---
title: "The Honey Baked Ham Company® Multi-Unit Owners Matt and Alison Bengochea Celebrated as a Franchisee of the Year"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/e9734f7d-b84a-4db9-83e1-15033397a6c9
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20250312_the_honey_baked_ham_company_multiunit_owners_matt_and_alison_bengochea_cele.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2025-03-12T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:34.577Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504674900247-0877df9cc836?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# The Honey Baked Ham Company® Multi-Unit Owners Matt and Alison Bengochea Celebrated as a Franchisee of the Year

**TL;DR:** Matt and Alison Bengochea were named 2024 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) for their dedication to the HoneyBaked brand and their community. They have over a decade of experience with the brand and have set the standard for dedication and passion within the HoneyBaked franchise network.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2025-03-12. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20250312_the_honey_baked_ham_company_multiunit_owners_matt_and_alison_bengochea_cele.html).*

## Story

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Matt and Alison Bengochea as a 2024 Franchisee of the Year. The pair were honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nominated by their parent company, recipients of this award are selected for their service to their communities, dedication to fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, commitment to career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized alongside such an esteemed group of individuals by the IFA,” said Alison Bengochea. “Thanks to the support of the entire dedicated leadership team at HoneyBaked, Matt and I have the privilege to continue to uphold the brand’s commitment to quality and community giveback. We’re thrilled to see what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to grow alongside such a beloved household name brand.”

With over a decade of experience with the brand, the duo has set the standard within the HoneyBaked franchise network for their dedication and passion. Over the past year, they’ve trained two sets of new owners, while also sharing their insights and best practices with others in the franchise network. Alison has developed training guides and manuals, providing valuable operational insights while remaining open to new ideas for improving their own stores.

“Matt and Alison have left an incredible footprint both within our franchise network, as well as in their communities,” said Jerry DeFeo, Vice President of Franchise Operations with HoneyBaked. “They’ve built a culture across their locations that empowers each member of their staff to go above and beyond in serving their communities. This recognition is well deserved.”

Driven by a commitment to providing exceptional products and cherished experiences, HoneyBaked has become a household name. With delicious offerings like their complete meals featuring signature glazed ham and turkey breast, a variety of heat & serve sides and desserts, as well as new Take & Bake Sliders and Biscuits, HoneyBaked has cemented itself as the industry-leading forerunner for celebrations and everyday occasions.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- franchise awards (topic)
- International Franchise Association (IFA) (regulator)
- franchisee of the year (topic)
- multi unit owners (topic)
- HoneyBaked (company)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20250312_the_honey_baked_ham_company_multiunit_owners_matt_and_alison_bengochea_cele.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/e9734f7d-b84a-4db9-83e1-15033397a6c9).