How to Finance a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise: Costs and SBA
By Chris Cornella
A Keke’s Breakfast Cafe franchise loan pays for a full-service, daytime-only restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch and lunch and closes in the afternoon. That single-shift model, a wide investment range that depends heavily on the site, and an SBA Franchise Directory listing with two real estate conditions all shape how a buyer should plan the financing.
Below: what Keke’s discloses about fees and investment, the financial profile it looks for, and how to fund a new cafe, an existing one or several.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Keke’s Breakfast Cafe; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000, according to the Keke’s franchising page.
- Royalty: 5% to 5.5% of gross sales.
- Total estimated investment: $638,425 to $1,938,813, which the franchisor says includes the $30,000 franchise fee.
- Financial screening: the franchise application asks whether a candidate has at least $300,000 of liquid capital and a net worth of $1 million or more.
- Experience: the application asks about restaurant ownership or operations experience.
- System size: 74 restaurants as of June 25, 2025, 52 of them franchised or licensed and 22 company-operated, according to its parent company’s public filings. Keke’s says it opened 19 new cafes across 6 states in 2025.
- Typical site: 3,500 to 4,000 square feet, preferably an endcap or outparcel, with 60 or more parking spaces.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S2207, with two notes that apply when real estate is involved.
What Is Keke’s Breakfast Cafe?
Keke’s opened in 2006. The company says it was started by two brothers, Keith and Kevin, and that the name combines the first syllables of their first names. The concept serves made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, generous portions, cleanliness and quick, friendly table service.
For most of its history Keke’s was a Florida brand. When its parent company completed the acquisition of Keke’s in 2022, the announcement described 52 restaurants, all in Florida, 44 of them franchised. Since then the brand has moved into new states, and the company’s own pages list markets in the Southeast, Texas, Colorado, Nevada and California.
A daytime-only, single-shift model. Keke’s markets its single-shift schedule as offering a better work-life balance for owners and staff. For financing, it means revenue is earned in roughly one shift, with weekend brunch carrying much of the week.
How lenders tend to view the brand. Lenders generally see a growing system with an established parent, a mix of franchised and company-operated cafes, and a full-service format that depends on seat turnover rather than drive-thru volume. In newer markets, lenders lean more on the operator’s experience and liquidity.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. Keke’s lists an initial franchise fee of $30,000. Check Item 5 of the current FDD for when the fee is due, whether any portion is refundable and whether development agreements carry separate or reduced fees.
Real estate and build-out. The real estate page describes a target footprint of 3,500 to 4,000 square feet, with in-line spaces running 3,800 to 4,500 square feet. Keke’s prefers endcaps or outparcels visible from all directions and will consider in-line space. Building the kitchen and dining room is usually the largest variable in the budget.
Equipment and furnishings. A breakfast cafe needs griddles and flat-tops, waffle irons, ranges, refrigeration, prep tables, dish machines, ventilation and fire suppression, along with booths and tables, point-of-sale systems and signage.
Opening costs and working capital. Opening inventory, hiring and training a full team, pre-opening marketing, deposits and insurance all come before the first guest is seated. Item 7 of the FDD includes an additional funds line for the early operating period.
Total investment. Keke’s states a total investment of $638,425 to $1,938,813, including the $30,000 franchise fee. The franchisor’s figures did not break the total into line items, so read the full Item 7 table for each category’s range. Typical Item 7 categories for a full-service restaurant include:
- Initial franchise fee ($30,000)
- Real estate deposits, rent before opening and site costs
- Leasehold improvements or construction
- Kitchen equipment, furniture, fixtures and decor
- Signage and technology systems
- Opening inventory and supplies
- Training, travel and pre-opening expenses
- Licenses, permits, insurance and professional fees
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
A range that wide usually reflects how different an in-line second-generation restaurant can be from a ground-up outparcel building. Build your loan request from your actual site.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty. Keke’s lists an ongoing royalty of 5% to 5.5% of gross sales. Item 6 of the FDD explains which rate applies to which agreement.
Marketing and technology fees. The franchising page does not state a marketing or brand fund contribution, local advertising requirement or technology fee. Look for each of these in Item 6, since sales-based fees stack on top of the royalty.
Rent and occupancy. Most cafes lease their space, so base rent, common area charges, taxes and insurance are a major fixed cost.
How lenders factor these costs in. Lenders deduct royalty, marketing contributions, rent and labor before measuring how much cash flow is left to service debt. For a daytime concept, they also test weekday versus weekend sales and peak brunch staffing.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
- Liquid capital: the Keke’s application asks whether you have at least $300,000 of liquid capital available.
- Net worth: the application asks whether your net worth is $1 million or more.
