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New Restaurant to Open in Historic Downtown Palm Harbor

Property owner Rick Clowes plans to open Grumpy’s Tap Room in the next few weeks. The restaurant will be located where Billy Jack's Burger Shack used to be.

 

Replacing an iconic restaurant that had been part of the downtown Palm Harbor dining scene for years can’t be easy. But if anyone can pull it off, Rick Clowes can.

Clowes has owned the building at the corner of Nebraska and 11th Street -the spot where Billy Jack's Burger Shack had been operating for the past three years- since 1978.

In 1998 he opened the casual Mexican eatery Demer's Den at the spot and ran it until 2005 before getting out of the business for a while.

But now, after a lease disagreement led the owners of Billy Jack’s to relocate to Largo in August, Clowes is ready to jump back into the restaurant business full force when he opens Grumpy’s Tap Room within the next few weeks.

“I didn’t really want to get back into it again, but at the same token, I’m kind of glad,” Clowes said, “I own the building…and I know I’ll take care of it, so I’m glad it worked out the way it did.”

Clowes has been in the restaurant business on and off for most of his life, working everywhere from fine dining establishments to greasy spoons all across the globe. He knows what it takes to make a restaurant a success, and he plans on applying that formula to Grumpy’s.

“What we’ll go by is the FFC rule, which is fast service, friendly people and clean surroundings,” Clowes said. ”We’re not going to be high end by any means. We’ll have good food, reasonably priced beer, great service, all in a casual, clean atmosphere.”

Construction is currently in high gear, with new tile being added to the kitchen and bathroom floors, new decorations and paint being applied inside and out, and new flat screens being installed inside.

Food will remain classic bar menu fare – burgers, wings, salads, etc… – with some new items as well. In addition to a $1.00 domestic draft beer special, which will run until 7:00 p.m., Grumpy’s will also offer a slew of additional higher end brews, including Stella Artois, Bass Ale, Harp and others.

Clowes says the place will have a beach bar feel, crossed with an Irish tap house and sports bar. He will stick to the format that has been so successful at that location for so many years.

"I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here," he says.

There will be live music on the patio four nights a week and pets welcome at all times (no snakes!), making Grumpy’s a place where patrons will be able to relax and soak up the laid-back, downtown Palm Harbor vibe.

In fact, Clowes plans on having a flip-flop tree on the patio for those who wish to really kick off their shoes while.

“I’ve been in this business, and this area, for a long time. You have to know what the location, and the current economic times, can handle,” he says.

“The people who come to Grumpy’s are going to get good food and drink at reasonable prices, in a friendly atmosphere with a place so clean they’ll be able to eat off the floor.”

Note: Clowes plans no grand opening at the launch of Grumpy’s Tap Room. Look for it to quietly open on a Monday in the next few weeks.

Are you curious about the new location of Billy Jack's Burger Shack? We're working on a story about the restaurant, which moved to Largo.

Related Topics: Grumpy's Tap Room, Restaurant/Bar, Rick Clowes, and billy jacks burger shack

Tim Bryce

8:20 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Good luck Rick. Be sure to bring back Betty's salsa!

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Joe

8:35 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Opportunistic individual that will try to piggyback and duplicate the former business that he ran off! Do a background check on this guy and Demers Den and you will see what downtown has in store. I will be totally surprised if this place even opens!

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Tim Bryce

8:44 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

In Rick's defense, I remember the old Demer's Den, "Home of the Wet Burrito," and had no problem with it.

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Josie

11:55 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

And why do we want to see a story on a place that moved out of our area? Let's promote Palm Harbor

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Sunde Farquhar

12:40 pm on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

"Josie", the article is about the new restaurant that is opening in Palm Harbor.

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Corey

1:13 pm on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

I miss Billy Jacks! You could always count on an enjoyable time and frankly downtown PH doesn't feel the same. It is a shame how it all went down with their departure but I hear they are pursuing another location close to their former place? I look forward to your follow-up articles.

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jane

3:58 pm on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Rick screwed billy jacks out of there lease thinking he would just walk into a turn key operation. Remember all those cars he towed some even after they patronize Demerath den. Not to be trusted check his public records multiple county violations we some new ones I'm. Sure.
John. P

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john pfeiffer

2:30 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

I agree with jane, Rick and Bettie have no business in the restaurant business. They are just riding on someone elses hard work. And did I not hear in Fairways Pizza that rick is giving up. Best desision he has had.

Anne Onomous

11:26 pm on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

For some reason after reading this article I'm humming "One Tin Soldier" by Coven.

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Tim Bryce

2:46 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

I've known Rick a long time. I wouldn't count him out just yet.

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Joe

5:51 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

I too have known Rick for some time. You can dance around things on occasion but this time his past may catch up to him? Again, if he opens, I give him less than a year before we see weeds growing on that corner. Tarpon is now safe for the time being but our "Village" here in Palm Harbor is being being invaded by, well, you know the saying!

virginia

6:12 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

We can only hope he gives up before we bury him

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virginia

6:17 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

This article is so untrue demers den closed in 2002.These people rick and betty don't know how to tell truth

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Joe

8:04 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ann Omuous is right on (youtube the song)! This is getting nasty and I say that everyone has a choice... go there or not? Knowing what I know I will never step foot in that place but that is my decision! A leopard doesn't change its spots and all you have to do is go back and archive to November, 2002 in the St. Pete Times and judge for yourself? Failure is an option and his treatment of customers and past actions at Demers Den pave the way for this new venture!

