Jeno Paulucci

Ford B0848 NLGRF photo contact sheet (1976-07-27)(Gerald Ford Library)

Jeno Paulucci (July 5, 1918 – November 24, 2011) was an American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was best known for founding several food product companies, including Chun King, Jeno's, and Michelina's. Paulucci was a pioneer in the development of the frozen food industry and played a significant role in popularizing Asian cuisine in the United States.

Early Life

Jeno Paulucci was born in Aurora, Minnesota, to Italian immigrant parents. His father worked as a miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Paulucci grew up in a modest household and began working at a young age to help support his family. He attended Hibbing High School but did not pursue higher education, opting instead to enter the workforce.

Career

Chun King

In 1947, Paulucci founded Chun King, a company that specialized in canned Chinese food. He saw an opportunity to introduce Asian cuisine to the American market and developed a line of products that included chow mein, chop suey, and other dishes. Chun King became a household name and was eventually sold to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1966.

Jeno's

After selling Chun King, Paulucci founded Jeno's Inc., which produced frozen pizza and other Italian foods. Jeno's Pizza Rolls became particularly popular and were a staple in American households. In 1985, Paulucci sold Jeno's to Pillsbury Company.

Michelina's

In the late 1980s, Paulucci founded Michelina's, a company that produced frozen Italian meals. Named after his mother, Michelina's offered a variety of affordable and convenient meal options. The brand became well-known for its quality and value, and it remains a popular choice in the frozen food aisle.

Philanthropy

Paulucci was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and community development. He established the Jeno F. Paulucci Charitable Foundation, which supports numerous charitable organizations and initiatives.

Personal Life

Jeno Paulucci was married to Lois Mae Trepanier, and the couple had three children. He was an avid supporter of the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed spending time with his family. Paulucci passed away on November 24, 2011, at the age of 93.

Legacy

Jeno Paulucci's contributions to the food industry and his philanthropic efforts have left a lasting impact. He is remembered as a visionary entrepreneur who brought innovative products to the market and made significant contributions to his community.

Related Pages

• Chun King
• Jeno's
• Michelina's
• Frozen food industry
• R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
• Pillsbury Company
• Minnesota Vikings