Grumpy’s Restaurant Named One of FSR Magazine’s NextGen 25: Rising Restaurants to Watch Beyond 2025

We’re proud to share that Grumpy’s Restaurant has been recognized by FSR Magazine as one of the NextGen 25: Rising Restaurants to Watch Beyond 2025!

The feature highlights how Grumpy’s continues to grow while staying true to its roots—scratch-made comfort food, Southern hospitality, and a family-first culture that makes every guest feel at home.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Orange Park, Florida, Grumpy’s has expanded to five Northeast Florida locations with plans for continued growth throughout the Southeast. Under the leadership of President & CEO Daniel DeLeon, the award-winning franchise remains committed to its founding principles:

  • Serving a hungry person’s portion at a working-class price

  • Delivering quality, consistency, and community in every restaurant

  • Creating a true neighborhood gathering place for families, friends, and guests

This recognition places Grumpy’s among some of the most exciting and innovative full-service restaurant brands shaping the industry’s future—while reminding us that staying grounded in our values is what drives our success.

We’re deeply grateful to our team members, franchise partners, and loyal guests who make this recognition possible every single day.

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “The ‘Queen of Grumpy’s’ on Legacy, Leadership, and Growing a Restaurant Brand That Lasts” on FSRMagazine.com

Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Family at the Heart of Grumpy’s

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Grumpy’s Restaurant, the award-winning full-service Americana diner serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, is honored to be featured in a recent FSR Magazine article spotlighting Margie Murphy, affectionately known as the “Queen of Grumpy’s.”

The feature, titled “The ‘Queen of Grumpy’s’ on Legacy, Leadership, and Growing a Restaurant Brand That Lasts,” highlights Margie’s remarkable journey from server to manager over more than two decades — and the family-first culture that defines the Grumpy’s brand.

“There’s no place like Grumpy’s,” says Murphy. “I’ve raised my family here, I’ve met generations of customers and staff, I’ve celebrated all sorts of special occasions with our team, and managed a lot of long-time friendships. We’ve always been more than just a restaurant.”

Since opening its doors in 1999, Grumpy’s Restaurant has remained committed to bringing dining back to its roots — offering made-from-scratch comfort food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. The article reflects on how that mission has shaped a lasting legacy built on community, consistency, and care.

A Legacy of Leadership

After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Margie Murphy will retire at the end of 2025, leaving behind an indelible mark on the Grumpy’s family and its loyal guests. She passes the torch to Courtney Smith, Vice President of Operations, and Angela “Angie” Brown, Assistant General Manager, both of whom began their Grumpy’s careers from entry-level positions and rose through the ranks.

Their stories mirror the company’s core belief in developing leaders from within and fostering an environment where employees can grow personally and professionally.

“We build from the bottom and expand from within,” said Smith. “We’re all here grinding together, leading by example. Our team sees that, and it makes them want to stay with us and help us scale.”

Community, Family, and the Grumpy’s Way

Throughout the article, the Grumpy’s team shares stories that showcase the deep bond between the restaurant, its employees, and the community — from rallying together after hurricanes to staying connected during the pandemic.

As Grumpy’s continues to expand its franchise footprint across Florida and Georgia, this feature celebrates not only Margie’s leadership but also the people-first values that will continue to guide the brand’s future.

For the seventh consecutive year, Grumpy’s Restaurant was named “Best Restaurant Overall” in the 2025 Best of Bold City Community’s Choice Awards, among other honors — reaffirming its position as a true hometown favorite.

“Through the years, we’ve cried together, we’ve laughed together, and created a family in these four walls,” said Murphy. “And that’s what keeps us at Grumpy’s.”

About Grumpy’s Restaurant
Founded on the love of bringing family and friends together over great diner food, Grumpy’s Restaurant™ delivers high-quality, made-from-scratch comfort food with sweet southern hospitality — all at a working-class price. With five open locations in Northeast Florida and expansion underway, Grumpy’s remains committed to its mission of quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality.

Serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch daily, Grumpy’s features fresh-made classics alongside chalkboard specials, homemade soups, signature coffee, fresh juices, and desserts.

For more information about the Grumpy’s Restaurant Franchise opportunity, visit www.GrumpysFranchise.com or www.GrumpysRestaurantCo.com.

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax #Leadership #Legacy #WomenInHospitality #FSRMagazine #QueenOfGrumpys

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “Grumpy’s Restaurant Launches First-Ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” On Franchise.org

Beloved Local Diner Partners with The DONNA Foundation This October

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Grumpy’s Restaurant, an award-winning full-service Americana diner serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, partnering with The DONNA Foundation as the exclusive charitable beneficiary.