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Joe

8:34 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

Oh yeah, if Betty drinks I give him six months!

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monty

12:03 am on Friday, September 30, 2011

Wow all the stories about this guy... I hate to see someone not have success. I do not think that I have ever been in one of his places. The only thing I was getting feedback on was the color he painted the building. 12 out of 12 stated a bad color. But time will tell. I most say I now want to read some of the new on this guy. (monty)

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dede

9:17 am on Friday, September 30, 2011

Rick bought the place in 1978 and has never made one improvement to the building or property. The only business that was ever successful at that address was Billy Jacks and that was because Bill,Mary and a hard working family had a business plan that wouldn't fail despite rick and betty doing everything they could to make conditions "leaking roof,antique restrooms 60's electric "unbearable. Then have the gull to raise the rent higher than thirsty marlin forcing billy jacks no other option but to move on. These people rick and betty are nothing more than evil,nasty business stealers. I wish them misery

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dede

12:50 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011

PALM HARBOR -- Pinellas County code enforcement inspectors have concluded that many of the signs posted at Demers Den violate county code, but the professionally made notice atop the signpost out front is not one of them.

It reads: "Pinellas County, Why Do You Keep Harassing Us? Trial Date 12/7/01. Everyone Welcome."

The story behind the message at this laid-back, Mexican-themed bar and restaurant involves a months-old feud between the owners of Demers Den and two restaurant newcomers on either side. At least, that's the way the owners of Demers Den see it. Most everyone else has a different version of events.

Rick Clowes, part owner of Demers Den, contends he is the victim of selective code enforcement. While he has racked up five citations totaling more than $500 for sign and trash violations that he believes resulted from complaints by his competition, he contends that the complaints he has counterlodged against them for similar violations seem only to result in warnings.

The neighboring restaurateurs say they've filed no complaints against Demers Den, and county officials confirm that.

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Liza Johnson

8:35 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011

Rick is a greedy, vindictive, just plain MEAN creep known for having cars towed even when they were at his 'den' as well as on Sundays when he was closed just so his fellow restaurant neighbors customers (as well as his) would be highly inconvenienced. Downtown Palm Harbor is a tight knit community that deserves better than having someone who will do anything and everything to hurt neighboring businesses.

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Joe

12:28 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011

Dropped into Downtown Palm Harbor tonight and went by the old burger shack. I defer back to my post from 9/28 and say again I will be surprised if this place even opens! Cosmetic changes for the worse, omg the colors are horrible, and peeking inside notice nothing that would indicate that this "guy" is even close to to being a part of the PH scene? You should have left your tenants alone because you are headed for an "Epic Fail"!

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john pfeiffer

4:11 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011

I forgot to mention, Betty owes the burger shack money from a bar tab she walked out on. Pay up.

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Barbara Aldrich

5:56 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2011

Went by Grumpy's the other night and everyone was very nice,friendly.We wish them luck and plan to go back when fully operational.Bathrooms look great!!!! Best of luck to Grumpy's and to Billie Jack's at their new location.We had a great time at the new BJ also. Remember to turn the other cheek.From what I heard and seen it looks like it was tit for tat on both sides.We wish you all well.

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john pfeiffer

6:22 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2011

Rick screwed billy jacks no tit for tat just greed. Billy jacks did lawfully remove what was there's, see police report filed by rick,

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Joe

7:33 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011

OK, I vowed I would not go into this place and I have kept my word. However, a friend of mine rolled in over the weekend looking to eat. He was told that only Brats and Hot Dogs were available. When it came time to pay his bill money was collected and change made out of a freakin cigar box! Limited patronage and a skeleton staff lead me to believe the owners do not even have a restaurant license? Epic fail!!! Barbara, you are so sweet in wishing the best for all but snakes slither in the grass and downtown Palm Harbor is dangerous at Grumpys right now.

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john pfeiffer

7:52 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011

Joe is right on call the dept of professional regulations and file a complaint you can do this online all need to do this he doesn't have a license yo sell food. And food poison is not funny

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Joe

9:28 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011

This sh** is funny! Brother calls me earlier today and says he found a cool spot at the corner of Nebraska and 11. I say...talk to me. Yeah, place called Grumpys. Calls me 10 minutes later and says unless you want meatballs. tacos, or nachos forget about it! LMFAO at this place and my bro for even staying for one!

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john pfeiffer

3:11 pm on Friday, October 28, 2011

The poison palace, careful he has cameras now

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dede

8:51 am on Saturday, November 5, 2011

I'm not paying 1.75 for a warm beer in a plastic cup. For 1.75 I expect more

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Patrick E. Brownspot

7:53 am on Thursday, November 17, 2011

Lots of vitriolic hatred out there, some of it seems petty.

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john conroy

4:39 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012

Ate there today !!!! Oh my god , horrible. Undercook chicken strips , all white fish samdwich mostly dark & unedible. Owner in the back cooking , never came out to acknoweldge anything. If you want a cheap draft beer this is the place to go , but they were out of 8 kinds of beer today. Billy Jack , we miss you greatly!! Slum lord has no concept of what you had. Hope to see you crash and burn Grumpy , what a disgrace !!!!

