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Grumpy’s Restaurant Opportunity

USA & CAN

Established

1999

Franchise Units

8

dollar

Minimum Investment

$250,000

dollar

Franchise Fee

$35,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$650,000

Home Based

No

Description

Grumpy’s Restaurant is more than just a breakfast and lunch spot — it’s a true American dining tradition that celebrates community, comfort, and flavor. Known for its hearty portions, Southern-inspired meals, and a welcoming small-town diner atmosphere, Grumpy’s has become a beloved name in casual dining across the USA. Founded on the principles of serving freshly prepared comfort food with genuine hospitality, Grumpy’s offers a franchise model built on operational excellence, a proven menu, and a loyal customer base that keeps coming back day after day.

From sizzling skillets and homestyle breakfasts to mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials, Grumpy’s Restaurant has built a reputation for consistency and quality. Each location embodies a family-friendly dining experience where every guest feels like part of the neighborhood. As dining habits shift toward local, authentic, and affordable comfort food experiences, Grumpy’s Restaurant stands out as one of the fastest-growing and most promising franchise concepts in the casual dining sector.

Franchisees benefit from a time-tested system, powerful branding, and a franchise support team dedicated to helping every partner thrive in their market. Whether you’re an experienced restaurateur or a first-time investor passionate about the food industry, Grumpy’s offers a chance to join a respected brand with a proven record of success

Why Invest in This Franchise?

Investing in a Grumpy’s Restaurant franchise means owning a piece of a legacy that blends traditional American dining with modern efficiency. Here’s why investors across the country are choosing Grumpy’s:

  • Proven Business Model: Grumpy’s Restaurant has perfected the art of the breakfast and lunch concept — high turnover, efficient operations, and strong community presence.

  • Growing Industry Demand: The breakfast and lunch segment continues to expand, with consumer demand for affordable, comforting meals at its peak.

  • Strong Brand Identity: The Grumpy’s name is synonymous with value, quality, and friendly service. Customers trust the brand, and that brand loyalty translates into consistent revenue.

  • Simplified Operations: Operating hours (typically breakfast and lunch only) allow franchisees to achieve a better work-life balance while maintaining strong profitability.

  • Comprehensive Support: From location setup to marketing, Grumpy’s provides continuous guidance to ensure franchisees succeed from day one.


Background

Established Year:
Grumpy’s Restaurant was founded in 1999 in Orange Park, Florida, with a vision to create a welcoming, family-oriented neighborhood diner that served hearty portions of freshly made comfort food at fair prices.

Founders & Ownership:
The brand was originally founded by Ron and Curt Hemphill, who wanted to capture the charm of the traditional American diner while offering modern hospitality and consistency. In 2017, the brand was acquired and revitalized by Daniel DeLeon, a seasoned restaurateur and entrepreneur with deep experience in hospitality management. Under his leadership, Grumpy’s transitioned from a beloved local diner into a fast-growing regional franchise system with a strong foundation for national expansion.

Company History & Evolution:
Grumpy’s began as a small, family-run breakfast and lunch restaurant where everything — from biscuits to gravies and soups — was made from scratch daily. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite, known for its generous portions, friendly staff, and old-fashioned hospitality. Over time, its reputation spread beyond the Orange Park community, leading to strong customer demand and franchise interest.

In 2019, Grumpy’s officially launched its franchise program, built around the same core values that made the original restaurant successful: quality food, community connection, and consistent service. The franchise model emphasizes operational simplicity (serving breakfast and lunch only), which allows franchisees to achieve an excellent work-life balance and steady profitability.

Awards & Recognition:
Grumpy’s Restaurant has received multiple local and regional honors, including:

  • “Best Breakfast” by Jacksonville Magazine multiple years in a row.

  • “Best Family Restaurant” and “Best Brunch” in community polls and local media outlets.

  • Recognition for its community involvement and support of local charities and first responders.

