The Honey Baked Ham brand remains synonymous with quality, tradition and deliciousness. Known for its exceptional customer service, the brand continues to be a go-to choice for those seeking premium meats for holidays, celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
At the end of 2022, the company signed its largest franchise agreement in its history. This sparked the growth momentum for the following year. Looking ahead, Honey Baked Ham is set for an impressive growth path backed by its newly established franchise incentive program which provides prospects with various growth benefits.
History of Honey Baked Ham
With a rich history spanning several decades, the origins of Honey Baked Ham trace back to 1957, when Harry J. Hoenselaar built a prototype of what was to become the first spiral-slicing machine. In 1957, Harry opened the first Honey Baked Ham store in Detroit, Michigan with the namesake chosen to reflect the sweet flavor that resulted from the special glaze applied to the ham during cooking.
As the business grew, the Honey Baked Ham brand was passed down generationally through the family and expanded its product line to include side dishes, desserts, and various gourmet food items. Known for its commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional customer service, the brand is the leading retail provider of delectable hams and gourmet meals. In addition to its retail stores, Honey Baked Ham has also developed a thriving mail-order business, expanding its reach to meet the rising customer demand. Today, with over 440 locations nationwide, Honey Baked Ham is recognized as a trusted, beloved and family-owned brand known for its signature hams and food offerings.
Putting Franchisees First: Glazing Incentive Program
Recently, Honey Baked Ham announced its ambitious franchise growth plan and compelling new incentive program that targets growth in over 200 areas available for development, propelling the brand into nationwide expansion.
The new incentive program officially launched on July 2. Newly executed single and multi-store development agreements can expect a first-year 0% royalty waiver and lowered initial cash outlay. Honey Baked Ham aims to provide a distinct advantage, offering new franchisees a strong financial footing and ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive food industry.
“It is an exciting time at Honey Baked Ham as we enter this new wave of nationwide growth through our reimagined franchise development initiatives,” said Scott Temme, Franchise Sales Development Manager at Honey Baked Ham. “With our extensive history and clear vision for the future, we are aiming to establish our brand into more markets across the nation and this program will help accomplish that. We are not only providing unprecedented benefits to franchisees but also charting a path towards an even brighter future for our brand.”
Honey Baked Ham plans to develop 75 stores over the next six years, with a mixture of franchise and company-owned store growth. Eight stores are estimated to open by the end of 2023, and the incentive program will be a driving factor behind meeting this expectation. The brand also has commitments for 19 additional locations and its focus on target states such as Texas, Florida and Georgia reflect its strategic approach to market expansion, harnessing the potential of promising growth opportunities and customer demand.
Honey Baked Ham has become a household name with a loyal customer base. Building on this success, the brand has a goal to double its revenue within the next six years and aims to further elevate its presence in the franchising industry. The brand’s newly developed incentive program boosts franchisee potential while capitalizing on the trusted reputation of Honey Baked Ham.
More Than Just Ham
While Honey Baked Ham is widely celebrated for its signature holiday hams, the brand offers a diverse range of revenue streams to fuel continuous growth. With year-round lunch service, a popular lunch box catering program and a highly successful gifting program, Honey Baked Ham ensures that customers can savor its delectable offerings beyond traditional occasions.
With an impressive 62% of its franchisees already operating multiple stores, Honey Baked Ham possesses a robust network of experienced owners ready to take advantage of expansion opportunities. The growth momentum for Honey Baked Ham has already begun as it recently signed its largest franchise agreement in the brand’s history. The esteemed Davis Restaurant Group, an existing franchisee, committed to developing seven stores across four states – North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, and Minnesota – by 2025.
“As an existing franchisee, we have experienced firsthand the tremendous support that comes with being part of the Honey Baked Ham family,” said Matt Davis, President of the Davis Restaurant Group. “The introduction of this incentive program reaffirms our confidence in the brand’s commitment to continued franchisee growth. This program truly reflects a new chapter of expansion, and we are excited to contribute to the continued success of Honey Baked Ham.”
Honey Baked Ham is actively seeking passionate entrepreneurs to join its thriving franchise network. The brand encourages scalability, long-term growth and active community involvement in its franchisee candidates. By capitalizing on its unrivaled products, proven business model, and comprehensive support system, Honey Baked Ham is set to revolutionize the franchise industry while ensuring a glazing path to success.