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john pfeiffer

4:49 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012

Gee how unusual for grumpy,s ha ha

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Patrick E. Brownspot

7:29 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012

We are having a much better time here than when Grumpy Mary ran the place. Now, it's CLEAN. Cheap cold drafts, good food and a much better atmosphere than when Mary was here. A lot more people are re-discovering this place again, and happily, the disagreeable low class element is staying away!Yea! The angry, sad people posting here must live such depressing lives with their hearts filled with such evil hatred! Be Happy! Salud!

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Joe

9:18 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dear Mr. Brownspot,

In looking back at your previous reviews it is apparent that you base everything on cheap and have the gall to insult all of Northern Pinellas County as low class. We are happy that you have found a place that supports your spending a couple of bucks and sitting all day. Now, lets play a game... times what you spend plus maybe the thirty or so people that visit a day and tell me if that pays the Progress Energy bill each month? There is a reason they dont have beer? Don't mistake clean for UGLY purple paint and some rental equipment! Remember, this owner was the landlord taking in a huge salary and doing nothing! There is no re-discovering... everybody is at Fairway! Use him now because its "cheap" and when he closes I am sure you will find a new favorite place.

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Patrick E. Brownspot

8:21 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012

Dear Mr. Joe,

Are you mental? I have not insulted all of Northern Pinellas County as low class as you claim. You had the gall to make that up. I grew up in Clearwater and love this area. You need to examine your heart and try to figure out a way to rid yourself of all your hatred. It must be making you and those around you miserable. You don't know me and have no reason to personally attack me. It doesn't support your mission of hatred. People see through you. I pity you and hope you can find some way to gain some happiness in this world, other than mounting vicious attacks against persons and businesses you don't like. Good Luck, son.

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Torrey Craig

10:42 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012

Gentlemen -

That you may or may not have divergent opinions on your personal opinions of the perceived quality of a restaurant is not reason to engage in a stinking series of vituperrious remarks. To do so only belittles your standing and the validity of what you are saying. That you have a substantial reason for expressing an opinion is excellent, that you feel that someone else is “mental” denigrates the body of your opinions.

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Patrick E. Brownspot

11:48 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012

To ignore and not fight back when verbally attacked does NOT, I repeat NOT denigrate the body of one's opinions. People, do not fear to expose lies and half truths and to stand up for what is right, even if it brings vituperrious attacks upon you. Be sure you are right, then go ahead. I respect and defend "Joe" in his right to be wrong and nasty. Don't let the jackboots shut you down, Joe, no matter how goofy your thoughts.

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Joe

7:16 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012

Hello again Mr. Brownspot. I didn't have time to look up all of your big words, but YES to what Torrie said! I kinda feel like "My Cousin Vinnie" when he states bull**** to everything he said, haha! Actually I am a very happy person but my southern upbringing has taught me right from wrong. Kind of an eye for eye type of thing? Anyways, you never declared allegiance over anything other than cheap. Seems to me you don't care who is there as long as you self serving interests are met? The owner of Grumpys saw what Billy Jacks was doing and wanted it for himself, for yet a second ride on the carousel (Demers). Do you for one second believe the "low class element" doesn't frequent Peggys, Boyles, Fairway, Rum Runners?

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Joe

7:27 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012

Furthermore, my statement regarding insulting most if not all of North Pinellas County is based on the crowds that I saw every night while frequenting Billy Jacks. I am sure your perception of what you saw walking in may not have met your standards? However, why were you there? Oh yeah... cheap! You keep taking care of yourself and when Grumpys crumbles I am sure somebody will step up to accomodate cheap! Salud with no hatred and a big happy smile on my face!

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James Smith

5:51 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2012

Grumpys is Terrible! Billy Jacks was fun, the food good, the staff excellent.

The other restaurants in Palm Harbor are packed. Rick, please hand it back to a professional!!

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ASH

1:40 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012

I just got a mushroom/swiss burger there for $4.95 w/o fries today-- it was the best char grilled burger in the PH downtown area that isnt $8.00!!! I am glad they opened back up and I can buy lunch at a place in downtown palm harbor that is going to rob me on price. Now if they would only get a phone so I can call an order in- only bad thing besides they have a $10 min. on debit or credit cards-(ATM is inside)- they will get my business easily- menu is meduim sized and very very afforable. TY for a good burger today!

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john jacobs

9:31 am on Monday, April 9, 2012

i ate there several times, very affordable and good food, especially if joe is cooking, rick has come a long ways and does care, place is clean and staff are friendly, now if we can keep betty out of the kitchen (she cant cook) and keep her mean attitude and insults away from customers that see and hear her, it will be one of the better eaterys in north pinellas county.. bobby g..

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john jacobs

9:36 am on Monday, April 9, 2012

well.. john i always eat there, as often as i can, and yes your correct, if joes cooking the food is fast and very good, if someone else is cooking, it can be scary, especially betty in the kitchen, make sure you go there before 5 when annie and joe work.

christopher allen

2:25 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012

ive eaten at grumpys at least once a week and bring my kids on saturdays during the day after soccer games, the food is very good and never had a complaint to date, i especially appreciate it when joe is cooking because he cares about his food and sometimes personally will come outside to see if were satisfied, i recomend grumpys to all of my friends.

