The HoneyBaked Ham Company and Café, a premium food retailer with more than 400 locations nationwide, is announcing an aggressive franchise expansion program to develop 15 to 20 new locations in the year ahead, awarding additional franchises in target markets across the nation. The brand has 190 franchised locations.

HoneyBaked is the most recognized ham brand in the U.S. market, with nearly 60 years of consistently high ratings in terms of brand awareness and quality. Thecompany is looking to expand its national footprint through a franchising model blanketing much of the nation. This includes a recent expansion into the Northeast, with newly opened locations in West Caldwell, New Jersey, and Erie, Pennsylvania.

“We’re extremely excited about our franchise growth plans,” says Mark Demis, director of development and real estate at HoneyBaked. “Our franchise growth strategy includes expansion into new markets and brand growth within select existing regions. We’re building momentum for our franchise opportunities and are looking for entrepreneurs who share our values and interests to join the HoneyBaked family.”

All new franchise locations offer dine-in cafes and catering, including signature sandwiches, salads, and freshly made side items and desserts.

In addition to its goal of satisfying customers, HoneyBaked cares about their employees and franchise owners. The company understands the importance of work-life balance, ensuring that franchise owners and employees have ample time for family and community involvement.

“We’re looking for driven individuals who deliver quality, seek growth, treat others with upmost respect and, at the end of the day, will leave our brand better today than it was yesterday,” adds Demis.

“We know that a happy franchisee means happy customers,” Demis says. “With the proper training and support, we make sure that each franchise location is primed for success and, more importantly, a positive presence in its surrounding community.”