Authorities are currently investigating a break-in at Grumpy’s Restaurant located in Neptune Beach. The CEO credits their cashless system for preventing any significant financial loss from the incident.
NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — On the hunt for a suspect, police are looking into a burglary at Grumpy’s Restaurant in Neptune Beach that occurred early Tuesday morning. The perpetrator smashed a front window in what officials are identifying as a smash-and-grab attempt.
Daniel DeLeon, the president and CEO of Grumpy’s Restaurant, stated that the break-in took place around 3 or 4 a.m.
Security footage captured a masked individual lurking in the bushes before hurling a brick through one of the restaurant’s front windows and making a beeline for the manager’s office.
“It seemed like they were expecting to find cash or payroll, but luckily for us, we operate cashless,” DeLeon remarked. “The measures they took made it look like they thought they were breaking into something highly valuable, but they were definitely well-prepared.”
DeLeon noted that the intruder was dressed in a hoodie, gloves, and appeared to have something covering their feet. Fortunately, the restaurant was empty at the time, and DeLeon confirmed that their company procedures effectively safeguarded their assets.
“This incident reinforces exactly why we don’t keep cash in our restaurants,” he said. “Our team is safe, which is always our top priority.”
The break-in left only cosmetic damage, but DeLeon said it still felt personal because of the dedication of the Neptune Beach franchise owners, Tracy and Mike Yarbrough.
“This business is a labor of love,” DeLeon said. “It breaks my heart for them. I take it personal, they’re coming after me and the brand.”
By 9 a.m., the front window was boarded up, and regulars were already showing up to help clean and support the staff.
“We rebounded and the restaurant was busy as usual,” DeLeon said. “We’ll keep on pushing, and we’ll be Grumpy again tomorrow.”
Police are reviewing the surveillance video and have not yet released additional details about the investigation. No arrests have been announced.
First Coast News reached out to the Neptune Beach Police Department for an update, but have not yet received a response.
