When Allyse Jackson prepared 80 freezer meals during her first pregnancy back in 2016, it seemed like a practical plan for a new mom juggling the demands of a newborn. But, little did she realize that act of preparation would evolve into Beehive Meals, a thriving business delivering pre-prepped freezer meals to families across the United States. Together with her husband and co-founder, Adam Jackson, Allyse has built a company that blends innovation, community spirit, and family values, earning plentiful and justified national recognition along the way.

A Family-Driven Idea Sparks a Business

In 2016, Allyse’s nesting instincts led her to prepare an ambitious stockpile of freezer meals. Quickly realizing her family of three couldn’t possibly consume 80 meals, she began sharing them with neighbors and friends. The gratitude and praise she received planted the seed of an idea: food has an incredible power to both connect and comfort.

While the idea remained dormant for a few years, it resurfaced in 2019 during a period of uncertainty. Adam’s job at the time was at risk, and Allyse decided to turn her meal-prepping skills into a business. Staggeringly, a single Facebook post offering her pre-prepped freezer meals resulted in $10,000 of revenue within hours. 

“I called Adam at work and said, ‘I think I just started a business,’” Allyse recalls. That windfall was immediately reinvested into equipment and supplies to launch Beehive Meals officially. “We didn’t expect it to grow beyond a side hustle, but the demand just kept coming.”

The Jacksons’ ability to think quickly and adapt was key to their early success. Adam, whose background is in marketing, introduced a subscription model that created consistent revenue and simplified meal planning for families. “The subscription model has been a game-changer,” Adam says. “It ensures retention and makes life easier for our customers, who are often busy working moms.”

National Recognition for Innovation and Community Impact

Beehive Meals’ rapid growth and innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. In October 2024, the company was named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Selected from over 14,000 applicants, Beehive Meals was recognized for its adaptability, commitment to employee culture, and strong community impact.

“Being part of the CO—100 list is an incredible milestone,” says Adam. “It’s a testament to the hard work we’ve put into building a business that serves both our customers and our employees.”

This honor came on the heels of another prestigious accolade: Beehive Meals’ third consecutive win at the 2024 Best of State® awards. The company was celebrated for excellence in three categories: Meal Delivery, Food Manufacturing/Processing, and Take-out/Informal Catering. The recognition reflects Beehive Meals’ dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement.

“These awards validate everything we’ve worked for,” Allyse says. “They’re a reminder that even a small company can make a big difference.”

Scaling Through Challenges

Launching just six months before the COVID-19 pandemic could have been a disaster, but it turned into an unexpected growth opportunity. Not only that, it also transpired to be an event which strengthened bonds with their customers..  As grocery store shelves emptied and families scrambled for meal solutions, Beehive Meals was a resource they could trust, further enhancing the relationships so important to the entire Team at Beehive. 

“Access to food distributors allowed us to continue serving our customers when they needed it most,” Allyse explains. “We saw exponential growth because families were looking for convenient, trustworthy solutions.”

The company also benefited from its local roots during this time. Customers rallied around Beehive Meals not just because of the product, but because of its community-focused story. Adam adds, “People wanted to support a local business, especially one that was offering something so essential.”

Today, the company employs 115 people and ships to 12 states, with ambitions to reach all 50 within the next five years. “Scaling nationwide requires significant investment in manufacturing and logistics, but we’re committed to maintaining our quality and customer-first approach,” Allyse says.

The Power of Food and Connection

At the heart of Beehive Meals is a simple belief: food has the power to bring people together. That ethos shapes every aspect of the business, from product development to community outreach.

Allyse draws inspiration for recipes from her own childhood. Favorites like Artichoke Chicken and Beef Corn Mac are modern adaptations of family classics. “Our recipes are about creating meals that families can enjoy together,” Allyse explains. “It’s not just about convenience—it’s about making dinner a time to connect.”

The company also emphasizes customer feedback in refining its offerings. Many customers, particularly working moms, express gratitude for how the meals simplify their lives. “We hear all the time that our meals help moms feel like they’re winning at family life,” Allyse says. “That’s incredibly rewarding.”

Beehive Meals’ impact goes beyond its customers. In 2023, the company founded One Big Family, a charity dedicated to supporting foster families, teachers, firefighters, and other community heroes. Each year, the company donates hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of meals to those in need, fostering a culture of giving back.

“Food has a unique ability to uplift,” Adam explains. “Our product is not just a service—it’s a way to strengthen communities.”

Balancing Business and Family

Running a business while raising four children is no easy feat, but Adam and Allyse have found ways to make it work. The couple credits their complementary skill sets for their success: Allyse oversees operations and product development, while Adam focuses on marketing and sales.

“We’ve learned to respect each other’s strengths and stay in our lanes,” Adam says. “It’s not always easy, but we prioritize our marriage and family above all else.”

For Allyse, the connection to their customers is deeply personal. “I started this company to make my own life easier as a mom,” she shares. “Now, I get to help other moms do the same.”

The couple’s ability to maintain perspective is one of their greatest strengths. “You have to separate business disagreements from your personal relationship,” Adam advises. “Protecting your marriage and family comes first.”

Looking Ahead: Ambitions for the Next Five Years

As Beehive Meals celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Jacksons are laser focused on the future. Their goal is to expand nationwide, reaching customers in all 50 states. To achieve this, they plan to invest in manufacturing and logistics, ensuring they can scale without compromising quality.

“We’re also committed to becoming one of Utah’s top employers,” Adam shares. “The food industry isn’t always glamorous, but we want to create a workplace that people are proud to be part of.”

As Beehive Meals grows, its commitment to community remains steadfast. The company continues to build relationships with local charities, encourage customers to pay it forward, and explore new ways to give back. “Our mission has always been about more than just meals,” Allyse says. “It’s about building connections and strengthening families.”

A Legacy Built on Family and Food

From its humble beginnings in 2016 to being named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses in 2024, Beehive Meals is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and community spirit. At its core, the company reflects the values of its founders: a commitment to family, a focus on connection, and a dedication to making life easier for others.

“We’ve come a long way,” Allyse reflects. “But at the end of the day, it’s still about the same thing: helping families come together around the dinner table. That’s a mission we’ll never outgrow.”

With a blend of innovation, community focus, and relentless determination, Beehive Meals is not just a business—it’s a movement, changing lives one meal at a time.