MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — Nearly a year after a fire shut its doors, Grumpy’s Restaurant in Middleburg is reopening on Monday, Jan. 2, according to a news release.
Action News Jax first told you about the fire when it happened Jan. 19, 2022. The fire started by the kitchen and no one was injured.
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The final cost to rebuild was significantly more than original projections, according to the owners. With the help of 121 Financial Credit Union, the owners of Grumpy’s said they were able to bridge the gap between the amount paid by insurance and the cost to rebuild.
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The rebuilt restaurant will occupy the same 2,600-sq. ft. footprint and has retained about 85% of its employees.
“We have been very fortunate that the community has been so supportive,” said Dell Hoard Sr., co-owner of the family-owned and operated restaurant, said in the release. “People are always asking us when we will reopen; they really care about Grumpy’s and our employees. The local business community has also been helpful with donating clean-up supplies and food and hosting fundraisers. Their outreach and willingness to help was just amazing, and we are very grateful for everyone’s support.”
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In the weeks leading up to the reopening, the owners have been conducting meetings with team members – many of whom had temporary employment at other local Grumpy’s restaurant locations – to share what’s changed at the restaurant.
Customers will likely notice some refreshed interior elements, but most of the minor changes have been focused on making operations easier for employees, according to the owners. The Hoard family has also been conducting interviews to welcome some new employees to join the Grumpy’s family.
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