Jason’s Deli – Texas Born ‘n Bread
21 October 2008
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Last night Daniel very sweetly treated me to dinner at Jason’s Deli, where he is director of eMarketing and PR. We chatted with his boss (and step brother) Lee Greer, the chief marketing officer, about restaurants, food, marketing and PR. I was in heaven!
Daniel and I split the Bagelini, a hot pressed turkey sandwich with provolone, homemade guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, and peppers. That came with blue corn chips and fresh homemade salsa that rivals the delicious salsa served at Texas French Bread. He also let me try the Ciabatta-Bing! which is a turkey sandwich with similar fixins as the bagelini but served on organic whole wheat ciabatta. On the side we had steamed veggies.
I had no idea that Jason’s had so many healthy choices. They were one of the first nationwide restaurant groups to put the kabosh on artificial trans fats and MSG. They offer complete nutritional information for 10 healthier items on the menu. They also print right on the menu that they are happy to make half sandwiches or reduced portion potatoes. Diners trying to reduce their calorie intake or with special food needs would feel very comfortable ordering exactly what they want.
Jason’s is a family-owned business that was started in Beaumont (outside of Houston) in the mid-1970’s. While they now have 200 restaurants in 12 cities nationwide they have been able to keep the family-feel. The bagelini was actually created by one of the deli staff members as part of a menu contest. The employee received a cash award and credit for the creation on the specials board in each restaurant. What a great way to foster a sense of ownership and pride among the employees.Daniel has named me Chief *Thriller* on “The Official Jason’s Deli Fan Club” on Facebook. I’m not sure what that means but I will do everything in my power to thrill. For the MJ fans out there: Rock on, rock on, rock on, rock on!
Tags: Daniel Helfman, Jason's Deli, Lee Greer, Texas French Bread
