Keke's Breakfast Cafe, a Florida-born breakfast-and-brunch chain, is setting its sights on Dayton for what would be its first Ohio location as part of a broader Midwest push. If the deal comes together, the Miami Valley could be seeing Keke's all-day spread of pancakes, waffles and omelettes in the not-too-distant future. For now, company representatives are keeping quiet on the exact site and opening date.
According to a report in the Dayton Business Journal, Keke's has singled out Dayton as its launchpad in Ohio. The piece, published Tuesday by staff reporter Lauren Steen, casts the Dayton move as the brand's first official step into the Buckeye State.
Backed by Denny's, national push gains steam
Denny's wrapped up its acquisition of Keke's in July 2022 in a deal valued at $82.5 million, according to the company's announcement. The chain's release says Keke's now has commitments for more than 140 new cafes as it stretches beyond its Florida base. Industry coverage also notes that Keke's is pairing that growth with a brighter store design and refreshed menu items.
Why Dayton?
The Dayton region has been busy on the restaurant front, with local reporting counting nearly 100 new restaurants across the area in 2024. That pace suggests the market still has room for national concepts that are looking for mid-market growth rather than only chasing the biggest metros.
What to expect next
Industry reporting indicates that Keke's newest openings usually showcase the updated look and operational tweaks the company has been testing at recent locations. If Dayton lands a cafe, residents are likely to see early hints in the form of leasing notices, building permits or local job postings, which tend to surface well before any official ribbon-cutting.
For now, the Dayton Business Journal report stands as the first local confirmation of Keke's Ohio ambitions. Key details, including a specific address and a firm opening timeline, are still to come. Curious diners can size up the menu and typical hours on Keke's website while the company irons out its Dayton plans.
