MasterChef Restaurant: Building Community through Food
Located on Grand Avenue in St. Paul is MasterChef Restaurant—a quick-service Mediterranean and American restaurant. Fouad Abdelgalil, owner of the restaurant, and the staff proudly provide fresh, flavorful halal Middle Eastern food to the community. The menu features favorites like lamb gyro, chicken shawarma, falafel, grilled fish, and many more options. Since acquiring the business in the past few years, Fouad has made it his goal to expand the business, improve customer experience, and serve high-quality food that brings people together.
Since taking ownership of MasterChef Restaurant in 2025, Fouad has faced significant barriers to growth, especially with financial instability. There have been unexpected operating losses, rising costs, and challenges securing financial support. Outside of financial struggles, civil unrest has impacted the restaurant. Customer traffic and neighborhood investment have decreased in recent years.
The Minnesota PROMISE Act has direct impacts on MasterChef Restaurant. Fouad noted:
“These funds will allow me to resolve ongoing operational challenges, prevent closure, and reinvest in critical improvements such as exterior renovation, landscaping, updated signage, drive-thru upgrades, and essential kitchen repairs.”
In addition, the grant funds help Fouad’s mission of creating a safe, attractive, and community-focused restaurant for neighborhood residents, hospital staff, and all those in the area.
To learn more about MasterChef Restaurant, visit the location at 244 Grand Ave, St. Paul or browse the website: https://masterchefsp.com/.