Honey Baked Ham is making a major move in the Houston Metro as part of its plan to open 60 new locations across the country. Confirmed by Jerry DeFeo, VP of Franchise Operations, the expansion will introduce new franchised stores to complement the 12 corporate-owned locations currently operating in the city.
“Houston is a great market and fits our demographic,” DeFeo told What Now Houston, emphasizing the brand’s deep ties to the community. Honey Baked Ham actively engages with local schools, churches, and businesses through gifting opportunities, teacher programs, and various charitable initiatives. The company, which recently won the 2024 Best Sandwich Award from Restaurant News, is positioning itself not just as a seasonal staple but as a year-round destination for quality meals.
“We aren’t just a seasonal company. We are an everyday company,” DeFeo said, noting that Honey Baked Ham offers a diverse menu beyond its famous hams and turkeys. With breakfast options, freshly prepared lunches, fruit trays, and a variety of side dishes, the brand aims to be recognized as a go-to choice for daily meals, much like a specialty grocery store. Recent initiatives, such as the rollout of comfort food offerings like chicken pot pie and the potential introduction of prime rib, further showcase the company’s commitment to evolving and matching its consumer’s preferences.
Franchisees will benefit from Honey Baked Ham’s robust operational and marketing support, ensuring they have the tools necessary for success. The company’s latest technological advancements have also streamlined the online ordering process, making it easier than ever for customers to reserve their pickup times.
With its expansion efforts in full swing, Honey Baked Ham is well on its way toward its ultimate goal: becoming a billion-dollar brand. “We have the best quality hams that are out there. We don’t pump it with fillers or anything like that,” DeFeo emphasized, reinforcing the company’s dedication to top-tier products. As it continues to grow, Honey Baked Ham is proving that it’s not just a holiday tradition, but an everyday essential.
The upcoming locations are expected to open as early as September 2025, strategically timed to serve customers ahead of the holiday rush.
