Handel's Ice Cream Franchise - Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Own the world’s sweetest business

Get Started

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is ready for the national spotlight. 80 years after Alice Handel opened the very first location in Youngstown, Ohio, Handel's has become the fastest growing brand in not only the ice cream category, but across the entire dessert segment.

In 2026, Handel's is outpacing every brand in cookies, Italian ice, frozen yogurt, and beyond. The reason why is simple: our proven business model is easy-to-operate and quick-to-scale, and our ice cream is the best on the planet! This combination has led us to have some of the highest AUVs in the ice cream category, and over a decade of average unit volume increases.

With nearly 200 locations open, and over 150 in development, Handel's has ample runway for growth in prime markets across the United States.

'Open Me Up' carton icon

Franchise Times named Handel's The Top Sweet Franchise the 2026 ZOR Awards!

$1,115,6501

ONE OF THE HIGHEST AUVs IN THE ICE CREAM CATEGORY!

20.3%2

INDUSTRY-LEADING EBITDA

The Quick Scoop on Handel’s

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10+
Years of system-wide average same-store sales increases
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60%
of growth comes from existing franchisees
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Nearly 200
Locations open and over 150 in the pipeline
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80+
Years of ice cream made fresh, by hand, on premise

Flexible prototypes

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Walk-Up
Window
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Walk-In
Model
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Drive-Thru & Walk-Up Window

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.

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.

Territories are Going Fast

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.
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.
Available Markets
Future Considerations
Unavailable/Committed Markets

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, or South Dakota.
Cost & Fees
Initial Startup Costs:

$404,500 to $995,200

Initial Franchise Fee:

$50,000

Ongoing Royalty:

6% of Gross Sales

Brand Fund:

1% of Gross Sales

Two 3-scoop ice cream cones
* Please see Items 6 and 7 of our Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.
'Open Me Up' carton icon

We've made it on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for four consecutive years! For 2026, we're No. 133!

Franchise Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

$500K
Net Worth
$250K
Liquid Capital
3-scoop dish of ice cream

Franchisee Testimonials

Leigh Jaffer, Ohio franchisee with 4 locations
Vaughn Family, Alabama franchisee with 2 locations

Industry Recognition

Franchise Times Top 400
2026 Entrepreneur 500
2025 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers
2026 Franchise Times ZOR Awards

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.

  1. Intro

    Learn about our business model, unique differentiators, and the support we provide every step of the way.

  2. Learn

    Discover the legacy of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, explore available territories, and let us get to know you.

  3. Plan

    Validate with franchisees, review your operating plan, and finalize your territory.

  4. Confirm

    Connect with leadership team for an in-depth business and support discussion.

  5. Sign

    Prepare and execute your Franchise Agreement and become a proud Handel's franchisee!

  6. Congrats!

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.

Franchise Inquiry Form

* Indicates required fields

Our minimum net worth requirement is $500K.
Our minimum requirement is $250K based on cash and convertible, non-retirement investments.
Please let us know how you found out about our franchise opportunities.

By completing this form, you agree to the Handel's Homemade Ice Cream privacy policy and that we may contact you via email, text, phone, or mail, and that some of the messages may be automated.