Heart to Home Meals is a senior-focused meal delivery franchise founded in Canada in 2007. It is part of the apetito group, which has been delivering nutrition-focused meals since 1958. The brand began franchising in Canada around 2011 and expanded into the United States in 2019, opening its first U.S. location in Eastern Massachusetts.

Headquartered in Orleans, Ontario, Canada, with U.S. operations based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Heart to Home Meals offers frozen meals, soups, and desserts designed for older adults. The menu features over 200 ready-made meals, including options for special diets, which are delivered directly to customers by local franchise partners.

Heart to Home Meals stands out with its commitment to personal service and community engagement. Franchisees build strong relationships with clients through direct delivery and support. The franchise model is also attractive—franchisees purchase meals at wholesale rates and do not pay royalty or marketing fees, allowing them to retain more control over their earnings.

Training

Heart to Home Meals provides a structured and multi-phase training system to ensure franchisees operate in accordance with its standards:

1. Initial Training and Opening Assistance: This program is mandatory for the Owner-Operator and one additional person designated by the franchisee. It covers the Heart to Home Meals System and business operations and must be completed before opening. The franchisor supplies uniforms, sets up the inventory software, and conducts initial marketing, all included in the initial franchise fee.
2. Post-Opening Training: If a certified manager departs, the franchisee must appoint and enroll a new manager in the next available training session within 30 days. This ensures continuous compliance without placing the franchise in default during the transition.
3. Additional and Remedial Training: Optional and required supplementary training, seminars, or conferences may be provided. Fees for these, including trainer travel and lodging, are paid by the franchisee, with current rates at $150/hour.
4. Ongoing Support and Advice: Continuous consultation and operational guidance are offered through various channels. These include phone, email, site visits, and materials to assist with staffing, marketing, and inventory control.

Territory Protection

Heart to Home Meals provides franchisees with a defined and exclusive Territory in which they are authorized to operate their delivery-based business. This Territory is generally specified by zip code and is based on demographic data such as the number of individuals aged 70 and above living independently.

The franchisee may only market and sell within their assigned Territory and is prohibited from accepting or soliciting customers in another franchisee’s area. However, the exclusivity is conditional and may be adjusted based on performance.

If a franchisee fails to meet required Sales Targets or does not adequately serve specific parts of the Territory, the franchisor reserves the right to reduce the Territory or allow others, including affiliates, to serve those underserved areas.