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john john

7:17 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012

i agree with both chris and john, what a delightful place to get a good burger, and cold beer, this is my third time there and live nearby, i have never met the cook or betty but i hear shes a maniac and shes got serious issues and is very mean and nasty, i wish them the best and will bring my friends back!!

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Patrick E. Brownspot

2:09 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012

More and more people are discovering this GREAT dive Bar!! Buck and a quarter OPBRB!! Friendly wait staff. Best home made Chips and Salsa for miles around!!! Fun loving non-hating patrons! Yea!! Any haters from above, stop by and I'll buy you a draft! You'll know me by my white beard and gator hat...Salud!!!

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Bill McLemore

9:10 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Come on Rick, stand on your own merit! Talking down about Billy Jacks, which by the way is doing VERY WELL at 1479 Belcher Road south (between Eastbay and Ulmerton) is not cool! I find it laughable what you have been telling people and as they say imitation is a form of flattery! You will never be a Billy Jacks and I make it my pledge to correct your lies! You can have my leftovers and you already know what they spend, haha!

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john pfeiffer

10:12 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012

Nice Bill and so true, I'm still wondering how he went so long serving "food" for profit without a food license and no fines. A friend of mine cannot serve food until he has his I guess Rick has connections.

christopher hologram

9:09 am on Friday, June 8, 2012

im always in there at least 3 times a week and never had bad service or bad food, they cleaned the place up and hired a few bartenders and day cook who know what there doing, i wish them well and glad billy jacks left and went elsewhere.. it is way better then billy jacks..

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eric andrews

8:49 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012

hi, my name is eric andrews, i have eaten twice at grumpys, once last month during the day time and it was very good, and again last week at night, i wasnt very happy with my burger and fries.. the bacon was burnt, as well as the burger overcooked, the older lady in the kitchen forgot my fries with order, when i did get them 10 min. later they were also overcooked, my bartender kim apologized several times but did not refund my money, i hardly ate anything and left hungery that night, i was told by another customer two seats down that they dont order food when the older lady is cooking.. i will never eat here again and nor will i tell any of my friends to either.

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jenfert jones

11:42 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012

i agree with eric and most of these comments, i have eaten and drank at grumpys numerous times, but i will never go back again, due to the fact that the elderly lady is mean and nasty and is always drunk when i visited this establishment, i truly think there should be law against people that mistreat there employees and customers they way she does.. like i said, i will never ever go back again and i tell everyone i can not to also..

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chuck

3:09 pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012

This neon leon rumor is bs, just an excuse for no parking in an empty lot

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chuck

3:10 pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012

It's crazy how obsessed with lying this guy is

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chuck

3:14 pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012

Christopher you must be related lol

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christopher hologram

8:51 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012

Chuck, im not related, dont even know these people, but unlike you and i enjoy good food and comment when needed and if it was bad, i would say so.. you are hell bent on bashing this business when you dont have a clue what your talking about,, get a life would you,, your boring...

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christopher hologram

8:55 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012

hey you all .. this place has great burgers and fries, all else on the menu is standard bar food, as long as that older lady dosent cook then its not a bad place to eat, been there twice on sunday mornings and it was really good, i did go there once at night and burgers were terrible..

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james c. cecil

9:34 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012

went there last week with a bunch of my buddys at lunch time, was served within 10 minutes and the burgers were great , we will be back again!!

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gabariel

8:45 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012

such a annoyance the older lady is, was there the other day and she was yelling at another customer about the removal of a umbrella on the ceiling, yet to find out later he didnt remove it, this lady is absolutely nuts and dont know anything about the bar business, its a shame because grumpys isnt a bad place to have a burger as long as this crazy lady is not there, oh and by the way i will never be back again, i dont need a side show by this lady every time i go there... ill spend my money elsewhere

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john pfeiffer

8:32 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The old lady grump is Betty and Rick is the grumpy old man. Both have the personality of a scorpion. I miss Billy Jacks being there, give up yet rick?

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ahston

7:49 pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012

yes john, i agree that old lady is mean and is a scorpion that needs to be stepped on... she hates life and is a drunk, she acts like a spoiled child, or maybe shes just retarded i dont know, what i do know shes clueless, i was in 2 wks ago thursday night, what a joke she is, served the wrong beers to 3 different people and laughed about, my dog acts and has more sense than her..

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jimmy c

5:39 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012

hey ahston, john,gabriel.. i went to grumpys just to see this side show named betty and shes a real circus act, its a shame, now i know why almost all area business in down town palm harbor hate those owners , its amusing and sad, i suggest we take a petition up and boycott this dump they own!!! they couldnt manage a chicken coop not along a dive bar.

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ashton p

6:12 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012

jimmy.. lets petition this dive bar, since annie quit and the owners are jerks ,why would anyone go there , the owners need watch bar rescue tv show , they need a lesson in management, and i heard not only are they mean spirited to customers but also to there loyal employees.

