Morris County Honors The Grand Café on 45th Anniversary
Published on July 06, 2026
Celebration Honors Founders' Legacy and a New Generation of Leadership
Exactly 45 years after opening its doors in downtown Morristown, The Grand Café celebrated its anniversary on July 1, 2026 with family, friends, longtime employees, loyal patrons and public officials who gathered to honor the restaurant's history and its continued success under second-generation owner Allison Lloyd Porter.
Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, joined by Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioners Christine Myers, Thomas Mastrangelo, Tayfun Selen and Deborah Smith, presented a commemorative plaque to Allison recognizing the milestone and the legacy established by her parents, founders Desmond and Alice Lloyd.
View More Photos from the 45th Anniversary Celebration
“Forty-five years is absolutely unbelievable,” said Director Shaw. “You and your family built a legacy here. Morristown was a different place 45 years ago. Eating habits have changed, dining habits have changed, but you adapted through those times. Your parents hit on a recipe for success. They really built a legacy.”
Sheriff James Gannon presented a plaque on behalf of Morris County Crime Stoppers alongside Chairman John Sette. Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Chiara Garcia, chief of staff to Sen. Anthony Bucco, presented a joint legislative citation on behalf of New Jersey's 25th Legislative District. Morristown Fire Chief Bob Flanagan also extended his congratulations.
Approximately 50 people attended the anniversary celebration, including Lloyd Porter’s husband, Michael, and their son, her brother Desmond Lloyd Jr., and longtime members of The Grand Café team, including Executive Chef Quang and Maître d' Walter Hansbury.
“The past 45 years were built by my parents and the community, but also the countless people who work tirelessly to serve you beautiful meals and give you exceptional service,” said Lloyd Porter. “I learned the most about taking care of people through my parents and their always wanting to do the right thing. Their passing was very sad for me, but it is a privilege to run their business, and an honor… We'll continue to evolve so we can be here for another 45 years.”
Founded by Irish immigrants Desmond and Alice Lloyd on July 1, 1981, The Grand Café has been a cornerstone of downtown Morristown, earning a reputation for fine dining, exceptional service and community involvement. Following the passing of Desmond in December 2025 and Alice in February 2026, the restaurant continues under the leadership of their daughter and remains a family-operated business.
The anniversary celebration also marked the launch of a monthlong series of promotions throughout July, including 45 percent off select wines, a $45 prix-fixe lunch menu featuring Grand Café favorites and live piano performances every Saturday evening.
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Photo 1: Allison Lloyd Porter (left) unveiling the county plaque honoring The Grand Café. To the right of the plaque is Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, Deputy Director John Krickus (back) and Commissioner Deborah Smith.
Photo 2: A closer shot of the county plaque. Allison Lloyd Porter (left) and Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo (right).
Photo 3: Sheriff James Gannon presenting a plaque to Allison Lloyd Porter on behalf of Morris County Crime Stoppers. To her left is Executive Chef Quang.
Photo 4: Employee Brendan tends the bar at The Grand Café’s 45th anniversary celebration.