- Restaurant experience: the application asks about experience in restaurant ownership or operations.
- Disclosure: Keke’s states that franchises are offered only through its FDD and notes registration requirements in several states.
The approval process. Candidates typically submit the application, review the FDD, speak with the franchisor’s development team and, if approved, sign the franchise agreement before site selection and construction.
A Keke’s Breakfast Cafe franchise loan sits on top of the buyer’s own cash, so lenders will want liquidity left after the equity injection and a working capital reserve.
Ways to Own a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Opening a new cafe. Most new owners open a new location under a franchise agreement or development agreement. Lenders underwrite these deals on projections, the site, the construction budget and the borrower’s experience. Our overview of franchise start-up financing explains how a new-unit request is structured.
Buying an existing franchised cafe. With more than 50 franchised or licensed cafes reported in 2025, resales do occur. A buyer acquires the equipment, lease rights and goodwill, subject to Keke’s transfer approval and the landlord’s consent. Lenders can rely on the cafe’s own sales history. See our approach to financing a franchise restaurant acquisition.
Buying a company-operated cafe. Keke’s also operates its own cafes. If the company offers one for sale, the transaction resembles a refranchising deal; read about financing a company-owned franchise location.
Multi-unit development. Operators who want more than one cafe may be able to sign a development agreement where Keke’s offers one. Development schedules and their financing are covered below.
Financing Options for a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because Keke’s is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can fund the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, opening costs and working capital in one loan, or the purchase of an existing cafe.
SBA 504 loans. If you are buying the land and building, for example an outparcel restaurant, an SBA 504 loan can finance owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment. The directory notes discussed below matter in this situation.
Conventional term loans. Experienced restaurant operators with strong balance sheets may prefer a conventional business loan, especially for a second or third cafe or a refinance. Terms and collateral requirements vary by lender.
Equipment financing. Griddles, ranges, waffle stations, reach-in and walk-in refrigeration, dish machines, coffee and juice equipment, and point-of-sale hardware can be financed separately from the build-out. Learn more about restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. New cafes need payroll for a full staff during training, opening inventory and a cushion while weekday traffic builds. Established owners may use a line of credit for remodels or slower months. See our restaurant working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. On the purchase of an existing cafe, a seller may agree to carry part of the price. Any seller note is typically subordinate to the senior lender, and SBA rules may limit how it can be structured or counted toward the equity injection.
SBA Loans for Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchisees
SBA lenders generally require a franchise brand to appear on the SBA Franchise Directory before they can make an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing means the franchise documents have been reviewed for SBA eligibility; it does not approve any borrower or project. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
Keke’s directory listing. Keke’s appears on the directory as “Keke’s or Keke’s Breakfast Cafe” under code S2207. The listing carries two notes, and both concern real estate:
- Collateral assignment of lease. When the real estate where the franchise is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Collateral Assignment of Lease and the related lessor consent may not be executed. In plain terms, if the borrower or an affiliate owns the property and pledges it as collateral, the lease-assignment documents the franchisor might otherwise require are not used.
- Purchase option on real estate. The franchisor may not enforce a purchase option on real estate owned by the franchisee or an affiliate when that property is taken as collateral for the SBA loan. This protects the lender’s mortgage position.
For a cafe in leased space, neither note is likely to matter. If you buy an outparcel building, have your lender and attorney confirm the documents follow these notes.
SBA application tips. Give the lender the directory code, the FDD, your franchise agreement, a site-specific budget, a lease or letter of intent and projections built around a breakfast-and-lunch sales pattern. Our SBA loan calculator can help you estimate payments for planning; estimates are not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, plus personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Keke’s own screening questions point to at least $300,000 of liquid capital and a net worth of $1 million or more. Lenders look at how much of that remains after the equity injection and closing costs.
Industry and management experience. Full-service restaurant experience counts heavily; owners without it should plan for an experienced general manager.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect daytime-only hours, weekend brunch peaks, average check, table turns, labor scheduled around morning and midday rushes, and the royalty and any marketing contribution. For a cafe in a new market, expect the lender to ask how you arrived at first-year sales.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal rights, transfer conditions, default provisions and any development schedule. Our explainer on what lenders look for in an FDD shows which items matter most.
Site, lease or real estate. Keke’s real estate criteria call for a population of 55,000 or more within 3 miles, a median household income of $75,000 or more, high retail activity, easy access from main roads and ample parking. Lenders will compare your site against those benchmarks and review the lease term, renewal options and landlord consent.
Historical financials for resales. For an existing cafe, expect to provide several years of profit and loss statements reconciled to tax returns.
