Beloved Legacy Brand Expands into New Markets, Signs 20 New Development Agreements

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Honey Baked Ham Company®, the iconic household name known for its premium hams and meal offerings, announced continued momentum in 2025 driven by new store openings, signed franchise agreements, and menu innovation designed to support year-round demand.

In 2025, HoneyBaked expanded into previously untapped local markets across Alabama, California, Minnesota and Tennessee, contributing to 12 new store openings. During the year, existing franchisees continued to grow their footprints, while HoneyBaked also welcomed three new franchise partners and signed 20 development agreements. Among them was DeRon Jenkins, who opened his first HoneyBaked location in Lenoir City, Tenn., and has signed an agreement to develop three additional stores in the coming years.

Looking ahead to 2026, HoneyBaked plans to build on its development momentum with four signed agreements that will bring new stores to California, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. The brand is also evaluating additional growth opportunities in priority markets, including California, Florida, Texas and Virginia, reflecting continued demand for HoneyBaked’s offerings and strong interest in the franchise opportunity.

HoneyBaked’s continued momentum is supported by a business model built for year-round performance. With revenue opportunities spanning retail meal solutions, lunch, catering and gifting, the brand offers franchisees multiple pathways for growth beyond peak holiday seasonality, while benefiting from the brand trust and tradition HoneyBaked has built over more than six decades.

As part of its modernization efforts, HoneyBaked introduced new menu innovations in 2025, including Take & Bake Sliders and HoneyBaked Prime Rib, expanding options for everyday meals, gatherings and seasonal occasions. The new offerings performed strongly during the 2025 holiday season and will continue as featured items heading into Easter 2026.

“As our brand continues to grow, we’re focused on evolving with customer preferences while supporting franchisees with offerings that drive traffic beyond peak holiday moments,” said Jerry DeFeo, vice president of franchise operations at The Honey Baked Ham Company. “By expanding our menu with items like HoneyBaked Prime Rib and Take & Bake Sliders, we’re able to connect with guests across more occasions— from holiday celebrations to tailgates to quick and convenient lunches.”

With more than 65 years of history, HoneyBaked’s commitment to quality and tradition has made it a trusted name for gatherings of all kinds. With its signature ham and turkey breast meals, heat-and-serve sides, delicious desserts and new Take & Bake Sliders and Biscuits, HoneyBaked continues to serve customers nationwide for holiday celebrations and everyday dining.

HoneyBaked is actively seeking passionate entrepreneurs to join its thriving franchise network. The brand prioritizes scalability, long-term growth, and active community involvement in its franchisee candidates. HoneyBaked plans to continue energizing the franchise industry by capitalizing on its top-notch products, proven business model, and extensive support system, glazing its path to success.

For more information on the HoneyBaked franchise opportunity, visit www.honeybakedfranchise.com.

About The Honey Baked Ham Company ® 

For more than 65 years, The Honey Baked Ham Company® has provided customers and their families with delightful food to enjoy for all of life’s special moments. HoneyBaked’s origins began when founder Harry J. Hoenselaar patented a spiral-slicing ham machine, making way for the first HoneyBaked Store in Detroit, Michigan. Since that momentous opening in 1957, the family-owned company has grown to more than 400 locations nationwide, serving its signature spiral-sliced Honey Baked Ham with sweet and crunchy glaze, premium turkey breast, heat & serve sides, desserts, sandwiches, and most recently, delicious take & bake sliders and biscuits. Offering convenient meals using the best ingredients, HoneyBaked will make every occasion a little more memorable, whether you’re dining in-store, picking up or ordering online.

For more information about HoneyBaked, see https://www.honeybaked.com/home and connect on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok.

For more information on the HoneyBaked franchise opportunity, visit www.honeybakedfranchise.com/.

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