Have you tried the Fo’ Cheezy?
ST. PAUL PARK — Named after the nearby city of St. Paul, this community has an economy historically developed in part by its location paralleling the Mississippi River: transportation, shipping and manufacturing. It also features an entertainment center offering food, beverages and pulltab gaming — American Legion Post 98, also known as The 328 Grill.
The 328 Grill, away from urban clutter with ample off-street parking, got its name from its street address of 328 Broadway Avenue. It first opened in 2012 and is operated in part by Chef Mik German. German spent twenty-nine years in the food and beverage industry, and his hospitality industry experience manifests itself in the delights and service he and his staff offer their patrons.
The 328 Grill features culinary management under the control of German, while the bar manager and general manager are responsible for beverages and service staff. Under this arrangement, German leases space in the post.
Specialties include a multitude of desired items, two of which are the MN Poutine appetizer and the Fo’ Cheezy burger. The MN Poutine features tater tots topped with Ellsworth cheese curds and chicken wild rice soup, while the Fo’ Cheezy offers any burger or sandwich on parmesan-crusted brioche bread with melted cheddar and pepper jack Cheez Whiz — in essence a cheese-loaded burger or sandwich.
My review: Nothing says lovin’ like something from Chef German’s kitchen!
Eat in, take out or rent banquet space — all are available.
Having grown the 328 Grill business significantly over the last three years, German is ready to take his skill and expertise to other American Legion clubs and share his success model.
Elements in his success equation include good food, integration of front dining and backroom functions, mutual respect for all parties involved in ongoing operations, a welcoming patron culture, and a walk-the-walk orientation.
If you are seeking casual dining, where both children and adults are welcome, with warm and friendly service, offered in an atmosphere of fun and frivolity, the 328 Grill is the place to go. Bon appetit!
Peter R. Bartling is a member of Wayzata Post 118. He is doing a series on food and staff of American Legion posts.