Kitchen, Dining Room and Remodel Planning
A breakfast-focused kitchen runs on high-heat cooking surfaces and fast plating. Griddles and flat-tops take most of the load, alongside waffle irons, ranges, toasters, refrigeration, prep lines and a dish area sized for a full dining room.
Second-generation space. A former restaurant with an existing hood and plumbing can reduce build-out cost, but lenders will want a condition report on what must be replaced.
Remodels. Ask what refresh obligations the franchise agreement sets and build them into your capital plan.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Where Keke’s offers them, development agreements give operators the right to open several cafes in a territory on a set schedule. Each opening requires its own capital, and the schedule does not pause if financing takes longer than planned.
Financing a second or third cafe. Once the first cafe has operating history, lenders can underwrite its cash flow alongside the new unit. Read our article on financing an area development agreement before signing a schedule.
Real-World Scenarios
A restaurant manager opening a first cafe. A longtime full-service general manager with the required liquidity opens an in-line Keke’s in second-generation space. An SBA 7(a) loan covers the build-out, equipment, franchise fee and working capital, and the lender relies on the manager’s track record and a conservative ramp-up.
A multi-unit operator entering a new state. An operator with other restaurant brands signs a development agreement for several cafes. The first opening is financed with a conventional term loan and equipment financing; later units are underwritten using the first cafe’s results.
An owner buying an outparcel building. A franchisee buys a freestanding former restaurant and uses an SBA 504 loan for the real estate, so the directory notes on lease assignment and purchase options apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the low end of the investment range for a site that needs a ground-up building or heavy kitchen work
- Overlooking marketing and technology fees that stack on top of the royalty
- Projecting dinner-style sales for a concept that closes in the afternoon
- Signing a development schedule without financing in place for the first two openings
- Ignoring the SBA directory notes when pledging owned real estate as collateral
For more of the pitfalls restaurant buyers face, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise
Step 1: Check the financial screen. Confirm you meet the liquid capital and net worth thresholds in the Keke’s application, with room left for reserves.
Step 2: Request and review the FDD. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Talk with a financing specialist early. Learn whether an SBA 7(a), SBA 504 or conventional structure fits your situation before you commit to a site.
Step 4: Identify a site. Compare candidate locations against Keke’s square footage, parking and demographic criteria and obtain a lease proposal or purchase contract.
Step 5: Build the budget and projections. Price the build-out and equipment for your actual site and model daytime-only sales and labor.
Step 6: Apply and coordinate approvals. Submit your loan package with the franchise agreement, site documents and personal financials, and align the closing with franchisor approval and construction timing.
Step 7: Close and prepare to open. Fund the build-out, hire and train staff and keep working capital in reserve.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe franchise cost?
Keke’s states a total investment of $638,425 to $1,938,813, including the $30,000 franchise fee. Your cost depends mostly on the site and how much construction it needs.
What is the Keke’s franchise fee?
The franchising page lists an initial franchise fee of $30,000.
What royalty does Keke’s charge?
Keke’s lists an ongoing royalty of 5% to 5.5% of gross sales. Check Item 6 of the current FDD for any marketing fund, technology or other recurring fees.
How much liquid capital and net worth do I need?
The Keke’s application asks whether candidates have at least $300,000 of liquid capital and a net worth of $1 million or more.
Is Keke’s eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Keke’s is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S2207, with two notes about real estate pledged as collateral. Eligibility of a specific borrower still depends on lender underwriting.
Can I buy an existing Keke’s cafe?
Yes, when a franchised cafe is offered for sale and Keke’s approves the transfer. Lenders can underwrite the cafe’s actual sales history, which often makes a resale easier to finance than a new unit.
Can a first-time restaurant owner get a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe franchise loan?
Keke’s asks about restaurant ownership or operations experience, and lenders weigh it heavily. A first-time owner can strengthen a request with significant liquidity and an experienced general manager.
Does Keke’s offer franchisee financing?
The franchising page does not describe franchisor financing. Item 10 of the current FDD discloses whether any financing is offered.
Does Keke’s provide financial performance information?
The Keke’s franchising page references sales results for franchised restaurants. Review Item 19 of the current FDD for what is disclosed and its assumptions.
Can I open more than one cafe?
Multi-unit ownership is possible with franchisor approval; check the FDD for development agreement terms. Lenders can finance additional units once the first has operating history.
Final Thoughts
A Keke’s Breakfast Cafe franchise loan works best when it is built around the brand’s realities: a daytime-only, full-service operation, a site-driven investment range and SBA directory notes that matter when real estate is pledged. Buyers who check the franchisor’s liquidity screen, price their actual site and model breakfast-and-lunch sales carefully give themselves the strongest footing with lenders.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment, working capital and refinancing for established brands. Learn more about our franchise business financing and restaurant financing solutions.
