Franchise Opportunities with Handel’s Ice Cream
![Handel's homemade ice cream logo](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-handels-circle-logo.webp)
ice cream on
the planet¶
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Become an Ice Cream Shop Franchisee
![employees serving ice cream at Handel's Ice Cream in Huntington Beach, Californiq](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-handels-shop-ogden.webp)
Huntington Beach, CA
Become an Ice Cream Shop Franchisee
Thanks for checking out franchise opportunities with Handel’s Ice Cream. We’ve been in the business of making and selling fresh homemade ice cream since Alice Handel whipped up the first batch in 1945. And we still do it just like she did, every day, at every location. Our customers love us for it and so do franchisees. Are you ready to scoop up success?
![close](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-market-close-btn.png)
Florida
Target Growth Markets• Destin
• Jacksonville
• Miami
• Orlando
• St. Pete/Clearwater
![close](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-market-close-btn.png)
North Carolina
Target Growth Markets• Charlotte
• Greensboro
• Raleigh/Durham
• Wilmington
![illustration of a pint of Handel's ice cream with an arrow and text that reads open me up](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-open-me-up-shadow.webp)
Fastest Growing Snacks & Treats
brand in Franchise
Times Top 400
in 2020*
Current Market Opportunities
We’re growing fast nationwide and looking to expand even more, with a focus on key target markets across the U.S. Check out our interactive map to see where we’re growing and our target growth markets.
We’re growing fast nationwide and looking to expand even more, with a focus on key target markets across the U.S. Check out the map and dropdown below to see where we’re growing and our target growth markets.
![unavailable or committed market icon](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-unavailable-committed.png)
![select market icon](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-select-markets.png)
![illustrated map of the United States showing market opportunities for Handel's ice cream](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-map-mobile.webp)
Make a selection from the dropdown to view our target growth markets.
This is not an offer to sell you a franchise. Offers are made by prospectus only. Handel’s franchises are not presently available in Hawaii, Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
Join the Handel’s Brand
![Handel's team celebrating the grand opening of a new store](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-join-the-handels-team.webp)
Culver City, California
Join the Handel’s Brand
Our time-tested recipes and procedures give you a step-by-step path to churning out the highest quality homemade flavors while providing the good old fashioned customer service people love. We’ll equip you with all the tools to enjoy sustained growth in your business — and to become an important part of the community you serve. If you’re interested in becoming one of our franchises, we’d love to learn more about you.
![top view of five pints of ice cream from Handel's](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-ice-cream-border.webp)
The Handel’s Difference
Quick Scoop on Handel’s
A Memorable Product- Handel’s is renowned for its unwavering commitment to daily freshness, premium quality, timeless creativity, and continuous innovation, all while maintaining its universal appeal.
- Exceptional Average Unit Volume compared to other ice cream brands.
- Earned Franchise Times “Fast & Serious,” smartest-growing in 2023.†
- Listed in 2023 & 2024 Franchises 500 by Entrepreneur Magazine.‡
- Awarded Nation’s Restaurant News ‘100 under 100’.§
- Named One of the Top 10 Best Ice Cream Businesses by USA Today.¶
![illustration of a TV with arrow pointing to it and text that reads Why You Should Franchise with Us](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-tv-why-franchise.webp)
![Handel's server handing an ice cream cone to a customer](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-handels-team.webp)
![Handel's store team huddled around a table](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-handels-team2.webp)
![Handel's team member smiling in drive thru window](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-handels-team3.webp)
![three ice cream cones](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-cones.webp)
Financial & Estimated Opening Costs
Here’s a quick look at the anticipated costs involved in launching a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise. Establishing a Handel’s shop requires a thoughtful investment in various aspects, ensuring the business is set up for success from day one. Let’s discuss bringing this beloved ice cream brand to your community.
Minimum Requirements
$500k net worth/$250k liquid capital
Franchise or food experience
strongly preferred
Approximate Costs
Approximate starts-up costs
$311,000 to $936,000
Franchise Fees
Initial Franchise Fee – $50k
Ongoing Royalty – 6% of Gross Sales
Brand Fund – Up to 2% of Gross Sales
*Please see Items 6 and 7 of our 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document for more details.
Building Design
Building Design
Whether it’s a walk-up or walk-in store, we have a variety of building styles we operate in. As we continue to grow, we work closely with franchisees to help select sites and design buildings that suit each area.
Just like everything else we create, our site selection is guided by our commitment to quality, convenience for customers and our dedication to being a valued member of the communities we’re located in.
A typical parlor will be an end cap location between 1,600 to 2,200 square feet with easy access and high visibility. Outdoor seating with exclusive patio preferred.
![illustration of a Handel's pint](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/franchisee-pint.webp)
Chosen as one
of the Top 500
Restaurants
in America by Nation’s
Restaurant News#
Opening a Handel’s Ice Cream Franchise
Five Simple Steps
Join Handel’s for a solid business opportunity backed by our strong reputation, stability and of course our one of a kind, homemade ice cream recipes! Below are the five simple steps you’ll take to building your very own Handel’s Ice Cream franchise.
Learn about our business model, unique differentiators, and the support we provide every step of the way.
Discover the legacy of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, explore available territories, and let us get to know you.
Validate with franchisees, review your operating plan, and finalize your territory.
Connect with leadership team for an in-depth business and support discussion.
Prepare and execute your Franchise Agreement and become a proud Handel’s franchisee!
Get Started
We’re thrilled about the possibility of granting you a Handel’s ice cream franchise. Please fill out the form below to get started.
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Franchise Inquiry – In-Store QR
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