For the poet see Joel Deane.For the economist see Joel Dean (economist).Joel Dean (1930–2004) is best known as the founder of Dean & DeLuca. He was born in Midland, Ohio, and grew up in Dundee, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University and came to New York City to study English at Columbia University. He worked at Simon & Schuster as a business manager before founding Dean & DeLuca in 1976. At his death, Dean was still on the board.