New Development Deal Brings Senior-Focused, Medically Aligned Meal Delivery to Fort Worth, Dallas, and Surrounding North Texas Communities, Expanding the Brand’s Unique Service Model into the Southwest

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Heart to Home Meals USA, the senior-focused meal delivery franchise dedicated to helping older adults live independently, is proud to announce a new franchise agreement marking its first expansion into Texas – and the brand’s third new market opening in less than 60 days. The new development deal is on track to open by the end of September, following the August openings of Heart to Home Meals locations in Durham, North Carolina and Somerset, New Jersey. Once open, the new franchise will be the first to bring Heart to Home Meals’ chef-prepared, medically aligned meals to Dallas-Fort Worth, serving seniors in the southwest corner of the city.

The expansion comes as Texas’s senior population grows faster than nearly any other age group in the state. According to Texas Tribune reporting on U.S. Census data, the state’s 65-and-older population grew 3.8% from 2023 to 2024 alone, outpacing every other age group, while Texas is home to 5.2 million baby boomers who will all reach age 65 by 2030. Dallas-Fort Worth’s own senior population is growing even faster: residents 65 and older in the metro increased 15% between 2020 and 2023, nearly double the 9.4% national growth rate for that age group over the same period, even as Dallas-Fort Worth remains one of the fastest-growing major metros in the country.

“Texas has been high on our radar since we began franchising, and Dallas-Fort Worth is exactly the kind of market we’ve been looking for,” said Chris Webb, President of Heart to Home Meals USA. “The senior population here isn’t just large, it’s one of the fastest-growing in the country, and families are actively searching for trusted ways to help their loved ones stay independent at home. Entering Texas with a franchise partner who knows this community is a significant milestone for our brand.”

The need extends beyond demographics. Dallas-Fort Worth ranks among the nation’s hardest-hit metro areas for senior food insecurity: approximately 120,000 adults aged 60 and older in the region face hunger, up from 97,000 in 2022, according to the North Texas Food Bank. Texas leads the nation in hunger overall, and Dallas-Fort Worth ranks third among U.S. metro areas for food insecurity, as rising costs of living continue to outpace household incomes across the region. Heart to Home Meals’ model of chef-prepared, medically aligned meals delivered directly into the home is designed to meet exactly this kind of need, pairing consistent nutrition with a trained driver who checks in on each senior at every stop.

Heart to Home Meals’ franchise model combines purpose with performance, offering a community-driven approach that goes beyond traditional meal delivery. Franchisees provide chef-prepared, medically aligned meals directly into the homes of seniors, with trained drivers who build trusted relationships and serve as an added layer of support and connection.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our first Texas franchise partner into the system,” said Richard Peroe, Senior Director of Franchise Development. “The DFW territory gives us a strong foothold into the country’s largest and fastest-growing senior markets, and we’re excited to see the impact this franchise will have across Fort Worth, Dallas, and the surrounding communities. Opening three new markets in under two months shows just how quickly demand for this model is growing, and we don’t expect that pace to slow down.”

Backed by parent company apetito, which generates more than $1 billion in annual global sales and has operated internationally since 1958, Heart to Home Meals combines decades of nutrition experience with a scalable, service-driven franchise model. The company currently operates across seven countries throughout Europe and North America and officially launched U.S. franchising efforts in 2024.

As one of the brand’s first 10 U.S. franchisees, the Dallas-Fort Worth territory will benefit from Heart to Home Meals’ founding franchise incentive, where the $40,000 franchise fee is reinvested directly into local marketing efforts to support launch and early business growth.

Heart to Home Meals continues targeting expansion throughout Texas, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Florida, and other suburban markets where demographic trends and healthcare accessibility support increased demand for aging-in-place services. With three markets opening in as many months, the brand encourages prospective franchise partners, as well as families seeking meal delivery services for aging loved ones, to reach out now, as territories continue to fill quickly.

To learn more about the Heart to Home Meals franchise opportunity, visit www.HeartToHomeMealsFranchiseUSA.com.

About Heart to Home Meals:

Heart to Home Meals, part of the global apetito group with over $1 billion in annual sales and a legacy of nutrition-focused care since 1958, delivers nutritious, chef-curated meals directly to the homes of older adults. With 150+ menu options tailored to a range of dietary needs, Heart to Home helps seniors age in place with dignity and ease. Since launching in the U.S. in 2019, Heart to Home Meals has grown to serve thousands of seniors each year through a straightforward, community-driven model, where local teams deliver more than just meals by fostering meaningful personal connections. Learn more at www.HeartToHomeMeals.com or www.HeartToHomeMealsFranchiseUSA.com.

Contact: Betty Anne Richardson, Franchise Elevator PR, brichardson@franchiseelevator.com, (847) 945-1300 ext. 245

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SOURCE Heart to Home Meals