Taking place throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the initiative will be held across all five Northeast Florida Grumpy’s locations and will feature limited-time pink menu items, exclusive branded merchandise, and unique ways for guests to join the fight against breast cancer.

As part of the campaign:

  • 50% of proceeds from all special pink menu items and merchandise sales will be donated by each location.

  • 100% of royalties and brand fund contributions from these menu items will also be donated by Grumpy’s Franchise Company.

  • An additional $2 from every Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt sold will directly benefit The DONNA Foundation.

The DONNA Foundation, nationally recognized for its work providing financial assistance and care resources to families living with breast cancer, will cross-promote the campaign to amplify impact.

Campaign Highlights

  • Menu Specials: Limited-time Pink Pancakes and Pink Waffles, available systemwide.

  • Merchandise: Exclusive Breast Cancer Awareness Grumpy’s T-shirts for both guests and staff.

  • Community Engagement: Guests can sign Grumpy’s Pink Ribbons and the “Wall of Strength” Poster, honoring loved ones with Who They Fight For. Additional donations can also be made through Grumpy’s Round Up For Charity Program.

  • Awareness & Décor: All locations will feature pink-themed décor to celebrate and honor survivors, fighters, and their families.

“The DONNA Foundation has such an incredible reputation in Northeast Florida, and we’re honored to now be partnered with them,” said Daniel DeLeon, President and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant. “Together, we can raise awareness and meaningful funds to make a tangible impact for families in our community.”

About Grumpy’s Restaurant

Founded on the love of bringing family and friends together over great diner food, Grumpy’s Restaurant delivers high-quality, made-from-scratch comfort food with sweet southern hospitality — all at a working-class price. With five open locations in Northeast Florida and continued expansion underway, Grumpy’s remains committed to its mission of quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. Serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch daily, Grumpy’s features fresh-made classics alongside chalkboard specials, homemade soups, signature coffee, fresh juices, and desserts.

Grumpy’s offers a franchise opportunity with an initial investment ranging between $654,000 and $1,669,000, including a $40,000 franchise fee. Each location is approximately 2,800 square feet with seating for about 120 guests.

For more information about the Grumpy’s Restaurant Franchise opportunity, visit www.GrumpysFranchise.com or www.GrumpysRestaurantCo.com.

About The DONNA Foundation

The DONNA Foundation provides financial assistance and support to individuals and families living with breast cancer, while funding groundbreaking research. For more information, visit www.breastcancermarathon.com or call 904-355-PINK (7465).

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #Waffle #Eggs #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax #GrumpyButFighting #ServingWithStrength #BreastCancerAwareness #TheDONNAFoundation

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “Grumpy’s Restaurant Launches First-Ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” On FSRMagazine.com

Grumpy’s Restaurant, an award-winning full-service Americana diner serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, partnering with The DONNA Foundation as the exclusive charitable beneficiary.

Taking place throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the initiative will be held across all five Northeast Florida Grumpy’s locations and will feature limited-time pink menu items, exclusive branded merchandise, and unique ways for guests to join the fight against breast cancer.

As part of the campaign:

  • 50% of proceeds from all special pink menu items and merchandise sales will be donated by each location.

  • 100% of royalties and brand fund contributions from these menu items will also be donated by Grumpy’s Franchise Company.

  • An additional $2 from every Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt sold will directly benefit The DONNA Foundation.

The DONNA Foundation, nationally recognized for its work providing financial assistance and care resources to families living with breast cancer, will cross-promote the campaign to amplify impact.

Campaign Highlights

  • Menu Specials: Limited-time Pink Pancakes and Pink Waffles, available systemwide.

  • Merchandise: Exclusive Breast Cancer Awareness Grumpy’s T-shirts for both guests and staff.

  • Community Engagement: Guests can sign Grumpy’s Pink Ribbons and the “Wall of Strength” Poster, honoring loved ones with Who They Fight For. Additional donations can also be made through Grumpy’s Round Up For Charity Program.

  • Awareness & Décor: All locations will feature pink-themed décor to celebrate and honor survivors, fighters, and their families.

“The DONNA Foundation has such an incredible reputation in Northeast Florida, and we’re honored to now be partnered with them,” said Daniel DeLeon, President and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant. “Together, we can raise awareness and meaningful funds to make a tangible impact for families in our community.”

