Let’s Eat

By Dana Melius

Chef-owner Jason Langworthy and manager Maggie Vait take a seat prior to a noon dinner at Maggie J's in Mapleton.

Maggie J’s:

Mapleton restaurant earns strong community support

If there’s a fundraiser or need in the Mapleton area, you can pretty much bet Maggie J’s restaurant is involved.

“We’re pretty grateful to have them,” said Amber Duncanson, Mapleton city clerk.

The city took over ownership of that building after two restaurants closed, the last owing nearly $35,000 on a city Economic Development Authority loan and $54,000 on a Blue Earth County loan.

When asked what makes Mapleton restaurant No. 3 — Maggie J’s – such a success, Duncanson didn't waiver.

“It’s everything,” she said, citing the involvement of the business in the Mapleton and Maple River communities. “We’re definitely lucky they’re here.”

Even the reviews touch on the community aspect and support Maggie J’s Restaurant & Bar both receives and gives to the people and organizations of the Maple River School District.

Andrew Klinkner, of Chanhassen, put it this way earlier in the year: “Really fantastic place where the community gathers for meals.”

Those words about community please chef-owner Jason Langworthy and manager Maggie Vait. They have been the heart and soul of the downtown Mapleton establishment since 2015. Langworthy and Vait had initially planned to be co-owners, hence the name, Maggie J’s, for Vait’s first name and Langworthy’s initial.

“I got cold feet,” Vait recalled, worried about the future as a mother with three young children. She had worked with the previous restaurant which had occupied that downtown Mapleton space, Token Barbeque, knowing the difficulties of a small-town business.

Langworthy said he then had to convince his wife,

Karen, that the couple could manage as sole owners. Maggie J’s would be the third to try its luck at that site, following Token and Danielson’s Chinese Cuisine. But it helped knowing Vait would stay on as manager.

Langworthy had culinary experience, completing what was then a Mankato Vo-Tech program in North Mankato, then added eight years in the kitchen at the highly acclaimed Owatonna Country Club. He followed with a few years in the family painting business and knew it wasn’t his calling. Langworthy, a Mapleton native, wanted to run his own restaurant and was certain the Mapleton community would respond.

“I think we’ll be swamped,” Langworthy told Free Press reporter Tim Krohn in August 2015, just prior to opening. “I’ve heard a lot from people in town.”

But the success of Maggie J’s has exceeded the hopes of Langworthy and Vait. While Maggie J’s has a liquor license and attractive bar, it’s a minimal part of the business.

“I didn’t think of how busy we’d be right away,” Langworthy said.

And things haven’t slowed since. Even through the changing industry due to COVID issues, Langworthy and Vait have been hoping and thankful for community support.

“We survived COVID because of our community,” Langworthy said, as takeout orders and home deliveries spiked. “We had people available to deliver. We went into a new way of doing business. Little did I know that I’d be making hundreds and hundreds of (to-go) containers.”

“Numbers have skyrocketed since COVID,” Vait said.

Langworthy gives tons of credit to Vait’s management style and way with customers. He likes being in the kitchen while Vait handles the front of the house.

“I feel bad. She sacrifices a lot to be here,” Langworthy said, then smiles. “But she’s whipped us into shape. And I do what she says.” Langworthy and Vait share a lighter moment prepping for a noon lunch crowd.

Besides, he said: “We’ve grown on each other.”

Vait manages some 20 employees, although just four are full time. Langworthy prides himself on giving that restaurant family breaks, often closing over a holiday weekend, such as Thanksgiving. And he appreciates how understanding the community is during those closures.

While COVID prompted Maggie J’s to temporarily lay off some employees, it did force Vait to help some in the kitchen. Today she continues to do much of the baking for the restaurant. But it’s those relationships with customers and community organizations that Vait most enjoys.

“I want everyone to feel welcome here,” she said. “And I think our staff really does a great job.”

Vait said the fact the restaurant opens its doors for private fundraisers and school organizations has both played a role in the business’ success and fueled such strong community support.

Vait added that Maggie J’s will also often stay open after hours, like home football games or drama department performances.

“After these types of games or events, it’s awesome,” Vait said, with players, students and community residents sometimes overflowing the 130-seat restaurant.

But Langworthy’s culinary experience understands it’s both service and quality of food that will keep bringing back customers. He’ll alter the menu sparingly, maybe once a year, sticking to a traditional American-style cuisine. Friday night, though, has indeed become special at Maggie J’s, with prime rib always on the menu along with three other items.

“We’ve worked our tails off,” Langworthy said. “And all the communities have been real supportive.”

Duncanson recalled an October fundraiser for the Mapleton Fire Department in which the restaurant staff teamed up with department volunteers, then completed hundreds of takeout orders and deliveries via a fire department vehicle.

“Our community definitely comes together,” Duncanson said. And Maggie J’s is often right in the middle of it.

Still, the restaurant’s Facebook page has piled up over 2,500 followers with out-of-town business continuing to grow.

“After seven years, I’m still amazed that there’s still faces coming in that I haven't seen (before),” Vait said.

Klinkner, the reviewer, said it well: “Great food and even greater employees. I live two hours away from Maggie J’s and it’s always a treat when I know we’re stopping by.”

And despite the distance, Klinker said he’ll keep coming back.

“I have friends and family in the area and visit multiple times a year and always enjoy going into Maggie J’s,” he said.

Maggie J’s Restaurant & Bar

Where: 203 Main St. NE, Mapleton When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5-8 p.m. Thursday; 5-9 p.m. Friday; closed Saturday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday Known for: Great food, service, community fundraisers