WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — The owner of J’s Deli has closed his location in Woonsocket because he says he can’t find enough quality workers to keep it running properly.
James Hallal has been in the sandwich business for years, and has served a steady stream of customers at all three of his deli locations.
He said it breaks his heart that he had to close up shop in Woonsocket. A sign on the door says he’s been unsuccessful at finding “a full team of motivated & friendly staff” to run the deli.
“You have to be an invested person when you come in, you have to be motivated,” he said Wednesday. “It’s been the last three years that I’ve found this extremely difficult.”
It wasn’t just Hallal though, customers also said they noticed a difference there.
“It was always very good. Lately, there were errors in our orders,” said Murielle Parent of Woonsocket.
“It was breaking my heart because I put my heart and soul into my businesses since I was 23 years old,” Hallal added.
J’s Deli in Woonsocket opened 14 years ago, however Hallal isn’t giving up on the city. He hopes to reopen in October, hiring 12 new employees at $10 an hour to start, with the potential to earn up to $14 an hour.
Since the sign went up, Hallal said he’s already received 100 new applications.
The posted sign says if you or anyone you know would like to work there, call the Smithfield location at (401) 231-0823.
