Joe Tortorice Jr., the founder and president of the renowned restaurant chain Jason’s Deli, passed away on August 10, 2019, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tortorice, a visionary entrepreneur and dedicated leader, left an indelible mark on the restaurant industry with his commitment to serving his community and his employees.
Key Facts
- Joe Tortorice Jr. was the founder and president of Jason’s Deli.
- He passed away on August 10, 2019, at the age of 70 after battling cancer.
- Tortorice considered himself a servant leader and took pride in having more than 12,000 employees with one of the lowest turnover rates in the restaurant industry.
- Jason’s Deli started as a single location in Beaumont, Texas, and has since expanded to almost 300 locations across the United States.
- Tortorice’s oldest son, Jay Tortorice, inspired the name of the restaurant and currently owns 21 Jason’s Deli stores.
- Jason’s Deli is a family business, with Tortorice’s daughter, Ashley, and son, Rob, also involved with the company.
Humble Beginnings and a Culinary Legacy
Born in Beaumont, Texas, Tortorice was the grandson of Italian immigrants who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. His father’s venture into the grocery business sparked Tortorice’s interest in the food industry. In 1976, he opened the first Jason’s Deli in Beaumont, Texas, inspired by his father’s “way with people.”
The Secret to Success: Servant Leadership
Tortorice believed that the key to success in business was servant leadership. He considered himself a servant to his employees, prioritizing their well-being and creating a work environment that fostered growth and loyalty. This philosophy resulted in one of the lowest turnover rates in the restaurant industry, with employees dedicating decades of their lives to Jason’s Deli.
Expansion and Recognition
Under Tortorice’s leadership, Jason’s Deli grew from a single location to a thriving chain with nearly 300 stores across the United States. The restaurant’s popularity stemmed from its commitment to serving fresh, high-quality food, including its signature New Orleans Muffaletta sandwich and its renowned salad bar.
Tortorice’s dedication to excellence earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. He was honored with the Gift of Life’s “Spirit of Love” award and served as “King Neches” at the Neches River Festival. Jason’s Deli was ranked as the highest-rated restaurant chain in Texas by Business Insider, a testament to Tortorice’s vision and leadership.
Family Legacy and Community Involvement
Jason’s Deli remains a family business, with Tortorice’s son, Jay, owning 21 stores, and his daughter, Ashley, and son, Rob, also actively involved in the company. Tortorice’s commitment to giving back to the community extended beyond his business ventures. He was deeply involved in the Catholic Church and served as a director for the Kolbe Prison Ministry through the Diocese of Beaumont.
A Life Well-Lived
Joe Tortorice Jr.’s passing marked the end of an era for Jason’s Deli and the Beaumont community. His unwavering commitment to serving others, his passion for providing quality food, and his dedication to his employees left a lasting legacy. Tortorice’s vision and leadership transformed Jason’s Deli into a beloved restaurant chain, while his servant leadership approach created a culture of respect and loyalty that continues to thrive within the company.
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FAQs
Who founded Jason’s Deli?
Joe Tortorice Jr. founded Jason’s Deli in 1976.
Who is the current owner of Jason’s Deli?
Jason’s Deli remains a family business, with Joe Tortorice Jr.’s son, Jay Tortorice, owning a significant number of stores. Other family members, including his daughter, Ashley, and son, Rob, are also involved in the company.
How did Joe Tortorice Jr. come up with the name Jason’s Deli?
Jason’s Deli is named after Joe Tortorice Jr.’s eldest son, Jay.
What is Joe Tortorice Jr.’s management philosophy?
Joe Tortorice Jr. believed in servant leadership, prioritizing the well-being of his employees and creating a work environment that fostered growth and loyalty.
How many Jason’s Deli locations are there?
As of 2019, there are nearly 300 Jason’s Deli locations across the United States.
What is Jason’s Deli known for?
Jason’s Deli is known for its fresh, high-quality food, including its signature New Orleans Muffaletta sandwich and its renowned salad bar.
What awards and recognitions has Jason’s Deli received?
Jason’s Deli has been recognized for its excellence, including being ranked as the highest-rated restaurant chain in Texas by Business Insider.