Morristown Mourns Staple Restaurateur: ‘A Horrible Loss To Our Community'

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown officials and residents are mourning the loss of a restaurateur and community leader.

Desmond Lloyd, described as a “beloved restaurateur and pillar of the Morristown community,” recently passed away at the age of 85.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Lloyd grew up in the Kimmage section of Dublin before dropping out of school at a young age. He would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a chef in several Dublin eateries before joining the English Merchant Navy in 1957 at 17 years old.

It wasn’t until 1963 that Lloyd and his future wife, Alice, moved to the United States and settled in Morris County.

“Though his roots remained in Ireland, his heart belonged unequivocally to this country, which he often called ‘the greatest country in the world,’ Lloyd’s obituary reads. “He embraced its opportunities with boundless gratitude, building a thriving business, raising a family, and giving back generously to the community that welcomed him and Alice with open arms.”

Lloyd began his restaurant career in America at Rod’s Ranch House in Convent Station, where he worked for 18 years.

It was in 1981 when Lloyd and his family opened The Grand Cafe, the elegant French restaurant that remains open to this day.

Over the next few decades, the Grand Cafe would be lauded by publications including Zagat, The New York Times, New Jersey Monthly, Gourmet Magazine, and The Food Network. It would also earn the Five-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and Wine Spectator awards.

Lloyd himself was recognized as New Jersey Restaurateur of the Year by his peers in 2006. A year later, he received a finalist award from the National Restaurant Association’s Diversity Award of the Year.

Aside from the restaurant industry, Lloyd would serve his community in several capacities, including Board of Directors of the Bank of Somerset Hills and the Loyola House of Retreats, Commissioner of the Morris County Sheriffs CrimeStoppers Organization, and the Eblensy Foundation of NJ, to name a few.

It was through these organizations that he would earn even more awards and recognitions, including an Eblensy Foundation Humanitarian Award in 1999.

When he wasn’t running his restaurant or volunteering for his community, Lloyd enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and golfing.

“Desmond's legacy of hard work, generosity and genuine warmth will live in the hearts of all who knew him in the enduring elegance of The Grand Cafe,” his obituary says. “He will be deeply missed.”

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty calls Lloyd’s death “A horrible loss to our community.”

A visitation will be held on Dec. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Loyola on James St. in Morristown.

Those who would like to donate flowers or plant a tree in Lloyd’s memory can do so here.