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Alfred

9:01 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012

Annie was the only reason people went there....
The food was horrible, over cooked burgers, under cooked fries
Little or no fans, leaking roof, wobbley bar stools, beer specials
out of stock, smelly leaky bathrooms, and unattentive bar staff at
night. And an owner(s) who did not take the time or energy to
engage or learn the clientel

john pfeiffer

11:56 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

Are they even open, did rick finally see the light and give up.

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Patrick E. Brownspot

6:57 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012

KEEP ON HATIN' FOLKS--It does wonders for your Karma!

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john pfeiffer

7:34 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012

Ok what ever just stating a observation and are you his brother. My karma is great .,

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Patrick E. Brownspot

1:39 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Calling people scorpions is a bit more than an observation, don't you think? Better check on that Karma a little closer...

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Bill Todd

2:53 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

This bar always seems to quiet with the same 6-8 patrons most of the time. The barmaid, who was let go, always seemed like a fun person but that laugh.
Rather than judge anyone by rumour I have been a few times and found the beer to be beer and the food to be pretty awful, I decided to check the facts, as anyone can, by going to myfloridalicence.com.
9/13/12 Rats in Restroom, Rats in Kitchen, Food on Floor, Microwave heavily soiled, Food uncovered on floor,Walk in fridge heavily soiled residue, Chips left uncovered left next to residue. Were closed down on Thursday 13th and rececked on Friday 14th still in violation but did sweep up the rat poop.
No axe to grind, no sides to take, just like fresh beer and fresh food. Thats why I will not be back.

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Sadie

10:43 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

the barmaid you are refering to was not "let go". she quit.

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Bill Todd

7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Like I said Sade I have no dog in this fight. The fact that the barmaid left has no bearing on this. I personally will leave the team billy jack or team grumpys fight to to where it belongs. To pre-pubesant girls, In the realm of twilight. I will stay with the grown ups thank you.

Keith Wakefield

7:40 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Always good to see your input on here Patrick! Its Keith I used to wait on you a couple of times a week at billy jacks remember me? Well I certainly remember you and thank you for your business for the 2 to 3 years you frequented billy Jacks! however patrick I realize you are oblivious to the true meaning of karma so just look at the comments from mr. Todd above and wait a few months I am sure by then you will all fully understand what karma is!

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john pfeiffer

8:38 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

If it was closed thursday friday and sunday, why was it opened on saturday very interesting

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Keith Wakefield

1:33 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Total number of health code violations from september 2011 to september 2012:
Billy Jacks = 14
Grumpy's = 59
If you would like to check these numbers please go to floridalicense.com and check for yourselves! And Patrick it sure looks like Rick and Betty did a great job cleaning it up!

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jay

8:54 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

if it was that bad, the health dept would have closed this place up, so your not totally correct you idiot.

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jay

8:56 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

there a lots of people that like grumpys, billy jacks never won any awards except for poor service, warm beers, smelly bathrooms and bartenders like you that steal from them

john pfeiffer

8:46 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

59 seems high for someone who has been in the business most of his life. I know everybody in the business gets them but wow.

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Sunde Farquhar

10:00 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Hi everyone!
We're working on a complete report about the recent health inspections. Stay tuned!

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jay

8:45 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

sunde, how come you decide only to post grumpys health inspections and not peggy onieals or other bars in the area that have the exact same complaints??? Dont get caught up with other peoples misfortunate deeds and make them your problems... get a life will ya!!!

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Sunde Farquhar

9:01 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Wow! "Get a life, will ya!" That's some bad karma, Jay! Actually, Palm Harbor Patch has published articles about health inspections at other local restaurants. I think you need to "Get reading"!!!
The links to the articles are below.
http://palmharbor.patch.com/articles/peggy-o-neill-s-closed-for-health-violations#photo-6712276
http://palmharbor.patch.com/articles/peggy-o-neill-s-fixes-problems-re-opens#photo-10334511
http://palmharbor.patch.com/articles/restaurant-inspection-report-the-thirsty-marlin#photo-3933858
We've also published an article about the restaurant reopening as Grumpy's- link is below
http://palmharbor.patch.com/articles/downtown-tap-room-gets-a-new-face#photo-9607840
AND Grumpy's was recently voted "Best Burger" in Palm Harbor Patch's Reader's Choice. You can read about it below-
http://palmharbor.patch.com/articles/readers-choice-winners-2012-8508cebb

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Jacque Mioff

9:34 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Someone obviously is a newbie and hasn't kept up on the Patch since it's inception. The Palm Harbor Patch has been pretty thorough in it's coverage (especially restaurants) and has published inspection reports along with giving everyone a forum to post their likes and dislikes. To tell Sunde to "get a life" would actually be giving her the gift of time as she's constantly running around the area, interacting with business owners, readers, county officials and doing this on nights & weekends (we've seen her do this!) while others critiquing are probably sitting sh*tfaced on a barstool somewhere accomplishing nothing more than ruining their livers. You better hope she doesn't get a life, we'll all be the less informed for it. I for one, appreciate what she does. I'm Jacque Mioff and I approve this message.

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jay

8:57 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

no keith we dont miss you, crawl back in to ur slimy hole..

Cynthia

11:16 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wow Patrick!! Arent you the little suck up.. Get a real job!

