Jason's Deli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
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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 an American chain of fast casual restaurants. It was started in 1976 in Beaumont, Texas, by Joe Tortorice, Jr. There are now more than 245 locations in 29 states.

The menu at Jason's Deli includes many delicious options. You can find sandwiches, wraps, baked potatoes, pasta, soups, and salads. They also offer catering services, like boxed lunches. A big favorite for many customers is the free ice cream station!

History of Jason's Deli

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

Joe and Rusty grew up learning about the food business. Their fathers owned local grocery stores in Beaumont. The very first Jason's Deli is still open today at its original spot on 112 Gateway St. The company began allowing others to open Jason's Deli restaurants in 1988. The first franchised store opened in Tucson, Arizona.

By September 2019, there were 295 Jason's Deli locations across 29 states. In 2008, Jason's Deli was ranked #1 in sales among restaurant groups with fewer than 300 locations. The main company, Deli Management, Inc., owns most of the deli restaurants. Joe Tortorice Jr. passed away in 2019 at the age of 70.

What's on the Menu?

Jason's Deli offers a classic deli-style menu. This includes traditional sandwiches like Po'boys and muffalettas. Every Jason's Deli has a fresh salad bar. They also have a different soup choice each day. Other popular items include baked potatoes, pastas, and various salads.

The company has worked hard to make its food healthier. In 2005, they finished a five-year plan to remove added trans-fats from their menu. In 2008, they also took out high fructose corn syrup from their food. Jason's Deli has also removed MSG from all of its dishes.

They also offer special gluten-free products for customers. And don't forget the free ice cream! It's a sweet treat for everyone who visits.

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

You can find Jason's Deli restaurants in 27 different states across the U.S.

See also

• List of delicatessens