Alpharetta, GA – The Honey Baked Ham Company® has been recognized as one of the top franchise brands in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500®, ranking No. 108 overall and No. 1 in the Miscellaneous Food/Beverage Businesses category.
Now in its 47th year, the Franchise 500® is one of the franchise industry’s most widely referenced rankings, evaluating brands across areas including unit growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial stability.
“2025 was an important year for HoneyBaked as we built meaningful momentum through thoughtful franchise expansion and innovation,” said Jerry DeFeo, vice president of franchise operations at The Honey Baked Ham Company®. “By expanding into new markets, evolving our menu to meet changing customer needs, and supporting franchisee growth, we’re strengthening the brand’s foundation while honoring the heritage and quality that made HoneyBaked a trusted household name.”
Last year, HoneyBaked continued its franchise development momentum by expanding into new markets and strengthening its footprint in established communities nationwide. The brand opened new locations across Alabama, California, Minnesota and Tennessee and signed 20 development agreements, reflecting strong demand and continued interest in the franchise opportunity. HoneyBaked also welcomed new franchise partners while existing franchisees continued to grow their portfolios through multi-unit development and reinvestment in the
legacy brand.
In addition to franchise growth, HoneyBaked introduced new menu innovations in 2025 designed to support year-round demand beyond peak holiday seasons. The introduction of Take & Bake Sliders strengthened the brand’s position as a go-to option for everyday meals and gatherings, while HoneyBaked Prime Rib expanded its appeal for seasonal celebrations. Following a strong response, Take & Bake Sliders will remain a core menu offering, and Prime Rib will return for Easter 2026.
HoneyBaked’s continued expansion and modernization are supported by its franchisee systems and diversified business model, which offers multiple revenue streams and pathways for growth through retail meal solutions, lunch, catering and gifting. Franchisees also benefit from the brand trust and tradition HoneyBaked has built over more than six decades.
“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success.”
Entrepreneur evaluates each franchise using a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores earn placement in the Franchise 500® ranking.
HoneyBaked’s consumer momentum has also been recognized through Technomic’s “America’s Favorite Chains” research, as covered by Nation’s Restaurant News, highlighting the brand’s continued ability to connect with guests and build relevance beyond the holiday season.
The brand is actively seeking qualified franchise candidates and multi-unit operators to support continued expansion in priority markets nationwide.
For more information on the HoneyBaked franchise opportunity, visit www.honeybakedfranchise.com.
