by Rachel Terlecky – Franchise Development Manager
This year marks a truly special moment for all of us at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: our 80th anniversary. And what better time to celebrate than National Ice Cream Day—a day dedicated to sweetness, nostalgia and the perfect scoop?
To honor this milestone and the incredible guests who’ve supported us over the decades, we’re offering a sweet treat: On Sunday, July 20, guests 80 years and older are invited to enjoy a free small scoop of any flavor on a cake/sugar cone or in a dish at participating Handel’s locations. It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our story—for eight decades and counting.
In addition to our 80th anniversary promotion, we’re celebrating National Ice Cream Day with the release of a new nostalgic flavor: Frosted Animal Cookie. It’s a playful, sweet throwback that’s already becoming a fan favorite. With more than 140 unique flavors, we’re always dreaming up new and innovative creations, while staying true to the comforting favorites our guests have loved for generations.
Handel’s has always been about more than just ice cream. When Alice Handel began making homemade ice cream in her backyard in Youngstown, Ohio, back in 1945, she did it with fruit from her garden and a deep love for sharing simple pleasures. She wasn’t just making dessert—she was creating something that brought people together.
In 1952, the stand moved across the street to better serve families. In 1985, Leonard Fisher, Chairman of the Board of Handel’s Ice Cream, purchased the business and spent the next two years learning from Alice before leading Handel’s expansion from a single store to 155 locations nationwide.
“Youngstown is where Alice Handel first scooped from her backyard recipe, and we’re proud to carry that spirit forward in every batch we serve today,” said Fisher.
Today, we continue to stay true to Alice’s vision, and our ice cream is still made fresh on-site at each of our parlors. We use the best-tasting ingredients alongside time-honored methods.
We’re incredibly proud of our legacy—but we’re just as excited about our future. If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing something special to your community, we invite you to learn more about joining the Handel’s family as a franchise partner. We’re growing with intention – partnering with people who believe in quality, community and building something that lasts. You can find more about our franchise opportunities by clicking here.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our journey. We hope you’ll stop by on National Ice Cream Day to help us celebrate 80 years of scoops and sweet memories.
