Deli in Woonsocket closes because of lack of good help

By Matt Blanchette

mblanchette@abc6.com

@mattblanchette

Have you ever heard the saying, "you just can't get good help these days?" One local business owner says it's true. And now he is closing the doors of his deli until he can find employees that are up to his standards.

Customers at J's Deli in Woonsocket are arriving to see that it is now closed. A sign on the door says it had to close because owner James Hallal couldn’t find quality, reliable employees. Hallal owns J’s locations in Smithfield and Cumberland, but says he could not provide the type of service he wants consistently in Woonsocket.

"I don't want to say unwilling to work, but it is a job where you have to move, you have to think," Hallal said. "We want to keep our customer service up everywhere. The issue now is finding enough people to continue to do that in three locations."

Hallal pays over minimun wage to start, and offers overtime to employees, but that's not all. "(people) make money to provide for their family, benefits, he offers a retirement plan at a sandwich shop. He does a 3 percent match for employees at a sandwich shop," General Manager Eric Lynch said.

Lynch has made a career at J's. That's the type of employee Hallal is looking for.

"We are looking for someone who is motivated. Someone who is serious about a job. And I am looking for people who want to work and be appreciated for what they do."

J's in Woonsocket closed after the 4th of July and the sign was put up Monday. The shop has already received over 70 calls from people looking for work and Hallal hopes to hire, train and reopen by the fall.

"Absolutely back open…. 100 percent," he said. To apply call the Smithfield location at (401) 231-0823.