The Unknown History of Jason's Deli: Four Decades of Delicious

THE UNKNOWN HISTORY OF JASON'S DELI: FOUR DECADES OF DELICIOUS

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TIMELINE

Source: Jason's Deli

  • 1976: Jason’s Deli founded in Beaumont, Texas
  • 1988: Begins franchising
  • 2005: Eliminates trans fats from menu
  • 2008: Removes high fructose corn syrup from all food items
  • 2019: Reaches 295 locations across 29 states

ORIGINS OF JASON’S DELI

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The roots of Jason's Deli can be traced back to 1895 when Salvatore Tortorice immigrated to America from Sicily, settling in Beaumont, Texas—bringing his culinary traditions.

This culinary legacy continued through generations, with Salvatore's son and grandson operating grocery stores and restaurants in Beaumont.

On November 30, 1976, Joe Tortorice Jr., Salvatore's grandson, founded Jason's Deli in Beaumont, drawing on his family's rich history in the food industry.

The name "Jason's" was based on Joe’s oldest son Jay.

FIRST LOCATION STILL OPERATING

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Jason’s Deli first restaurant opened its doors at 112 Gateway St. in Beaumont, Texas in 1976. I

The original location continues to serve customers to this day. A living monument of the company's history nearly five decades after its founding.

FRANCHISING

Source: Jason's Deli

In 1988, twelve years after its founding, Jason's Deli took the strategic step to start franchising.

This helped the company spread beyond its Texas roots, with the first franchised Jason's Deli opening its doors in Tucson, Arizona.

This would help it eventually become a national chain that we all love today.

HEALTHY INITIATIVES

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Throughout its history, Jason’s Deli has been obsessed with providing healthy food.

Beginning with the elimination of added trans fats in April 2005, following a five-year implementation plan.

They removed high fructose corn syrup from all food items in October 2008.

Continuing this trend, Jason's Deli has proactively made additional menu improvements, including the removal of MSG from all dishes and the introduction of gluten-free options.

It is fast becoming a leader in healthy fast-casual dining.

FREE ICE CREAM

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In a move that has become a beloved trademark of the Jason's Deli experience, the restaurant chain introduced the practice of offering free ice cream to its customers.

This simple yet effective strategy has not only set Jason's Deli apart from its competitors but has also evolved into a signature aspect of their dining experience.

RAPID EXPANSION

Source: Jason's Deli

In the span of just 43 years, from its humble beginnings in 1976 to 2019—Jason's Deli experienced remarkable growth—expanding to 295 locations spread across 29 states.

Despite this significant expansion, Jason's Deli has maintained its character as a family business, with the Tortorice family retaining ownership of the company—ensuring that the original vision and values continue to guide the brand's development.

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