Parents Magazine Rates Jason’s Deli # 1 for Families: National Award Attributed to Healthy & Affordable Food Choices
Fort Myers, FL, May 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Jason’s Deli, with five locations in Southwest Florida, was named the Best Restaurant Chain for the second time in a recent survey by Parents Magazine. The survey measures where families can get the most nutritious foods for the best price while also having the least stressful experience. The results of the 10 Best Restaurant Chains survey appeared in the April issue of Parents (www.parents.com).
“When kids choose us, we know they are eating well for their bodies,” said Diana Willis, owner/operator of Southwest Florida Jason’s Delis. “In these times where childhood obesity is so prevalent, we like to provide affordable alternatives that taste great, appeal to the whole family and served quickly for active families.”
Jason’s Deli feeds more than 50 million people annually in 28 states.
“We are honored and humbled by this award,” said Joe Tortorice, founder and CEO of Jason’s Deli. “As restaurateurs, we’ve challenged ourselves to do the right thing which is feeding our kids and our customers’ children real, less fooled around with food at affordable prices.”
To compile their list, Parents analyzed the calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium on both the kids’ and adult menus of more than 150 national restaurant chains. Once that list was whittled down to the chains that offered the healthiest options, editors scrutinized the quality of the ingredients such as whether organic milk or antibiotic–free chicken were offered. Then, conveniences like call-ahead seating, online ordering, crayons to keep the kids busy, and availability of high chairs and booster seats were taken into consideration.
For Jason’s Deli winning is attributed to quality ingredients, a fresh kids’ menu and a few innovative moves. For instance, in 2009 Jason’s Deli became the first national restaurant to ban high fructose corn syrup in its food. Then last year it eliminated artificial colors and dyes from its menu. As a result, the Jason’s mac and cheese is no longer a bright fluorescent orange but a lighter, more natural color. “Taste tests show that kids prefer the new version,” says Pat Herring, director of research and development.
The motivation for these changes started in the late 1990’s when Jason’s Deli began researching the removal of artificial trans fats from the menu. That goal was completed in 2004. “When parents come to any Jason’s deli, they don’t have to worry about what’s hiding in our food,” Herring said.
In Southwest Florida, Jason’s Deli locations include: Fort Myers: 13550 Reflection Pkwy at Cypress Lake; Naples: 2700 Immokalee Rd at Airport Pulling; Cape Coral: 2311 Santa Barbara near Veterans Pkwy; Port Charlotte: 1100 El Jobean (SR 776 @ US 41); Sarasota: 5231 University Parkway at Honore.
Founded by an Italian family in 1976, the Beaumont, Texas-based restaurant chain has nearly 225 delis in 28 states. Jason’s Deli is currently number one in sales among fast casual restaurant chains with under 300 locations. (QSR Magazine, Jan. 2009).
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“When kids choose us, we know they are eating well for their bodies,” said Diana Willis, owner/operator of Southwest Florida Jason’s Delis. “In these times where childhood obesity is so prevalent, we like to provide affordable alternatives that taste great, appeal to the whole family and served quickly for active families.”
Jason’s Deli feeds more than 50 million people annually in 28 states.
“We are honored and humbled by this award,” said Joe Tortorice, founder and CEO of Jason’s Deli. “As restaurateurs, we’ve challenged ourselves to do the right thing which is feeding our kids and our customers’ children real, less fooled around with food at affordable prices.”
To compile their list, Parents analyzed the calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium on both the kids’ and adult menus of more than 150 national restaurant chains. Once that list was whittled down to the chains that offered the healthiest options, editors scrutinized the quality of the ingredients such as whether organic milk or antibiotic–free chicken were offered. Then, conveniences like call-ahead seating, online ordering, crayons to keep the kids busy, and availability of high chairs and booster seats were taken into consideration.
For Jason’s Deli winning is attributed to quality ingredients, a fresh kids’ menu and a few innovative moves. For instance, in 2009 Jason’s Deli became the first national restaurant to ban high fructose corn syrup in its food. Then last year it eliminated artificial colors and dyes from its menu. As a result, the Jason’s mac and cheese is no longer a bright fluorescent orange but a lighter, more natural color. “Taste tests show that kids prefer the new version,” says Pat Herring, director of research and development.
The motivation for these changes started in the late 1990’s when Jason’s Deli began researching the removal of artificial trans fats from the menu. That goal was completed in 2004. “When parents come to any Jason’s deli, they don’t have to worry about what’s hiding in our food,” Herring said.
In Southwest Florida, Jason’s Deli locations include: Fort Myers: 13550 Reflection Pkwy at Cypress Lake; Naples: 2700 Immokalee Rd at Airport Pulling; Cape Coral: 2311 Santa Barbara near Veterans Pkwy; Port Charlotte: 1100 El Jobean (SR 776 @ US 41); Sarasota: 5231 University Parkway at Honore.
Founded by an Italian family in 1976, the Beaumont, Texas-based restaurant chain has nearly 225 delis in 28 states. Jason’s Deli is currently number one in sales among fast casual restaurant chains with under 300 locations. (QSR Magazine, Jan. 2009).
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Jason's Deli
Carolyn Rogers
239-278-3900
Carolyn Rogers
239-278-3900
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