College gamedays are back, and that means tailgates with friends, family, and, of course, great food. This season, The Honey Baked Ham Company® is stepping into the spotlight with our “Gameday is a HoneyBaked Day” campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re investing in our largest non-holiday campaign with ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge. HoneyBaked is bringing our iconic flavors to tailgates across the country, driving traffic and catering orders to our franchisees.
Expanding Beyond Holiday Sales: Year-Round Traffic for Franchisees
While HoneyBaked is synonymous with holiday feasts, we are leveraging our gameday campaign to expand our presence to year-round celebrations. Our new gameday offerings, like the Take & Bake sliders and sandwich platters, are perfect for gatherings, driving orders well beyond the traditional peak sales months.
The timing of this campaign couldn’t be better for franchisees. Football season is one of the most lucrative times for restaurants offering catering and quick-serve options. With nearly 85% of American sports fans wanting ham as part of their gameday spreads, HoneyBaked franchisees are well-positioned to capture that demand.
The Power of Partnership: ESPN and Laura Rutledge
ESPN host Laura Rutledge has created a national buzz around our brand. Known for her sports commentary, the busy mom of two is the ideal ambassador to showcase our new gameday menu. Her involvement elevates our brand’s visibility across sports networks and social platforms, introducing HoneyBaked to new audiences of football fans.
For franchisees, this national exposure means built-in marketing support. Gameday is a HoneyBaked Day features TV ads, digital video, social media, radio and podcast features, in-store promotions, a tailgate tour activation, and local store events. This comprehensive strategy positions HoneyBaked as the go-to brand for every occasion—especially football season.
Tailored Game Day Offerings Drive Sales
To help hosts serve the perfect football spread, we’ve created a lineup of gameday offerings that are easy to prepare and share. Our Take & Bake Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders, sandwich platters, and signature bone-in hams make tailgating or home viewing parties a breeze for fans. These convenient, crowd-pleasing options mean more large group orders for franchisees.
Our new Gameday Boxes, for instance, offer complete, no-hassle meals that include sliders, sandwiches, boneless hams, sides, and desserts—all in one to-go package. This makes HoneyBaked an easy, one-stop shop for fans, driving foot traffic and online orders.
What It Means for Prospective HoneyBaked Franchisees
For those considering investing in a HoneyBaked franchise, our Gameday campaign demonstrates our commitment to year-round revenue opportunities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative product offerings, and comprehensive marketing support, we ensure franchisees are equipped to capture attention and drive sales.
With campaigns like this, HoneyBaked proves we’re more than just a holiday brand—we’re a trusted name that attracts customers during cultural moments like football season. As a potential franchisee, you can be confident that you’re joining a brand that supports growth on both a national and local level.
