Jimmy Dean (brand)

Jimmy Dean Foods is a food company that was founded in 1969 by entertainer Jimmy Dean, and later purchased by Consolidated Foods, later renamed the Sara Lee Corporation.

Dean founded the Jimmy Dean Sausage brand originally called "Pure Pork Sausage." Despite ups and downs (some revolving around his problems with his partner-brother Don Dean), the Jimmy Dean Sausage company did well, in part due to Dean's own extemporized, good-humored commercials.

Dean remained involved in running the company after the takeover, though they eventually began phasing him out of any management duties, a traumatic period that took a toll on his health. By 2004, he was no longer acting as spokesman, and enjoys his retirement living with second wife Donna Meade Dean, whom he married in 1991.

In 2007, the company received national attention after a caller's complaint was leaked onto the internet. The caller was angry about having their 16 ounce sausage roll being cut down to 12 ounces. [http://consumerist.com/consumer/audio/devoted-customer-upset-jimmy-dean-downsized-sausage-16oz-to-12oz-but-charges-same-price-322223.php]

Products

*Tastefuls! (defunct; made in late 1990s to compete with Oscar Meyer Lunchables)
*Fresh Sausage
*Sausage Links and Patties
*Fresh Bacon
*Full Cooked Bacon, Sausage Links and Sausage Patties
*Breakfast Bowls
*Sandwiches
*Jimmy Dean Skillets
*Pancake and Sausage on a Stick
*Omelets
*Heat 'N Serve Microwavable Sausage

External links

* [http://www.jimmydean.com/ Company Website]