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Keith Wakefield

11:34 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Hey cynthia I miss all of the great customers from palm harbor I think its obvious we didnt want to leave! I still live in downtown palm harbor and anbody can see billy Jacks leaving was the worst think to happen to the area its like a ghost town. Its a shame in the long run all Rick did was screw the people of palm harbor, the other down town businesses, and himself! Great job Grumpy!

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jay

8:51 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

hey keith, stay down there and work with the billjack owners, thats exactly where you belong, humm.. where did you get all your knowledge and experience?? Oh, thats right, you learned everything from bill and mary, you just dont have a clue, oh yeah you ride your bicycle because you dont have a car, wow

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jane

3:32 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012

WOW!!!! Where the hell did that comment come from???? Jeezo! I can honestly say that Keith is one of the most honest & friendly people I have ever met!!

Patrick E. Brownspot

1:01 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wow, Cynthia, aren't you the little name caller! You don't know me, why rag on me just because I have a different viewpoint than you? That's kind of harsh, don't you agree?.
Keith, I now know folks are staying away from Grumpy's partly because of all this animosity towards the owners. And I know this whole deal adversely affected you personally thru no fault of your own. But I hardly think old Palm Harbor is a Ghost Town. Boyles, Marlin, and the Irish Bar seem to be doing OK. If you see us at Grumpy's, Call out and we'll take you over to Peggy's and buy you a brew... No, you can't come, Cynthia. Not Heinekin, tho. F.T.S.! Pabst Blue Ribbon!

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jay

8:58 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

your absolutely correct..

Keith Wakefield

2:01 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Just a shame Rick screwed so many people hope he is happy with himself!

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john pfeiffer

4:52 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

I heard that grump,s won the best burger award, Congrats to you rick you must be proud. What is your secret ingredient, my reading your last inspection report it must be the rat crap. Keep up the excellent work you deserve it.

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Keith Wakefield

9:41 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Jay, wow you had a rough childhood didn't you haha! why dont you tell us your real name im sure you were one of the people we had to kick out regularly thats why right! and actually you are the idiot i don't own a bike i drive my car to work everyday and the patch wrote articles about peggy's health inspections as well. you are really making yourself look dumb Jay, keep it up lol!

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Keith Wakefield

9:47 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

oh sorry jay after reading your comments further i realize its probably you Rick! you said "if it was that bad, the health dept would have closed this place up, so your not totally correct you idiot." Closed this place up???? so is it you rick or your drunk wife betty?

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Keith Wakefield

9:54 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

at least when Bill Mclemore commented on here he had the nerve to put his full name Rick you are a coward, but i don't think anyone is really surprised about that!

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Patrick E. Brownspot

10:26 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Keith, my name is not really Patrick. Actually, that's my dog's name. He has his own facebook page, he's a real character; he lives up north with my son. I always liked you and the other servers when it was the Burger Shack. Attentive and competent, and always greeted us with a smile. But Mary never gave us the time of day, and always acted like she'd never seen us before, I'm not sure why. I can't tell you my real name, witsec and all that, you know. But you can call me Rick (Not THAT Rick). I hope you're doing well if you're down at the news BJ's.

We just like to drink cold cheep beer and chill
with friends in an outdoor venue, and since Rick and Betty have never done anything bad to us, we are happy at Grumpy's.
.......
Maybe some of the not-so-thrilled-with-Rick-and-Betty people on here could recommend some other nearby watering holes, and their reasons for liking them, just for fun...food, drinks, entertainment, dog friendly etc.

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Keith Wakefield

10:33 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Patrick i respect that you put your opinions on here and my comments were not directed toward you. Whoever this ”Jay” person is was obviously very disrespectful to me im just saying put your name up there buddy everybody knows who i am! Who are you really jay? Dont be a coward!

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Patrick E. Brownspot

10:44 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I wonder who has the better car, Keith or Jay? And who has the better bike? I want to know everybody's vehicles since Jay has indicated that's a way to judge the value of our opinions. I'll start . "08 Jeep Wrangler and Huffy beach cruiser (fixie with balloon tires). Oh, wait, I want to win: 2013Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, yeah that's the ticket.

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john pfeiffer

11:40 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I have a beat up 95 GMC and a 04 Dodge. And you know my full name i take people
a lot more serious if they have the bal%s to give they full name.

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Keith Wakefield

11:40 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

This is obviously a very touchy subject especially for those directly involved. I know alot has been said of Bill and Mary and all i can say is that they are two of the nicest people i know! In the 4 years i have worked for them they have treated me better than ANY employer i have ever had! Its not very often someone extends there kind hand to help you through a difficult time in life, Bill and Mary have made a habit out of this. Helping friends and even some not so friendly people over the years! So say whatever you want about me, Bill and Mary, and Billy Jacks just know that we are all doing great and couldnt be happier, and thank you to all of our great customers for your previous and continued support!

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john pfeiffer

12:18 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Could not agree more with Keirh. Well said.

