Traditions Lunch – Joe Tortorice ’70, Founder & CEO of Jason’s Deli

Traditions Lunch:

When: 2nd Monday

Time: 11:30 Networking, Lunch from Noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Grotto, 4715 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027

Cost: $25 covers both lunch and dessert.

Parking: valet or complimentary

Mr. Joseph V. Tortorice, Jr. founded Jason’s Deli and parent
company, Deli Management, Inc. in 1976 and serves as the Chief Executive
Officer and President. He also serves as Director of MidSouth Bank Corporation.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas
A&M University in 1970 and a Master of Business Administration from Lamar
University in 1971. At Texas A&M he was 4-year Corps Member, Ross Volunteer
and Cadet Commander. He served in as an Officer in the United States Air Force
from 1971 – 1973.

Career highlights include Distinguished Alumni – Lamar
University 2000, Outstanding Alumni – College of Business, Texas A&M
University 2002, Texas A&M Corps Hall of Honor Recipient 2013 and Conn
Family Distinguished New Venture Leader Award (Texas A&M) 2006.

Jason’s Deli has received numerous awards including Best
Sandwich Concept in the United States – R&I Magazine 2005 & 2006, Number
1 in sales for under 300 units – QSR Magazine 2009 and Top Ten Healthiest
Restaurant in United States – Health Magazine 2009.

Today there are 278 delis in 28 states: Texas, Louisiana,
Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, Tennessee,
Florida, Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi,
Virginia, Nebraska, Kentucky, New Mexico, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, California,
Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Mr. Tortorice is married to former Shelley B. Schoolfield
and has three children: Jay Tortorice, Rob Tortorice, and Ashley Tortorice
Messina.