If you’re a fan of breakfast sausages, you’ve probably heard of Jimmy Dean. Known for their delicious sausages and breakfast sandwiches, Jimmy Dean has become a household name in America.
But have you ever wondered where their sausages are made? Let’s take a closer look at the history of the company and its current production locations.
Table of Contents
Where Jimmy Dean Sausage is Currently Manufactured
The Beginning of Jimmy Dean Sausage
Jimmy Dean started his first sausage plant in Plainview, Texas, in 1969. He was a successful country singer, actor, and entrepreneur, and the initial purpose of the plant was to make enough money to fund his music career.
Jimmy Dean’s sausage soon became a hit, and he quickly expanded his business beyond Texas. However, in 1984, he sold his company to Sara Lee Corporation, and the manufacturing of Jimmy Dean sausage was transferred to Sara Lee Foods.
The Current Manufacturing Facility
With the acquisition of Jimmy Dean’s sausage by Sara Lee Foods, the production location moved around several times. However, currently, all Jimmy Dean’s products are manufactured at the Sara Lee Foods facility in Newbern, Tennessee.
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The Origins of Jimmy Dean Sausage
The Birth of Jimmy Dean Sausage
The story goes that Jimmy Dean was enjoying a sausage and egg breakfast at a diner when he encountered a piece of gristle “the size of Texas.” This inspired him to start his own sausage company, believing there was a market for high-quality sausages in the United States.
Dean invested in a hog farm with his cousin and named it the “Jimmy Dean Pig Parlor.” Unfortunately, he faced financial difficulties due to the failing meat market at the time.
However, he didn’t give up on his dream and used his talents as a freestyling singer and speaker to create captivating advertisements for his sausages.
The Rise of Jimmy Dean Sausage
Despite the initial challenges, Jimmy Dean’s sausages gained popularity quickly. In 1969, he opened his first sausage plant in Plainview, Texas, where he built a reputation for high-quality products.
In 1972, he moved the plant to Osceola, Florida, but kept the company’s administration in Texas. Despite the move, Jimmy Dean Sausage continued to grow in popularity, and the company became a nationwide producer of premium-quality pork sausage.
Products
Let’s take a look at some of the products that make up the Jimmy Dean brand today.
Bites
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bites are perfect for anyone who wants a quick and easy breakfast on the go. These bite-sized breakfast treats are filled with Jimmy Dean’s signature sausage, cheese, and eggs. There are several varieties to choose from, including breakfast casserole bites, loaded sausage bites, and morning combos.
Fully Cooked Sausage
Jimmy Dean’s fully cooked sausage is made using fresh premium pork and includes Dean’s signature flavors. They can be enjoyed anytime, day or night.
Sandwiches
Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches are made with premium ingredients and tasty meat. They come in a variety of flavors, including croissant, biscuit, and muffin.
Bowls
For those who love breakfast for dinner, Jimmy Dean offers frozen breakfast bowls that offer up to 26g of protein, including eggs and cheese. These are a great option for anyone who wants a filling and delicious meal without having to cook.
Omelet Minis
For those who prefer a more traditional breakfast, Jimmy Dean offers Omelet Minis. These are whole eggs baked with cheese and sausage, making for a delicious and protein-packed breakfast.
Breakfast Burritos
Another great option for those on the go are Jimmy Dean Breakfast Burritos. These hearty burritos are crammed with premium Jimmy Dean meat, cheese, and eggs. They come in a variety of flavors, including sausage, egg, and cheese, and bacon, egg, and cheese.
Biscuit Roll-Ups
Jimmy Dean Biscuit Roll-Ups are a rolled-up flaky biscuit filled with protein, eggs, and cheese.
Bacon
Jimmy Dean bacon is available in both raw and pre-cooked varieties. It is made from premium pork and is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of bacon.
Sara Lee Foods Acquisition
In 1984, the Sara Lee Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, acquired the Jimmy Dean Meat Company for $80 million. The acquisition was a strategic move for Sara Lee to expand its frozen food division, which was already successful with products like pies, cakes, and desserts.
Under Sara Lee’s ownership, the Jimmy Dean brand continued to grow and expand its product line to include a variety of breakfast items beyond just sausages. However, there were also some changes to the company’s management structure.
Although Jimmy Dean continued as the company spokesperson for 30 years after the acquisition, he was gradually phased out of any management responsibilities by the new corporate parent. In 2004, he was dropped entirely as the spokesperson because, according to him, he was “too old.”
Tyson Foods Acquisition
In 2014, Tyson Foods acquired both Sara Lee Foods and Hillshire Farm, which included the Jimmy Dean brand. The acquisition was part of Tyson Foods’ plan to expand its portfolio of prepared food products and increase its presence in the breakfast category.
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Is Jimmy Dean Still Alive?
On June 13th, 2010, the world lost a music and acting icon when Jimmy Dean passed away at his home in Varina, Virginia. He was 81 years old and died of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy that has since inspired generations.
Donna, Jimmy’s wife, was with him when he passed away. According to The Associated Press, it was an unexpected death as Jimmy’s health was reportedly OK. Donna recalls leaving the room while he was watching TV and eating, and when she returned, he was unresponsive.
Jimmy Dean’s Contributions to Country Music
Jimmy Dean was a pioneer in the country music genre and had a successful career as a singer and songwriter. He actively played a role in mainstreaming country music, paving the way for the genre’s popularity in the United States today.
Acting Career and Other Accomplishments
In addition to his contributions to country music, Jimmy Dean was also a successful actor. He starred in numerous films, including the hit James Bond movie “Diamonds are Forever.”
Legacy and Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2010, he had a net worth of $50 million, with his estate estimated to be worth even more.
His contributions to country music and acting have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations.
Where to Find Jimmy Dean Sausage in Canada?
Are you a fan of Jimmy Dean sausage but wondering if it’s available in Canada?
Jimmy Dean sausage is definitely available in Canada, and there are many different types and flavors to choose from.
Whether you’re a fan of their classic pork sausage or prefer something sweeter, like their Maple Pork Sausage, you can find it all at major grocery stores and online retailers across the country.
Does Jimmy Dean Make Their Own Sausage?
Yes, you can feel confident that it was made with care and attention to detail in their Tennessee facility.
Fernando is the creator and writer behind the food blog Eating with your Hands. Living and working in cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Berlin, and being married to a Canadian foodie, has given Fernando a passion and interest in food and inspired him to run EWYH.
