Jason's Deli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jason's Deli

Jason's Deli in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Trade name	Jason's Deli
Type	Private
Industry	Restaurants
Founded	November 30, 1976; 48 years ago (1976-11-30)
Founder	Joe Tortorice Jr.
Headquarters	Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
Number of locations	246 (2021)
Key people	Troy Cormier, CEO Ragan Edgerly, President Blake Parker, Chief Innovation Officer
Products	Sandwiches, Salads, Potatoes, Pasta, Wraps
Revenue	$405 million USD (2021)
Owner	Tortorice family
Number of employees	6,000 (2021)

Jason's Deli is a popular American restaurant chain. It started in 1976 in Beaumont, Texas. People go there for tasty sandwiches, salads, and other fresh meals. It's known as a "fast casual" restaurant. This means you get your food quickly, but it's often healthier than traditional fast food. Today, there are over 245 Jason's Deli locations across 29 states.

The Story of Jason's Deli

How It All Began

Jason's Deli was founded on November 30, 1976. Joe Tortorice Jr. started it with his friends Rusty Coco, Pete Verde, and Pat Broussard. They opened the first restaurant in Beaumont, Texas. The deli was named after Joe Tortorice Jr.'s oldest son, Jay.

Joe and Rusty grew up around the food business. Their fathers owned grocery stores in Beaumont. The very first Jason's Deli is still open today at its original spot.

Growing Across the Country

Jason's Deli began letting other people open their own restaurants in 1988. This is called franchising. The first franchised store opened in Tucson, Arizona.

As of June 2025, there are 239 Jason's Deli restaurants. They are located in 27 different states. Most of the restaurants are owned by the main company, Deli Management, Inc. Joe Tortorice Jr. passed away in 2019 after battling cancer. He was 70 years old.

What's on the Menu?

Delicious Food Choices

Jason's Deli offers a classic deli-style menu. You can find traditional sandwiches like Po'boys and muffalettas. Every Jason's Deli also has a fresh salad bar. They offer a different soup every day.

You can also enjoy other items like baked potatoes, pasta dishes, and various salads. A fun part of visiting Jason's Deli is the free ice cream station. Customers can enjoy a sweet treat after their meal.

Healthy Food Choices

Jason's Deli has worked hard to make its food healthier. In 2005, they removed all added trans-fats from their menu. In 2008, they also took out high fructose corn syrup from their food.

The company has also removed MSG from all its food items. For people with special dietary needs, Jason's Deli has introduced gluten-free products.

Awards and Recognition

Jason's Deli has received several awards for its quality. In 2008, it won the Nation's Restaurant News Golden Chain Award. It also won the Consumers’ Choice in Chains Gold Award in the sandwich category in both 2006 and 2007.

Jason's Deli in Mobile, Alabama

Where to Find Jason's Deli

Jason's Deli restaurants are located in 27 states across the United States.

See also

• List of delicatessens