KNOXVILLE - Keke's Breakfast Cafe, the 80-plus-unit breakfast-and-lunch franchise, has named Knoxville a priority growth market for franchise development. The brand is seeking franchise partners to develop three to four Keke's locations throughout the area, creating approximately 125 to 150 new jobs.

"Knoxville has a lot of what we look for in a new market," said Ardag Tachian, senior director of franchise development. "It's growing, people are out and about year-round, and there's room for another strong breakfast-and-lunch option. We want franchise partners who see themselves in Knoxville for the long haul, not just looking for a quick flip."

Knoxville's daytime activity is fueled in large part by the University of Tennessee, where athletics, conferences, campus visits and alumni events keep the city active throughout the year. Combined with a growing population and an established restaurant scene, the market offers a strong fit for Keke's breakfast-and-lunch concept. The brand also enters Knoxville with existing awareness in Tennessee through its presence in Nashville.

As Keke's expands in Knoxville, the brand is looking for franchise partners with proven leadership skills, business experience and a commitment to becoming part of the communities they serve. Restaurants are typically open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., allowing owners to operate a high-volume business within a single daytime shift while simplifying staffing and daily operations.

Keke's ideal real estate opportunities in Knoxville include end-cap, freestanding or outlot locations ranging from approximately 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. Patio space is preferred but not required, and the brand favors co-tenancy alongside higher-end grocery stores, fitness centers and other daily-needs retailers. Each Keke's cafe is expected to employ approximately 35 team members, including two managers, with additional district leadership roles added as the market grows.

"The best Keke's franchisees are people who care about their neighbors," Tachian said. "That's what Keke's has always been about, showing up every morning and making people feel like regulars."

Keke's Breakfast Cafe is a Florida-born restaurant chain specializing in breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites. Known for its freshly made meals, Keke's offers a wide range of options, including pancakes, waffles, omelets and other classic dishes. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients and excellent customer service, Keke's Breakfast Cafe provides a welcoming dining experience for guests of all ages. The cafe currently operates in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada, Texas, Colorado and California, with additional locations planned across the United States. For more information, please visit www.kekes.com and follow Keke's on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.