You might say this company would like to be the best of the wurst. Jody Maroni's Italian Sausage Kingdom operates and franchises about 20 of Jody Maroni's quick-service food shops specializing in gourmet, low-fat sausages. The chain's menu includes several varieties of sausage made from poultry, lamb, and pork, including Cajun, Italian, and Polish flavors. The chain has locations in California and a half-dozen other states, mostly in airports, shopping malls, and other high-traffic locations. In addition, Jody Maroni's sells sausages through its catalog and online store. Jordan Monkarsh, the man behind the Jody Maroni persona, started the business in 1979 with a single stand in Venice Beach, California.