From the Beam to Benedictines

Mac’s Diner Continues its Legacy of Community Support with Give Back Monday.

North St. Paul’s cherished landmark, Mac’s Diner is a name that resonates with generations of locals. We know it currently as a new take on the traditional diner. However, this location also stands as a testament of enduring spirit, having been resurrected after the loss of the original in the early 2000s. St. Paul’s Monastery is also a testament of enduring spirit. The Sisters, as of June 22 this year, celebrate a total of 78 years in St. Paul, during which they have moved twice, founded a girl’s high school, and provided decades of service. Mac’s Diner is actually 10 years older than the Sisters of St. Benedict. Its original founding was in 1937 and has been through its own series of changes.

“The Beam” was the origin of the current Mac’s Diner.¹ This location served as a focal point for North St. Paul. In 1948 the diner truly found its identity when Helen and Mac Mulcahy took ownership and christened it Mac’s Dinette.¹ For decades, under various owners, Mac’s Dinette became synonymous with affordable food and a strong sense of community, all within the cozy confines of just eight stools and three booths.¹

Locals fondly remember it as a “tiny suburban hub” that defined a part of North St. Paul’s landscape, right alongside Friday night car shows and the iconic 20-ton snowman.¹ Julie Schultz, who grew up in North St. Paul and worked at Mac’s in the 1980s and 90s, recalls it as more than just a job; it was a “teenage dream” where friendships were forged and never-dull regulars provided endless entertainment.¹ The memories created within those walls became deeply ingrained in the hearts of the community.

The community that was built around this diner was more than content to go on for another 65 years, however the building was never intended to last as long as it did, and had to be torn down, a moment that Schultz described as “really heartbreaking”.¹ The loss of this cherished spot left a void in the community. However, the story didn’t end there. Brandon Bramscher, a North St. Paul native who spent his childhood just blocks away from Mac’s, often hopping on his bike with $1.25 to grab a burger, never forgot the impact the diner had on his youth.¹ For years, he harbored a vision of bringing back that special place.

It took dedication and hard work but finally, in the summer of 2022, the reopening of Mac’s Diner was reality with the bonus that it was located on the very same lot at Margaret Street and 7th Avenue.¹ This endeavor was met with enthusiasm from the city, which even contributed to the kitchen’s construction, highlighting the importance of this landmark.

The new Mac’s Diner thoughtfully incorporates elements of the past while offering a modern dining experience.¹ Patrons will find bar stools reminiscent of the original dinette, creating a familiar and nostalgic atmosphere.¹ Local photos from years gone by adorn the walls, visually connecting the present with the rich history of the location.¹ Perhaps the most iconic tribute is the refurbished original red and blue neon sign that once graced the front of Mac’s Dinette, now shining brightly inside.¹ Even the original phone number has been retained, further cementing the link to the past.¹ While honoring its roots, the new diner also offers expanded seating, an outdoor patio, and a liquor license, catering to a broader range of modern preferences.

Mac’s Diner has established a tradition of giving back to the community through its “Give Back Mondays” program. These events provide an opportunity for the diner to partner with local organizations and contribute to worthy causes. Previous Give Back nights have supported initiatives such as the Silver Lake Improvement Association, demonstrating Mac’s Diner’s active involvement in enhancing the local area. This commitment to community support is a testament to the values of the diner’s ownership and its desire to be more than just a restaurant.

Because of this offering, the two legacies, Mac’s Diner and St. Paul’s Monastery, will be together on Monday, June 29. St. Paul’s Monastery will participate in Mac’s Diner Give Back Mondays where Mac’s will generously donate 30% of its total sales to St. Paul’s Monastery. Naturally, we would like a big showing of support for the two. All you need do is bring the flyer linked in the Monastery Monthly newsletter, invite your friends, and come hungry.

This isn’t the first time St. Paul’s Monastery has participated in Mac’s Give Back Mondays. Our first year was on February 12, 2024. The Sisters successfully raised over $900. We did the evening again last year and raised just over $1,000. The Sisters themselves were deeply moved by the outpouring of support, finding it a meaningful way to connect with the community beyond the Monastery walls.² This year we hope to be just as successful.

Mark your calendars for a meaningful Monday, June 29 and spread the word. We would like to pack the restaurant with the Sisters’ supporters. By participating in this “Give Back Mondays” event, you’ll not only be treating yourself to some delicious diner fare, but you will also be making a tangible difference in the lives of those who contribute so much to the St. Paul community.

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