Innovator and Entrepreneur

While working in the meat industry in the mid-1930s, our grandpa developed a unique curing, cooking and smoking process for a high-quality bone-in ham that featured a mouthwatering sweet and crunchy glaze. His unique sense of inspiration also led to a more convenient way to serve ham - a machine that spiral sliced delicately-smoked ham around the bone.

After much thought and numerous sketches, Harry constructed the first prototype of a spiral-slicing machine using scrap wood, a metal pie pan to set the ham on, a wooden handle kitchen knife, an automobile jack and the motor from an old washing machine. He perfected his machine and his ham over a span of several years and eventually was granted patents in 1949 and 1952 for the first spiral-slicing machine and for the spiral-slicing method.

An American Tradition is Born

In spite of persistent attempts to sell his creations, meat companies failed to see the value of Grandpa's spiral slicer or his premium ham. Undeterred, Grandpa decided to take a chance on himself and his invention. In 1957, he leveraged a second mortgage on his home and, with only $500, opened the very first HoneyBaked Ham Company store in Detroit.

The gamble paid off. People loved Grandpa's ham and word spread quickly. His machine revolutionized the meat industry and added convenience to family meals and entertaining. From that initial store opening, the famous taste and convenience of HoneyBaked Hams began to spread as Harry's four daughters and their families began to open HoneyBaked Ham Stores across the country.

In 1966, his third daughter, Jo Ann, and her husband, S. George Kurz launched the second HoneyBaked Ham store in Parma, Ohio and the remaining family members quickly followed, as customer demand continued.

The Tradition Lives On

Over fifty years later, The HoneyBaked Ham Company is still family owned and operated. Carrying on Grandpa's legacy is our passion as our family's fourth generation is now entering the business. We still handcraft each HoneyBaked Ham® one at a time, cooking and smoking our delicious ham until it's tender and juicy all the way to the bone. Freshness is key as we prepare hams daily right inside our stores, coating each one in our secret recipe glaze.

Over the years our product line has grown to include premium meats, homestyle side dishes, desserts, and fresh baked breads. We've learned that quality food doesn't have to be enjoyed only at the holidays. Grandpa's spirit of innovation lives on as we continually expand our lunch and dinner lines so that customers can experience the great taste of HoneyBaked any time, any day.

So, whether you're entertaining the family with a simple Tuesday night dinner, hosting your next family reunion, or planning for an important holiday meal celebration, please know that HoneyBaked is here for you.

From our family to yours,
The Kurz Family, HoneyBaked Ham of Ohio

The Kurz Family

 

• Products
• Locations
• Catering
• About
• Email Offers
• FAQs
• Videos
• Corporate Gifts
• Contact Us
• Fundraising
• Franchising
• Careers

© 2010 The HoneyBaked Ham Co.

• Privacy Policy
• Site Map