FLEMING ISLAND – Claude and Marie Hamel were the first to arrive at Grumpy’s Restaurant at the former Dick’s Wings and Grill on Monday, Oct. 12. In fact, they got there at 5 a.m. – nearly a half-hour before one of the most-anticipated grand openings.

But unlike their typical drive from Green Cove Springs to Grumpy’s in Middleburg, the trip to the newest store only took a few minutes.

“This is so much closer,” Claude said. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this to happen.”

At 5,352 square feet, not only is Grumpy’s sixth location the largest in Northeast Florida, but it also includes the small chain’s second full-service bar. The other five Grumpy’s seat 107 diners. Along with a party room, the Fleming Island restaurant can entertain as many as 190 people.

The Fleming Island location has 17 tables and 13 booths in the main restaurant, and it can also accommodate between 20-and-30 in a party room. Additionally, it has a free game room with classic video games like Galaga and Pac Man.

While Monday’s grand opening was the official start of the new restaurant, the father-son owners, Del Hoard Sr. and Jr., hosted a soft opening on Oct. 9-10 to benefit the First Coast YMCA and the Fleming Island High football program. For $18, patrons could pick any entrée and a non-alcoholic drink, with all proceeds going to both charitable groups.

“We’re still getting to a final number, but it’s going to be between $13,000 and $14,000 that we’ll split,” Hoard Sr. said.

The parking lot at 1803 East-West Pkwy. was packed for the soft opening. Patrons, including former Florida Sen. Rob Bradley and his wife, current Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley, school board member Erin Skipper and Clay County Commissioner John Sgromolo, traded their notoriety for heaping portions of pancakes, waffles, eggs, hash browns, burgers and BLTs.

Grumpy’s in Orange Park and Middleburg have been voted Best of Clay for breakfast and brunch for eight consecutive years and as the Bold City Best for nine years in a row in Jacksonville. When the Hoards, who also own the Middleburg store, decided to expand to Fleming Island, it was hailed with considerable anticipation. The overhaul lasted all summer. 

Another major difference between the Fleming Island location and the other five Grumpy’s is the restrooms. Unlike the traditional stores with one stall, the new store has four in each restroom.

The Hoards said they already have plans to open their third restaurant. The wait continues.

Grumpy’s hours are 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

“We’re so happy that we have a Grumpy’s close to us now,” Marie said. “The food is always so good here. We got here early so we could be one of the first through the doors. It won’t be our last.”