Blake Parker, chief innovation officer of Jason’s Deli, has been with the brand for 34 of its soon to be 50 years. It is longevity he views with a source of pride. While remarkable in an industry that traditionally grapples with high-churn rates, stories like Parker’s aren’t unique at Jason’s Deli, which will turn half a century in November. Team members often find themselves committed to the brand’s mission and see it as a second home. As for why, Parker credits Jason’s Deli’s management style. “[Founder Joe Tortorice Jr.’s] kind of go-to phrase was, ‘We’re in the people business. We just happen to serve sandwiches,” Parker says. “He truly believed that servant leadership and empowering people and giving a sense of ownership to people … is what paves the way.” Long-tenured examples like Parker’s are common at Jason’s Deli, where many employees have runs exceeding three decades and advance from working the line to joining executive leadership. To encourage an ownership mentality, the company maintains a flat organizational structure with about 20 senior leaders. This supports the brand’s five core values: out-of-this-world hospitality, highest personal standards, healthy growing company, highest quality food served safely, and being a great place to work. However, Parker notes, maintaining this culture requires ongoing effort. “Servant leadership is … people talk about that a lot, and everybody thinks it’s all sunshine and rainbows,” he explains. “But at times, it’s not. Sometimes you have to have discipline and accountability conversations. There’s a purpose, and our purpose…
