It’s a tough break, and Keke’s has expressed just how challenging it was for them to make this decision while considering the impact on their valued team members. But here’s the silver lining: Keke’s is working to assist these former employees in finding new job opportunities. Since many were under GLA Restaurants LLC, the franchisee, they’re also encouraged to apply at other Keke’s locations.
What’s Happening with GLA Restaurants LLC?
Speaking of GLA Restaurants LLC, the franchise was previously managed by Gregory Leitzinger, who is currently dealing with a series of lawsuits in New York over alleged breaches of contract. The troubles at GLA seem to have had a ripple effect on Keke’s operations in Orlando and have led to some unsettling changes.
The Bigger Picture
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is in the middle of dealing with a broader ownership transition affecting four other locations across metro Orlando, which are temporarily closed until new franchise owners come on board. This may sound alarming, but Keke’s has solid plans in place for new buyers and aims to reopen these temporarily closed restaurants soon. There is no need to worry just yet; Keke’s has big aspirations and is dedicated to the franchise process!
Keke’s Ambitious Growth Plans
Despite the hiccups, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is actually on a growth spurt. The cafe chain, acquired by Denny’s Corp. in July 2022 for a whopping $82.5 million, remains committed to operating independently. They are not letting the recent closures slow their roll. In fact, they’re planning to open over 140 new cafes across various states, making sure to preserve the local charm and high-quality breakfast offerings that first drew in their customers.
Investing in the Future
The company is focusing not only on expansion but also on modernizing its cafes with technology advancements and redesign initiatives. The goal? Increased efficiency and enhanced customer experience. This includes remodeling existing locations to create a more pleasing ambiance. Something to look forward to if you’re a fan of Keke’s!
The Road Ahead
While two locations in Orlando are waving goodbye for now, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is gearing up for a bright future with an ambitious goal to reach more communities nationwide. With plans already underway to find new franchise partners, fans of Keke’s can still expect to enjoy their beloved breakfast meals, just with a bit of a different local flair in the years to come.
So, while the closure of these two locations is indeed a loss for the community, remember that Keke’s has its sights set high and is making strides towards a bigger and better tomorrow.
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Additional Resources
- News Break: Franchisee Troubles Lead to Shutdown of Four Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Florida
- WFTV: 7 Keke’s Restaurant Closures in Orlando Tied to Terminated Franchisee
- PR Newswire: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Accelerates National Growth
- Orange Observer: Foodie Call – Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
