1851

In 2017 Chicago&rsquo;s Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; signed their first franchisee and opened their third location. The breakfast-and-lunch brand&rsquo;s first location in Downers Grove, Illinois was founded in 2010. Since then, Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; has become a staple for Chicago-area diners, known for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere and an extensive menu of comforting breakfast and lunch classics.

1851 spoke to Honey-Jam Caf&eacute;&rsquo;s CEO, Caroline Brannan, to learn how the brand has transitioned into the world of franchising and what&rsquo;s in store for 2018.

1851: How did Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; start?

Brannan: Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; was started by the Portillo group in 2010. The brand is built around a passion for delicious and fun breakfast and lunch dishes served in a warm and cozy environment, with a focus on providing excellence in customer service.

1851: When and how did you decide that franchising was the right direction for Honey-Jam Caf&eacute;?

Brannan: Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; has been a beloved brand around Chicago since 2010. In the summer of 2017, after years of investing in and building the brand, we felt we were ready to grow. Our team has some experience in franchising, and we love the idea of giving others the tools to run their own business. We were approached by an experienced operator who was eager to get into the breakfast business. We thought he would be the perfect first franchisee partner given his track record, and we were right.

1851: As Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; has grown, what are some of the challenges you have faced?

Brannan: The key to growth for Honey-Jam Cafe has been installing excellent systems and training programs. A brand can run an excellent single-unit restaurant but it cannot duplicate that success in additional locations without a scalable system that accounts for every single aspect of its operations. We partnered with SMB Franchise Advisors* to help ensure that every element of the transition was in order, and their help was invaluable. The investment was small and the payoff is huge.

1851: Were there any surprises during the transition into franchising?

Brannan: We knew that as we moved into franchising, it was imperative that we do everything right. That means the best systems, operating procedures, manuals and training for our franchisees. That&rsquo;s a lot, and there&rsquo;s little room for error. We weren&rsquo;t sure exactly how we were going to find the time to put together a rock solid FDD and operations manual, and that&rsquo;s why our lawyers recommended SMB.

1851: What kind of growth plans does Honey-Jam Caf&eacute; have for 2018 and beyond?

Brannan: We are looking to add another two franchise locations and one additional corporate store before the end of 2018. We are planning a slow growth to ensure we have everything in place and that we choose the right business partners to help us grow our brand.

Emerging Franchisors to Watch: Honey-Jam Café

1851 Franchise

The breakfast-and-lunch concept opened its first franchise location last year

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

emerging-franchisors-to-watch-honey-jam-cafe

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Why I Bought: How Alex and Chrissy Bergren Turned Their Passion for Craft Beer Into a Thriving Voodoo Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach

why-i-bought-how-alex-and-chrissy-bergren-turned-their-passion-for-craft-beer-into-a-thriving-voodoo-brewing-co-in-virginia-beach

Beef 'O' Brady's

Beef 'O' Brady's - Brass Tap - Q1 2025 Momentum - 1851 Franchise

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap Kick Off 2025 With Growth, Innovation and Record Sales for Q1

fsc-franchise-co-q1-2025-momentum

BoConcept

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space: BoConcept’s Tips for Making Outdoor Living Cozy and Stylish

creating-the-perfect-outdoor-space-boconcept

Right at Home

Albano Mahilaj Turned Personal Challenges Into a Purpose-Driven Right at Home Franchise

right-at-home-franchise-albano-mahilaj

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant after dark with red lights around top of building

Layne’s Chicken Fingers to Expand in Mid-Atlantic, Bringing Its Soon to Be FamousTM Flavor to New Markets

laynes-chicken-fingers-mid-atlantic-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Church's Texas Chicken - Franchise Deep Dive - Growth Club - 1851 Franchise

Church’s Texas Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

churchs-franchise-deep-dive

Trua Senior Living Locators CEO Discusses Franchising Success and a Clinical Approach to Senior Placement

trua-senior-living-locators-ceo-discusses-franchising-success-and-a-clinical-approach-to-senior-placement

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

Emerging Franchisors to Watch: Honey-Jam Café

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS