Grumpy’s Restaurant Co-Owner Justin Milliken Dies; Family Confirms Suicide
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Johns community is mourning the death of Justin Milliken, a father and co-owner of Grumpy’s Restaurant in St. Johns, whose family confirmed that he died by suicide Wednesday.
Milliken was found deceased Wednesday morning at the popular restaurant located at 155 Fountains Way on County Road 210. Deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to the restaurant following a call.
Authorities said there was no indication of foul play.
The death has left Milliken’s family, colleagues and the wider Grumpy’s community grieving the loss of a man who had devoted years of his life to his family, his career and the restaurant he helped bring to St. Johns County.
Grumpy’s Community Mourns Its Co-Owner
Grumpy’s Restaurant Company President and CEO Daniel DeLeon expressed sorrow over Milliken’s death, saying the company was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Justin Milliken.”
DeLeon extended the company’s thoughts to Milliken’s family, his wife Leah, the St. Johns restaurant team and everyone affected by the loss.
The St. Johns location remained closed Wednesday as employees and the community processed the tragedy. The restaurant was expected to reopen Thursday during normal business hours.
Building a Family Restaurant in St. Johns
Justin and Leah Milliken brought Grumpy’s to St. Johns County after becoming franchisees in 2020. They opened the restaurant at The Fountains at St. Johns in August 2021.
The restaurant quickly became a neighborhood destination for breakfast and lunch, offering Southern-style diner favorites and a welcoming atmosphere for local families.
When the restaurant opened, Leah described Grumpy’s as a favorite within their own family and spoke about their hope of creating a place where families and friends could gather. The St. Johns location was expected to create more than 40 jobs and became the third Jacksonville-area Grumpy’s location.
For the Millikens, the restaurant was more than a business. It was a family venture and a way to become part of the community they served.
A Life of Service and Professional Achievement
Long before entering the restaurant industry, Milliken had built an accomplished career.
According to his professional biography, he served four years on active duty as a U.S. Army officer from 1997 to 2001, ultimately attaining the rank of captain.
His military service included work as a Special Operations Medical Officer with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and as a medical intelligence and bioweapons officer with the 1st Ranger Battalion.
After leaving the military, Milliken spent more than two decades working in medical-device sales and management.
He later earned an executive MBA through Cornell University, adding another chapter to a career marked by service, leadership and professional achievement.
Remembering Justin
Those who knew Justin will remember him through many different parts of his life — as a father, husband, business owner, veteran, colleague and friend.
His journey from military service to a long career in medical-device management and eventually to restaurant ownership reflected a life filled with different responsibilities and ambitions.
Through Grumpy’s, Justin and Leah sought to create a gathering place for their neighbors. The restaurant became part of the St. Johns community and a reflection of the family’s desire to build something welcoming for others.
His death now leaves a painful absence for the people closest to him and for the employees and customers who came to know him through the restaurant.
A Community Grieves
As the Milliken family mourns, colleagues and members of the St. Johns community are remembering Justin and offering their condolences to those closest to him.
The family has asked for understanding and compassion during this difficult time.
Justin Milliken leaves behind a legacy shaped by family, service, professional dedication and his commitment to building a place where people could come together. His loss is being felt far beyond the walls of Grumpy’s, by the family, friends, employees and community members whose lives he touched.