Market Presence:
Grumpy’s currently operates 8+ units across Florida with new territories in development in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The brand is strategically expanding throughout the Southeast with long-term plans to establish a national footprint through selective franchise growth.

Industry Category:

  • Sector: Food & Beverage

  • Subcategory: Casual Dining / Breakfast & Lunch / American Comfort Food

  • Target Market: Families, working professionals, retirees, and local communities seeking high-quality, affordable meals in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Company Mission:
Grumpy’s Restaurant is driven by a mission to “Serve good food, made with love, to good people.” Every Grumpy’s location strives to create an atmosphere that feels like home — a place where guests become regulars and employees become family.

Brand Values:

  • Hospitality: Treat every guest like a neighbor.

  • Quality: Fresh, made-from-scratch food every day.

  • Community: Build strong local ties through involvement and authenticity.

  • Integrity: Operate with transparency, respect, and commitment to franchisee success.

Current Ownership:
Grumpy’s Restaurant Franchising, Inc. is privately held under the leadership of Daniel DeLeon, who continues to guide the brand’s strategic growth, franchise development, and operational excellence initiatives nationwide.


Support Training

Grumpy’s Restaurant ensures that every franchisee is well-prepared to operate their location with confidence and efficiency. The franchise system includes
comprehensive pre-launch, operational, marketing, and ongoing support:

Pre-Launch Support:

  • Site selection guidance, including demographic analysis and lease negotiation assistance.

  • Restaurant design, layout, and equipment specifications to maintain brand standards.

  • Assistance with permits, vendor relationships, and supply chain setup.

Training Programs:

  • Initial Training: A multi-week training program at Grumpy’s corporate location covering kitchen operations, customer service, inventory management, and business administration.

  • On-Site Training: Dedicated support team members assist during your grand opening to ensure smooth operations and strong initial sales.

Marketing & Branding Support:

  • Pre-opening marketing campaign tailored to your community.

  • Access to national and local digital marketing materials, including social media, online listings, and PR support.

  • Ongoing promotions, limited-time menus, and seasonal campaigns to drive traffic.

Operational Support:

  • Continuous updates to menu offerings based on trends and customer feedback.

  • Technology tools for POS, accounting, and reporting systems.

  • Dedicated franchise consultant for operational and financial performance guidance.

Ongoing Development:

  • Field visits, refresher training, and performance reviews to ensure consistency.

  • Access to exclusive vendor pricing and supply chain efficiencies.

Grumpy’s takes pride in treating franchisees as family — providing mentorship, transparency, and tools for long-term success.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal Grumpy’s Restaurant franchise partner is not just an investor but a community-driven entrepreneur who believes in creating memorable dining experiences.

Preferred Background:

  • Prior restaurant, retail, or hospitality management experience (though not mandatory).

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills.

  • Desire to actively participate in daily operations and community engagement.

Personal Traits:

  • Passion for food, service, and local community involvement.

  • Commitment to maintaining Grumpy’s quality and hospitality standards.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Investment Capability:

  • Minimum liquid capital: $150,000

  • Net worth: $400,000+

Location Preference:
Ideal for suburban neighborhoods, small towns, and local business districts where customers value comfort dining and personal service.

If you love serving people, enjoy a positive work-life balance, and want to be part of a growing brand that truly values its franchisees, Grumpy’s is the perfect fit.


Financial Detail

CategoryEstimated Cost (USD)
Total Investment$250,000 – $650,000
Minimum Investment Required$250,000
Franchise Fee$35,000
Royalty Fee5% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution2% of gross sales
Working Capital$30,000 – $60,000
Infrastructure & Build-Out$150,000 – $400,000
Equipment & Furnishings$50,000 – $100,000
Marketing Budget (Pre-Launch)$10,000 – $25,000
Expected ROI20% – 30% annually
Break-Even PointTypically 18 – 24 months
Potential Revenue StreamsDine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Branded Merchandise


Grumpy’s Restaurant offers strong profit margins thanks to high customer retention, affordable supply chains, and limited operating hours that reduce labor and overhead costs.



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