Grumpy’s Daniel DeLeon Named One of FSR’s Rising Restaurant Stars

By: Grumpy's Restaurant | 1 Shares 186 Reads

Jacksonville entrepreneur earns recognition as one of the innovators who dared the impossible in 2020

March 08, 2021 // Franchising.com // JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Grumpy’s Restaurant president and CEO, Daniel DeLeon, has been recognized as one of FSR’s 29 Rising Restaurant Stars. Grumpy’s is no stranger to earning awards for its delicious food, work environment and outstanding leadership, and FSR’s award continues to prove the brand’s continued commitment to delivering the highest quality dining experience at an affordable price to families everywhere.

Dubbed the restaurant rescuer by FSR, in 2017 he purchased and turned around the floundering Grumpy’s and made it a successful franchise in 2019. Before taking the helm at Grumpy’s, DeLeon had not only owned and operated multiple restaurant franchise locations, but also grew six local businesses from the ground up. After having a successful career as a multi-unit franchisee, it’s no wonder he was able to completely transform Grumpy’s into the award-winning brand it is now.

During Covid-19, he gave up a part of his salary so that his staff can continue to bring home a paycheck, despite dining rooms being closed in the state of Florida. Daniel then, with the help of his employees, organized a produce giveaway for residents who couldn’t afford groceries. In addition, Grumpy’s gave back to frontline workers by allowing anyone to contribute and gift a meal to the workers, as well as people in need in the community and Grumpy’s matched each donation.

“Despite coronavirus shutting the doors of many restaurants, Grumpy’s has prevailed through these challenges and we are even opening new locations in the near future,” said DeLeon. “Our team showed how tough restaurants had to be to survive unprecedented times in the industry and FSR’s recognition is a huge honor for our restaurants.”

"After what has been a most tumultuous year, these 29 Rising Stars embody the creativity, resilience, and heart of the restaurant industry,” says Nicole Duncan, Editor of FSR magazine. “Daniel DeLeon has demonstrated an ability to not only rescue a struggling restaurant, but also set a solid foundation for franchising and expansion. Our team at FSR looks forward to seeing great things from Daniel in the future.”

Grumpy’s menu items are fresh, made to order and always made from scratch. The brand offers an array of daily and weekly chalk board specials which include a variety of sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, signature coffee, fresh squeezed juices, homemade hot chocolate, and desserts.

SOURCE Grumpy’s Restaurant

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