by Rachel Terlecky – Franchise Development Manager
When it comes to America’s favorite desserts, cookies and ice cream are longtime fan favorites — but right now, ice cream is pulling ahead in popularity, and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is leading the way.
As we celebrate 80 years of scooping, we’re not just honoring our rich legacy, we’re rapidly accelerating into the future.
Handel’s success is rooted in our proven business model, strong unit economics and commitment to quality — key differentiators that set us apart in the industry.
Handel’s began in the summer of 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio, when Alice Handel started serving ice cream made with fresh backyard fruit and her own homemade recipes. What started as a neighborhood favorite grew quickly, thanks to a commitment to quality, freshness, and best tasting ingredients. Today, Handel’s is a beloved national brand known for generous portions, homemade-style taste, and a wide variety of flavors.
We believe that ice cream is more than just a treat. It’s a way to bring people together, create memories, and brighten everyday moments. Every scoop we serve is crafted with care, using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients to ensure an experience that feels both nostalgic and new. As we continue to expand, our mission remains the same: to share happiness one delicious scoop at a time. Whether it’s a family outing, a celebration, or a simple treat, Handel’s is proud to be a part of life’s sweetest occasions.
While trendy brands like Crumbl attract attention with social media buzz and weekly flavor releases, we’re quietly surpassing them in sales and unit growth thanks to our high-quality, made-fresh-daily scoops, nostalgic charm, and steadily growing fanbase. While Crumbl posted a 9% growth in 2024, we outpaced the cookie giant with a remarkable 24% surge — more than triple the growth rate. This year alone, we’ve celebrated grand openings in California, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas, with more on the horizon. With 155 locations now operating across 15 states, we’re expanding faster than ever and strengthening our national footprint.
We’re not just riding the ice cream wave, we’re defining it. With over 48 flavors available daily and over 100 in seasonal rotation, plus a reputation for rich, creamy texture and best tasting ingredients, we offer more than dessert — we deliver a full-on flavor experience. From longtime favorites like Butter Pecan to cookie-inspired hits like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, we bring both comfort and creativity to every cone.
We’ve built Handel’s on a time-tested business model, backed by strong unit economics, operational simplicity, and an unwavering commitment to quality — key factors that continue to set us apart. For over eight decades, we’ve delivered handcrafted, premium ice cream that customers can taste and trust, creating a scalable, community-focused brand with loyal fans across generations.
In the great dessert showdown, Handel’s is full of sweet success.
As we reflect on 80 years of heritage and look forward to a bright future ahead, now is the perfect time to join the Handel’s franchise family and bring handcrafted happiness to your community.
To learn more about getting involved, click here.