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #Waffle #Eggs #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax #GrumpyButFighting #ServingWithStrength #BreastCancerAwareness #TheDONNAFoundation

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “Grumpy’s Restaurant Launches First-Ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” On FranchisePR.com

Beloved Local Diner Partners with The DONNA Foundation This October

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. // FranchisePR.com // October 1, 2025 – Grumpy’s Restaurant, an award-winning full-service Americana diner serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, partnering with The DONNA Foundation as the exclusive charitable beneficiary.

Taking place throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the initiative will be held across all five Northeast Florida Grumpy’s locations and will feature limited-time pink menu items, exclusive branded merchandise, and unique ways for guests to join the fight against breast cancer.

As part of the campaign:

  • 50% of proceeds from all special pink menu items and merchandise sales will be donated by each location.

  • 100% of royalties and brand fund contributions from these menu items will also be donated by Grumpy’s Franchise Company.

  • An additional $2 from every Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt sold will directly benefit The DONNA Foundation.

 

The DONNA Foundation, nationally recognized for its work providing financial assistance and care resources to families living with breast cancer, will cross-promote the campaign to amplify impact.

Campaign Highlights

  • Menu Specials: Limited-time Pink Pancakes and Pink Waffles, available systemwide.

  • Merchandise: Exclusive Breast Cancer Awareness Grumpy’s T-shirts for both guests and staff.

  • Community Engagement: Guests can sign Grumpy’s Pink Ribbons and the “Wall of Strength” Poster, honoring loved ones with Who They Fight For. Additional donations can also be made through Grumpy’s Round Up For Charity Program.

  • Awareness & Décor: All locations will feature pink-themed décor to celebrate and honor survivors, fighters, and their families.

 

“The DONNA Foundation has such an incredible reputation in Northeast Florida, and we’re honored to now be partnered with them,” said Daniel DeLeon, President and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant. “Together, we can raise awareness and meaningful funds to make a tangible impact for families in our community.”

About Grumpy’s Restaurant

Founded on the love of bringing family and friends together over great diner food, Grumpy’s Restaurant delivers high-quality, made-from-scratch comfort food with sweet southern hospitality — all at a working-class price. With five open locations in Northeast Florida and continued expansion underway, Grumpy’s remains committed to its mission of quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. Serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch daily, Grumpy’s features fresh-made classics alongside chalkboard specials, homemade soups, signature coffee, fresh juices, and desserts.

Grumpy’s offers a franchise opportunity with an initial investment ranging between $654,000 and $1,669,000, including a $40,000 franchise fee. Each location is approximately 2,800 square feet with seating for about 120 guests.

For more information about the Grumpy’s Restaurant Franchise opportunity, visit www.GrumpysFranchise.com or www.GrumpysRestaurantCo.com.

About The DONNA Foundation

The DONNA Foundation provides financial assistance and support to individuals and families living with breast cancer, while funding groundbreaking research. For more information, visit www.breastcancermarathon.com or call 904-355-PINK (7465).

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #Waffle #Eggs #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax #GrumpyButFighting #ServingWithStrength #BreastCancerAwareness #TheDONNAFoundation

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “Grumpy’s Restaurant Launches First-Ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” On Franchising.com

October 02, 2025 // Franchising.com // JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Grumpy’s Restaurant is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, partnering with The DONNA Foundation as the exclusive charitable beneficiary.

Taking place throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the initiative will be held across all five Northeast Florida Grumpy’s locations and will feature limited-time pink menu items, exclusive branded merchandise, and unique ways for guests to join the fight against breast cancer.

As part of the campaign:

  • 50% of proceeds from all special pink menu items and merchandise sales will be donated by each location.

  • 100% of royalties and brand fund contributions from these menu items will also be donated by Grumpy’s Franchise Company.

  • An additional $2 from every Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt sold will directly benefit The DONNA Foundation.

The DONNA Foundation, nationally recognized for its work providing financial assistance and care resources to families living with breast cancer, will cross-promote the campaign to amplify impact.

Campaign Highlights

  • Menu Specials: Limited-time Pink Pancakes and Pink Waffles, available systemwide.

  • Merchandise: Exclusive Breast Cancer Awareness Grumpy’s T-shirts for both guests and staff.

  • Community Engagement: Guests can sign Grumpy’s Pink Ribbons and the “Wall of Strength” Poster, honoring loved ones with Who They Fight For. Additional donations can also be made through Grumpy’s Round Up For Charity Program.

