State helping deli owner find workers

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The state is stepping in to help Woonsocket deli owner who says he can't find good workers.

The owner of J's Deli is very candid. He said people who apply for jobs don't want to work hard or they can't get to work.

A sign on his Woonsocket restaurant says the store is closed because he can't find "quality associates."

James Hallal is looking to hire 10 to 12 full-time employees. He's now working with the state to do it.

"A very loyal and hard worker at J's Deli, who has no management responsibilities at all, can earn upwards of $800 to $900 a week. So I feel like it's a good job," Hallal said.

Hallal pays more than Rhode Island's increased minimum wage. Workers can start off making $10 an hour with little experience.

He's already interviewing people so he can reopen the Woonsocket location. He hopes that could happen in September.