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caroline primbamsky

3:15 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

john pfeiffer, keith wakefield... you guys are misinformed, are overly zealous with yourselfs and both of you are acting childish. dont you people have nothing to do like everyone else than bad mouth a business that has done nothing to you. ???? do you think you can run a bar/restaurant any better??/ do you have the money to even buy a bar?/ or are you just somebody that sits behind a computer and talks sh....t ?/

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caroline primbamsky

3:19 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

oh and by the way i know keith, from billy jacks, i never went there when you worked, only when annie was there, your not that good my friend . thats why your working w/ bill and mary, cause your not talented enough to work elsewhere. THATS MY OPINION AND IM STICKING TO IT !!!

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Patrick E. Brownspot

4:53 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I wonder what kind of car SHE drives??

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JAMES PIERCE

4:59 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I LIKE GRUMPYS AND GREAT BURGERS, I DONT EVEN KNOW THE OWNERS AND GO THERE ONLY TO EAT AND NOT TO GET IN TO OTHER PEOPLES BUSINESS, IVE GONE THERE 20 TIMES SINCE MAY 2012, AND I THINK THEY DESERVE THE BEST BURGER AWARD, I ONLY WISH IS THAT UNTIL YOU EVEN EAT OR DRINK THERE YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR SMALL MINDED OPINION TO YOURSELF KEITH WAKEFIELD AND JOHN PFEIFFER, I CAN SAY THIS IF YOU OWNED THE PLACE I WOULDNT GO THERE BECAUSE OF YOUR MEAN SPIRITED WAYS THAT I READ ON THIS BLOG... DONT RIDUCLE SOMEONE UNTIL YOU HAVE OWNED OR MANAGED A BAR AND DONT TRY TO RUIN SOME ONES LIVELIHOOD BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY OR DO BETTER... REMEMBER THAT SAYING: YOU HAVE NOTHING POSITIVE TO SAY WELL DONT SAY IT !!!

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Keith Wakefield

5:00 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Good i was really worried because i have no idea who you are so your opinion really matters to me lol! Get a life!

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JAMES PIERCE

5:02 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

OH PATRICK: SHE HAS A HORSE N BUGGY LOL

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Keith Wakefield

5:06 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

James wow dude you obviously have no idea of the history of grumpy's do your homework!

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JAMES PIERCE

5:15 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

HEY KEITH YOUR A IDIOT AND YOUR USELESS OPINIONS DISGUST ME .. YOU GET A LIFE YOU MORAN !!!

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JAMES PIERCE

5:17 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I WAS TOLD BY A FEW REGULARS FROM BILLYJACKS THAT YOU WERENT THAT GOOD YOU JUST WAS A GOOD ASS KISSER THATS WHY BILL,, MARY KEPT YOU ON ! ANY TRUTH TO THAT RUMOR? HUMM.. WHERE THERES SMOKE THERES A FIRE..

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Keith Wakefield

5:24 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Yep you got it right they kept me for 4 years for butt kissing. Wow you people are unbelievable you can keep posting crap about me all you want none of you know me at all. You should at least no someone before you talk crap about them. Only people i started anything with on here were Rick and Patrick and i KNOW both of them to the rest you started it with me and i dont know you at all so i could care less what you say!

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john pfeiffer

5:44 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

James your a low grade moron. You are clueless my best advice is to shutup and stop making as# of your self. You worthless bast#&d

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lauren adams

7:14 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

whats the matter john ?? its ok for you to talk trash, but if someone else does about you or expresses there opinion, you dont like it, hahaha im thinking your the low grade moron and you are the worthless bas....rd, yes you nobody else on this blog but you, running your mouth for yrs..

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Bill McLemore

8:23 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Clarification time! Keith didn't learn squat from Mary or I. In fact, we all learned together with a great wealth of knowledge in Hector. The worst you can say about Keith is he is low man seniority. We bought the place on August 8, 2008 and he wasn't hired until August 9th! All of you "nameless" people can keep spewing and it doesn't mean d**k because none of you know what happened legally and ethically. That said, I would have LOVED to have been in our landlords situation with tenants like us! You reap what you sow and it's plow time bit**es! Enjoy your final days while we prosper with dedicated employess that have been with us from the start. Thanks Slim, Hector, Keith, and Stacey for making Billy Jacks what it is! Oh, By the way, we will be back!!!

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Bill McLemore

8:36 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

One final thought. We take DBPR Health inspections very seriously. Our worst employee according to you d'bags (Keith) kept us from getting a perfect score last month because he poured a glass of ice in the hand wash sink so ya'll must be right... he's not very good, haha! Can't wait for the community to see Sunde's report on Grumpy's! I guarantee that if I asked Keith to spend the night at my business to catch rats he would excel at that also so Rick's recruitment of him didn't work out so well? Our single biggest problem was no support from the landowner. Pest control cost money! Oh, we will be back!

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Bill McLemore

8:51 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Thank you Sunde for your work! We have an awesome review in the Largo Patch and really hope you can come down and enjoy a "night off"! We have met some great people in Largo and are slowly building a solid business. We really appreciated your coverage of us when we were in Palm Harbor. We would like to pay it back... off the record! Have a great weekend and give us a heads up on when you may come down?

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Tiffany Heywood

9:09 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I love how "misinformed" and "useless" opinions are based off of public information. HELLO! Grumpy's was cited for how many health code violations? Look it up folks! Does anyone remember how crazy busy Billy Jack's was almost every night of the week when they were in Palm Harbor? Now you drive by Grumpy's and can count maybe 5 people sitting outside. It's such a shame to see a great location gone to waste and it's blatant that Bill and Mary do food, beer and entertainment better. That's what dtph patrons care about and unfortunately Grumpy's can't seem to get it together. P.S. you're = you are & your=possessive

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Patrick E. Brownspot

5:31 am on Friday, September 21, 2012

I wondered how long it would be before the Grammar Police showed up!

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Tiffany Heywood

10:51 am on Friday, September 21, 2012

hahaha yes Patrick! Correct Grammar:It's the difference between knowing your sh!t and knowing you're sh!t =D

janet brown

2:43 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012

i was in for lunch on sept. 5th, i met the bartender annie, and joe the cook , i ordered blue cheese burger/ bacon with fries and two stella drafts, i must say i was totally satisfied and thought the burger was the best i had in a long time in this area, i agree that they do need lots of fans to comfort the quests. i will go back again with my friends/ family !!!

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JANELLE

9:11 am on Saturday, September 22, 2012

i dont care what other peoples opinions are of grumpys, or what any reviews say.. i had great burgers and fries when joe is cooking, good selection of drafts, clean bathrooms as well the entire place is clean considering the age of the building, i have told few family and friends about grumpys and they have eaten there also with no complaints.. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS!!!

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Thomas

11:59 am on Saturday, September 22, 2012

35A-04-1 Critical. Observed rodent activity as evidenced by two rodent droppings found. corner near kitchen handsink
35A-04-1 Critical. Observed rodent activity as evidenced by more than 80 dry rodent droppings found in storage room near service window area
35A-04-1 Critical. Observed rodent activity as evidenced by 10 dry rodent droppings found at bar near restrooms
35B-04-1 Critical. Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. large gaps in bar area at swing doors near door leading to outside dining
35B-05-1 Critical. Outer openings not protected and vermin and/or environmental cross-contamination present. service window to kitchen open with wiring for tickets across opening; not closed as required by plan review
35B-05-1 Critical. Outer openings not protected and vermin and/or environmental cross-contamination present. gaps doors to storage room
36-13-1 Observed grease accumulated under cooking equipment.
36-15-1 Observed food/ leaves debris accumulated on bar floor and inside dining near kitchen
36-15-1 Observed food debris/ chewed cracker wrappers accumulated on storage room floor behind and next to freezer
53A-01-2 Critical. Manager lacking proof of Food Manager Certification.

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Thomas

12:00 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012

2-22-1 Critical. Ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food prepared on site and held more than 24 hours with not properly date marked. chili , cooked ground beef in walk in cooler
08A-28-1 Critical. Observed food stored on floor. walk in cooler
08A-29-1 Critical. Observed uncovered food in holding unit/dry storage area. bowl of foodshells and uncovered container of chips on table near delistyle reach in cooler , kitchen
14-36-1 Observed gaskets/seals on cold holding unit in poor repair. reach in cooler near service window
22-19-1 Critical. Observed interior of microwave soiled. kitchen
22-28-1 Critical. Observed interior of reach-in cooler soiled with accumulation of food residue. small reach in cooler under service counter
23-06-1 Observed build-up of food debris, dust or dirt on nonfood-contact surface. shelf under grill
23-06-1 Observed build-up of food debris, dust or dirt on nonfood-contact surface. prep table/shelf near 3 compartment sink
25-04-1 Observed single-service items stored on floor. box of to-go containers, storage room
32-15-1 Critical. No handwashing sign provided at a handsink used by food employees. main bar
32-15-1 Critical. No handwashing sign provided at a handsink used by food employees. bar near restrooms

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Thomas

12:01 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012

Last inspection report from grumpys.

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Keith Wakefield

1:29 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012

I wasn't going to post anything else, however after reading the original article above and this past health inspection, I couldn't help myself. According to Grumpy's owner, "The people who come to Grumpy’s are going to get good food and drink at reasonable prices, in a friendly atmosphere with a place so clean they’ll be able to eat off the floor." Anybody interested in eating off their floor now???

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Tiffany Heywood

1:32 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012

I just threw up in my mouth! Personally I wouldn't admit on here or to anyone that I have dined at Grumpy's and DEFINITELY would not tell my friends and family to go there. Gross!Gross! Gross!

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john pfeiffer

3:50 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012

Funny, lol. So that is the special ingredient. Is it fruit rats or house rats

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kenny

7:45 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012

i have been to grumpys for burgers and beers a few times, especially on day shift, the food was very good and service very good . when i went back a few weeks ago at night i noticed a alarming attitude " of just wait and ill get to you when im ready attitude' the male bartender was more interested in watching baseball... i ordered a plain burger no fries and it took 15 min to take the order then recieve the burger, yet there was only 8 pp, in the place, after getting my burger it was dried up and disgusting, i was shocked because i already previously ate some good burgers, im not sure why this happened but i wont ever go back again, since customers are not there #1 prirority !!

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ray william

11:47 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012

just my opion grumpys food sucked when i was there so i left next time i wanted a burger i tried boyles thats place was great my new place

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Patrick E. Brownspot

3:39 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Hmmmm... Grumpy's is still open. Charlie Ho on Tuesday and wedneday nights...

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