  • Awareness & Décor: All locations will feature pink-themed décor to celebrate and honor survivors, fighters, and their families.

“The DONNA Foundation has such an incredible reputation in Northeast Florida, and we’re honored to now be partnered with them,” said Daniel DeLeon, President and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant. “Together, we can raise awareness and meaningful funds to make a tangible impact for families in our community.”

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #Waffle #Eggs #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax #GrumpyButFighting #ServingWithStrength #BreastCancerAwareness #TheDONNAFoundation

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “Grumpy’s Crowned Jacksonville’s Best Restaurant and Best Breakfast for Seventh Straight Year” On FSRMagazine.com

Grumpy’s Restaurant, an award-winning full-service Americana breakfast, lunch and brunch diner, has once again earned top honors in the 2025 Best of Bold City Community’s Choice Awards presented by The Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville.com. This year, Grumpy’s proudly took home five coveted titles: Best Restaurant Overall, Best Breakfast, Best Brunch, Best Chef and Best Locally Owned Business. This milestone marks the seventh year in a row that Grumpy’s has been named Jacksonville’s ‘Best Restaurant’ and ‘Best Breakfast’.

The annual Bold City Best Awards celebrate Jacksonville’s standout businesses, honoring excellence across more than 160 categories. Nominated and voted on by the local community, the awards highlight the restaurants, retailers, and service providers that help shape Jacksonville’s unique culture and charm.

“We are beyond grateful to receive this recognition for the seventh consecutive year,” said Daniel DeLeon, President and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant. “These awards are a testament to the loyalty of our guests and the passion of our team. Every day, we strive to deliver a welcoming, family-friendly experience with great food made from scratch and it means everything to see our community show their support year after year. Jacksonville has truly become our extended family, and we’re proud to be part of the fabric of this city.”

With deep roots in Northeast Florida, Grumpy’s Restaurant continues to grow as a community staple while staying true to its mission of quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. With five open locations in Jacksonville, Grumpy’s prides itself on made-to-order and always-made-from-scratch comfort food and sweet southern hospitality all at a working-class price. Grumpy’s serves breakfast, lunch and brunch along with an array of daily and weekly chalkboard specials which include a variety of waffles, pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, signature coffee, freshly squeezed juices, homemade hot chocolate and desserts. The brand is actively seeking franchise partners across Florida and Georgia, specifically targeting Orlando, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Savannah.

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #Waffle #Eggs #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax #FSR

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Grumpy’s Restaurant Featured In “Grumpy’s Crowned Jacksonville’s Best Restaurant and Best Breakfast for Seventh Straight Year” On NewsBreak.com

Grumpy’s Restaurant, an award-winning full-service Americana breakfast, lunch and brunch diner, has once again earned top honors in the 2025 Best of Bold City Community’s Choice Awards presented by The Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville.com. This year, Grumpy’s proudly took home five coveted titles: Best Restaurant Overall, Best Breakfast, Best Brunch, Best Chef and Best Locally Owned Business. This milestone marks the seventh year in a row that Grumpy’s has been named Jacksonville’s ‘Best Restaurant’ and ‘Best Breakfast’.

The annual Bold City Best Awards celebrate Jacksonville’s standout businesses, honoring excellence across more than 160 categories. Nominated and voted on by the local community, the awards highlight the restaurants, retailers, and service providers that help shape Jacksonville’s unique culture and charm.

“We are beyond grateful to receive this recognition for the seventh consecutive year,” said Daniel DeLeon, President and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant. “These awards are a testament to the loyalty of our guests and the passion of our team. Every day, we strive to deliver a welcoming, family-friendly experience with great food made from scratch and it means everything to see our community show their support year after year. Jacksonville has truly become our extended family, and we’re proud to be part of the fabric of this city.”

With deep roots in Northeast Florida, Grumpy’s Restaurant continues to grow as a community staple while staying true to its mission of quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. With five open locations in Jacksonville, Grumpy’s prides itself on made-to-order and always-made-from-scratch comfort food and sweet southern hospitality all at a working-class price. Grumpy’s serves breakfast, lunch and brunch along with an array of daily and weekly chalkboard specials which include a variety of waffles, pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, signature coffee, freshly squeezed juices, homemade hot chocolate and desserts. The brand is actively seeking franchise partners across Florida and Georgia, specifically targeting Orlando, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Savannah.

#Grumpys #GrumpysRestaurant #Franchising #Restaurant #Franchise #Florida #Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #Waffle #Eggs #BoldCityBest #BestOfJax

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