Keke's Breakfast Cafe — Restaurant in Mount Juliet

WOW, this place is a "hidden gem" in the breakfast world. It's a little hard to see the first time, and parking is a bit limited, BUT -- after you get inside, then you will forget about that. 👍👍

Let's start with the vestibule. There is plenty of seating while you wait. (We went late on a Saturday morning, and so we expected to wait.) The bamboo color tones are inviting and calming. The host staff was attentive and friendly -- yet without being "overdone". The place seems bigger on the inside than it does on the outside. The menu is extensive, plus they have "build your own" options. The booths have high backs, which absorb much of the hubbub heard in lesser restaurants.

But, let's talk about the FOOD...! 🤯🤩

Everything tastes fresh and homemade, and the portions are generous. It's like going to Grandma's house for breakfast, but you don't have to mow the lawn afterward. 😉 I got an omelette with "cheese steak" and veggies. It was AMAZING. It was accompanied by "true" homefries -- as opposed to processed "hash browns". They tasted so fresh that it seemed as if there were a garden out back. The rye toast tasted as if it had been baked just for me. (And, they don't use cheese steak "mix", as most other restaurants do. All ingredients are freshly chosen. That was important for me, because I don't like green peppers.)

As if all that wasn't enough, our server (Anna Beth) was superb! She was super friendly -- and NOT that "fake friendly" that some waitresses put on. She was very genuine. The company invested enough money up-front that the servers carry wireless tablets. So, the orders are sent to the kitchen instantly -- including any special notes. (If you have ever worked in restaurants, as I have, then you will realize what a stroke of genius that is.) If I owned a restaurant, then I would want a room full of Anna Beths working for me.

I had never heard of Keke's until a recent coupon in the mail. It turns out that the name comes from two brothers, Keith and Kevin, that founded the company in Florida. Keke's is definitely worth the drive, even if you are only passing through Mount Juliet and must drive a few miles north of I-40 to get there. My only regret is that I didn't get the "Florida waffles" for dessert. 💥 (I actually got a to-go box for leftovers, which is a rare thing for me.) Happy eating. 😎

PS: They also serve lunch. And, they have a small patio, but the weather was too hot...

Let me just start by saying, I was really excited to see this new Cafe pop up. My husband and I enjoy our breakfast dates and had to stop in and see what all the talk was about. I struggled between a 3 and 4 stars because I believe there is room for improvement here. I will return after they have been opened a bit longer and update my review. The food was absolutely delicious! However, all the waiting staff and hostesses were very unprofessional and rude. My first impression came from the 3 young ladies at the front podium stressing about the dirty tables to the line of customers waiting to be seated. Saying they don't get paid to clean tables. After, some time one finally decided to try to clean them, however no one seemed to know where the "cleaning pray is located" 🤨. This wss the point several customers left while others just helped themselfs to the empty patio that wasn't offered as an option for some reason. I was slightly amused and hungry, so I stuck it out to see where this would go. After some time of the blind leading the blind (no offense to the blind.) We were seated. This is where the awkwardness began. Our waitress starred at us constantly. Hovering and watching from around the corner. She asked us over dozen times in the 30 minutes we were seated, if we needed anything. Interrupting our conversation in an oblivious attempt to rush us out. Offering the check before we took our second bit. We actually left early, because we didn't feel comfortable enjoying our meal together. With all this being said. The staff was clearly young and inexperienced. As for the food, wow! So delicious, I would have liked to enjoy it more. Maybe, next time. Yes, there will be a next time. As a business owner, I understand that starting with a new staff can be challenging in the beginning. I think once the employees understand policies and procedures, gain customer service experience and common sense. I think it will be great. The menu is wonderful, prices are decent and the decore is fresh and inviting. I really hope this place makes it! note Ya'll know I love to include photos with my reviews, however with the waitress starring uncomfortably, I didn't get the opportunity. So here is a quick shot I took of the menu. I hope my review doesn't deter you. I just wanted to be honest in my review. I am hoping to change my opinion and...

Father's day and my wife and I thought we would try it out. Had to wait a bit but that goes with new opening. The host at the front decided when her 2 friends came in that she would sit them down and nobody would know. They got all excited and this was after my wife asked a different host where we were on the list and she said next, but nooooo her friends took priority over the people on the list. Once we sat down I immediately summoned a manager and told her what just happened and the manager informed my wife and I that she is the only one that can text the next a patron to sit. I told her she didn't text anybody just got them and sat them down at that point my wife showed the manager her phone and said nobody text me. (Deer in the headlights) I probably would have not gotten so mad if she would have just called me a liar because she is the "only one that can text". I told my wife let's get out of here. MANAGER I was more mad at you than the host. You should have just called me a...