By Trevor Lloyd
Not all breakfast nooks are created equal.
Some focus on more health-oriented menus, taking inspiration from the West Coast. Others want to bring you that old-fashioned, homestyle cooking just like mom used to make.
Keke’s Breakfast Café wants you to sit, relax and hear about your morning all while it fills you with pancakes the size of your plate. And don’t forget your leftovers — because you probably will have leftovers.
“We provide a different style of breakfast compared to our competitors,” said Maribeth Harrigan, server and day manager at Keke’s. “Thick, cakey pancakes; sliced, red skinned potatoes; huge pieces of French toast – it’s a traditional northern breakfast, and you’re getting your money’s worth.”
Every egg is freshly cracked — every fluffy pancake made to order. That’s the way it’s been for Keke’s by Collier Parkway and State Road 54 since November 2018 when it opened. A fan favorite, the cheesesteak omelet, delivers diners three large eggs, seared sirloin, melted white American cheese and roasted green onions and peppers. Good eats are easily found on every inch of the Keke’s menu, however, it’s not what sets them apart.
“We truly are a ‘comfort breakfast’ from our food to our staff,” said Harrigan, “The people working inside these four walls are really what makes this place special. We treat our guests like family. I’ve, personally, made so many friendships here over the years. Now, it’s as if when I see my regulars, I am inviting them to eat in my own home.”
“The atmosphere is great, it’s family friendly,” said server Connor Lloyd, “It’s a place where you can smile, laugh and enjoy yourself. I’ve made connections with all my guests as a server. We, as staff, are always looking out for each other too.”
When asked what he most recommends on the menu, “You can’t go wrong with the cheese steak omelet.”
Keke’s is known for the high quality of the food being directly impacted by the high quality of the staff. But don’t just take anyone’s word for it. The international breakfast chain, Denny’s, has taken notice to Keke’s quality as well. Denny’s now has plans to take the once, solely Florida based eatery, nationwide.
“We’ve expanded Keke’s upwards — Denny’s will now expand us outwards,” said Harrigan. “While this is a great new opportunity, we will still remain a separate entity and we have ensured policies and procedures in place to make that happen. We love our guests and we will continue to deliver what they love.”
A promise that’s just as sound as their determination to daily, fresh ingredients.
(813) 345-8495 • 22952 FL-54 Suite 510, Lutz, FL 33549
Published 06/15/22
