Although the name suggests otherwise, Jason’s Deli is not your traditional delicatessen. It’s actually more of a family-style restaurant that caters to a wide variety of tastes, literally and figuratively.
Many people already know this, as Jason’s has more than 100 locations nationwide and is growing rapidly. The Texas-based franchise is still controlled by the company that founded it in Beaumont in 1976. The Fort Myers location (# 103) is owned by Diana and Scott Willis, restaurateurs from Texas who are long-time fans of the restaurant. If the past six months are any indication, the couple will be long-time owners, as well.
Jason’s has enjoyed brisk business and rave reviews since its December opening on Reflection Lakes Parkway, just off Cypress Lake Drive in south Fort Myers. And despite occasional confusion among some first-time customers, any disappointment that Jason’s is not a traditional neighborhood deli soon disappears as diners discover all the restaurant has to offer.
Yes, there are the expected freshly-sliced meats such as corned beef, along with side dishes including soups, and homemade pasta and potato salads, but that’s where the deli comparisons end. Jason’s has considerably more options than the most delis in terms of products, services and delivery. Further, its prices are extremely economical, particularly for eat-in diners with children. Kids 12 and under can eat for just 99 cents when they order from Jason’s Junior menu, which features nearly a dozen delicious items.
Most of Jason’s customers either eat in at the restaurant or call in takeout orders to be delivered (for a nominal fee on orders of $20 or more) or picked up. However, many larger corporate customers are finding the restaurant’s catering and delivery services ideal for business conferences, school field trips and other gatherings involving mass meals.
Besides offering numerous hot or cold deli platters and party trays, Jason’s features an impressive selection of box lunches. While it’s not unusual for the restaurant to prepare box lunches for 400, it can accommodate requests for up to 1,000 at a time. Each box contains a full sandwich, chips, pickle, condiments, a cookie or brownie - and even a napkin - starting at $5.25.
For those requiring slightly more formal food service, Jason’s has a wide selection of packages well suited for meetings outside a hotel setting. There are packages for breakfast, lunches or dinners, snack trays and all-day meal deals with breakfast/lunch/dinner combos, snacks and beverages.
Packages typically are priced per person. Party trays designed to feed four or more start at around $25 (for fresh vegetables) and can be customized to suit most any occasion.
But the majority of Jason’s customers eat at the restaurant, which can accommodate up to 190 lunch or dinner patrons (including large parties). Courtyard seating is available outdoors, but most of the seats are inside where it is cool and casual. Before heading to a table, customers queue up in a fast-moving self-serve line, where orders are placed, paid for and picked up. Servers deliver the grilled items.
A note of caution: Although the time between ordering and eating is short, the menu is so extensive it’s wise to allow a few extra minutes to familiarize yourself with it or you could feel slightly overwhelmed on your first visit.
Not surprisingly, Jason’s menu has a decidedly southern style, with Deli Starters such as Red Beans & Rice, Seafood Gumbo and Chicken Pot Pie, among others. The sandwich selection has a similar slant with various Subs & Poboys, several different Muffalettas (named for the distinctive, New Orleans bread) and Wrap Sandwiches (Turkey, Portabella Mushroom, Hot Roast Beef and others). Most are in the $5-$6 range and include chips and a pickle, although the Muffaletta Special (with ham or turkey) has a choice of soup, red beans, chili or fruit.
Many of Jason’s most popular sandwiches are listed under Deli Favorites and The Traditional Deli. Best sellers include Reuben the Great (a traditional Reuben with hot corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye) and The New York Yankee (hot corned beef and New York-style pastrami with Swiss cheese on rye).
The menu also includes Healthy Heart selections, each served with a choice of pretzels, baked chips, fresh fruit or steamed veggies, and containing fewer than 630 calories and 15 grams of fat. The diet-conscious also will appreciate the lower-fat Super Spuds (stuffed potatoes with low- or no-fat ingredients).
Dieters who can’t resist one of the 10 full-strength potatoes, such as the Texas Style Spud (with smoked, barbecued chipped beef and cheddar cheese) or the Potato Italiano (meatballs, Italian red sauce, Provolone cheese), can get a half-serving and save a dollar off the full price ($4.75 and $4.95). There also are fresh salads
galore and an all-you-can-eat salad bar that includes Jason’s wonderful gingerbread muffins.
In addition to serving wine and beer, Jason’s offers free refills with fountain drinks, tea, lemonade and coffee. For dessert, Jason’s offers a well-rounded selection of fresh-baked cookies, pies and cakes. Better yet, try a cup or cone of Jason’s delicious soft ice cream - it’s free to eat-in diners.
(Jason’s Deli is open daily for lunch and dinner from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 13550 Reflection Lakes Parkway in south Fort Myers. Phone: 239-590-9994).