Heart to Home Meals Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$129,350 - $339,950
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Total US Locations
2
Business Summary
Heart to Home Meals offers franchises for a delivery service of frozen, prepared meals for in-home consumption. The target customers are primarily persons aged 75 and older, and others whose mobility constraints, physical disabilities, or time commitments prevent or inhibit them from meal preparation and shopping. Franchisees operate this Program Meals Business from a single defined location, which can be a leased commercial space or a home office, but must include a commercial walk-in freezer and convenient parking for delivery vehicles.
Corporate History
HTHM Franchising, LLC was formed in Delaware on August 23, 2018, as an indirect subsidiary of Ultimate Food Holdings, Inc., which is a subsidiary of the German-based apetito group (founded in 1958). Heart to Home Meals began offering franchises in February 2024. Before this, its Canadian affiliate, Heart to Home Meals, Inc., has been franchising a similar business in Canada since 2008.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$129,350 - $339,950
Franchise Fee (Low)
$40,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$40,000
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Equipment Costs (Low)
$40,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$210,000
Working Capital
$40,200
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition, as reflected in its financial statements, calls into question its financial ability to provide services and support to franchisees. There are concerns about Heart to Home Meals' short operating history, which indicates a riskier investment compared to more established franchise systems.
Financing Details
Heart to Home Meals does not offer direct or indirect financing to its franchisees and does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. However, the franchisor or its affiliate takes a first priority purchase money security interest in the products franchisees purchase and the proceeds from their sale, to secure payment of amounts owed for the wholesale price of the Program Meals.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
2
Franchised Units
1
Corporate Units
1
Franchising Since
2024
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Heart to Home Meals has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Heart to Home Meals has no bankruptcy history to report in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
7 years
Renewal Term
7 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Heart to Home Meals franchisees must provide 180 days to one year of advance written notice, complete required maintenance, improvements, or replacements to their premises and equipment, and be in substantial compliance with all agreements. They must also satisfy all monetary obligations, meet annual Sales Targets, and achieve a Market Index score that places them in the top half of all franchisees (excluding those in their first year). Franchisees are required to execute the franchisor's then-current franchise agreement and any ancillary agreements, which may include materially different terms and higher fees, and provide a complete general release of all claims (excluding those under applicable franchise law). A renewal fee equal to 50% of the then-current initial franchise fee must also be paid.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Heart to Home Meals assists with site acceptance, approves lease or purchase agreements, and designates the territory. The franchisor provides standards for the commercial freezer, interior layout, and equipment, and reviews site plans. Franchisees receive initial training for their Owner-Operator and one other person at the Marlborough, MA head office (or virtually), which includes two uniforms, installation of designated ordering and inventory management software, and an initial marketing program launch. After opening, ongoing support includes training opportunities for replacement and additional managers (for a fee), a list of approved suppliers, marketing and advertising research data and advice, periodic field evaluations and quality assurance inspections, mystery shopping, customer surveys, and individual or group consultations (by visit, phone, electronic communication, or newsletters) on topics such as employee training, supplier selection, local advertising, and operational procedures. The franchisor also shares updates on new System developments and improvements.
Initial Training Hours
40
Training Location
Head Office, Marlborough, MA
Ongoing Support
Heart to Home Meals provides ongoing support by offering training opportunities for replacement and additional managers (for an additional fee). Franchisees receive updated lists of approved suppliers and products, along with merchandising, marketing, and advertising research data and advice. The franchisor conducts periodic field evaluations and quality assurance inspections, which may include mystery shopping and customer surveys. Franchisees also receive individual or group advice, consultation, and assistance through personal visits, phone calls, electronic communication, or newsletters/bulletins. This ongoing guidance covers training employees, selecting and purchasing supplies, developing and implementing local advertising and promotional programs, and establishing System-standard accounting, inventory control, and general operating procedures. Additionally, Heart to Home Meals provides updates on new System developments, techniques, and improvements.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Heart to Home Meals requires at least one person, designated as an Owner-Operator, to hold a minimum of 20% equity ownership in the franchisee entity and dedicate their full working time and attention to managing and operating the Heart to Home Meals Business. If the franchisee is a business entity, all owners must guarantee the franchisee's obligations.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Heart to Home Meals territories are typically defined by zip codes and based on the population density of persons aged 75 and older, as well as other individuals with mobility constraints, physical disabilities, or time commitments that prevent them from meal preparation and shopping. The franchisor expects each territory to have a target population of at least 70,000 people over age 70 living in their own homes. The ability to efficiently deliver products to customers using freezer-equipped delivery trucks is also a factor in defining the territory.
Staffing Notes
Heart to Home Meals requires that at least one Owner-Operator, who is also a guarantor with at least a 20% equity interest, dedicates their full working time and attention to the management, supervision, and operation of the Franchised Business. Franchisees may hire an on-premises manager for day-to-day operations, but this manager must successfully complete the initial training program and sign a Management Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement. Franchisees are responsible for all aspects of their employees, including recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, equipping, dressing, disciplining, and supervising a competent staff that meets System Standards and maintains good customer relations. Franchisees must also ensure their employees pass necessary background checks for working with vulnerable individuals.