Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream to Open 200th Location in California

Fastest-growing ice cream franchise marks record-breaking year for franchise advancement, sustained by strong unit-level economics

Youngstown, OH (RestaurantNews.comHandel’s Ice Creamthe fastest-growing ice cream franchise in the country, will commemorate the opening of its 200th place in Camarillo, California, on Nov. 12.

The turning point comes throughout a record year of growth for the 81-year-old ice cream brand name, which has actually opened more brand-new parlors in 2026 than in any previous year. In spite of consistent inflation and unsure customer self-confidence, Handel’s continues to grow through significant multi-unit advancement contracts and reinvestment from existing franchise owners. The brand name associates that development in part to its unit-level economics, which rank amongst the greatest in the sweet deals with classification.

“We’re enjoyed be opening our 200th area throughout such an unbelievable year for Handel’s,” stated Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel’s Ice Cream. “Against a background of relentless inflation, customer cost level of sensitivity and financial unpredictability, Handel’s is exceptionally resistant and, in truth, even prospers in this kind of environment. We keep it basic: ice cream made fresh in every shop, served in generous parts at inexpensive rates. We wish to be the type of location where visitors experience the reverse of shrinkflation. It’s a design that works for our visitors and our franchise partners, as shown by our 11 years of systemwide same-store sales development.”

The Camarillo opening marks the 3rd Handel’s place for franchisees Scott and Vanessa Sonnenberg, who likewise run parlors in Stevenson Ranch and Sand Canyon. It likewise broadens Handel’s footprint in California, where the brand name now has 70 parlors. The Sonnenbergs have actually another place prepared for Simi Valley in 2027.

“We’re exceptionally happy to be opening Handel’s 200th area and commemorating this turning point with such an excellent brand name,” stated Scott Sonnenberg. “Handel’s has actually been a fundamental part of our household’s journey, and the strength of business design has actually provided us the self-confidence to broaden our ownership to numerous places, with prepare for more in the future. We’re delighted to end up being a long lasting part of the Camarillo neighborhood.”

Strong Unit-Level Economics Fuel Record Franchise Development in 2026

As financial unpredictability and customer costs pressures continue to challenge companies throughout the nation, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is showing that development is possible with the ideal brand name, organization design and franchise partners. From January through November 2026, Handel’s has actually signed contracts for 75 brand-new systems, a record for the brand name. Handel’s has actually now signed more dedications for brand-new systems in 2026 than the variety of systems signed throughout all of 2025.

Most of the contracts signed have actually been with multi-unit operators who are bringing Handel’s into brand-new markets, consisting of Chicago, while existing franchise owners continue to reinvest in the brand name.

While finalizings are the greatest in business history, Handel’s continues to set business records for brand-new openings. The brand name aims to open 35 brand-new parlors by year-end and has actually gotten into brand-new states such as Florida, Idaho and Washington.

The interest from brand-new and existing franchisees comes as Handel’s continues to provide strong unit-level efficiency. The brand name reported a typical system volume of $1.1 million in 2025 * and parlor-level EBITDA of 20.3% in 2024 ** and is presently in its 11th successive year of systemwide same-store sales development.

“With a 20% EBITDA margin, the system economics are best in class for dining establishment operations and produce an exceptionally engaging financial investment,” stated Erin Snyder, vice president of franchise advancement at Handel’s Ice Cream. “That, integrated with a strong history, easy operations and whitespace to grow, makes Handel’s an appealing development proposal for multi-unit operators. That’s forming increased need for the brand name amongst franchise owners, and we’ve surpassed our development expectations for the year.”

Discover more about Handel’s at HandelsIceCream.com or check out franchise chances at HandelsIceCream.com/ franchise

* Average gross profits of 144 franchised parlors open and running for the complete 2025 fiscal year. 41% of parlors obtained or went beyond these outcomes. See Item 19 of Handel’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Statement for more details. A brand-new franchisee’s outcomes might vary from the represented efficiency. This is not a deal to offer you a franchise. Deals are made by prospectus just. Handel’s franchises are not currently offered in Hawaii, Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island or South Dakota.

** Average EBITDA of 91 franchised parlors open and running for the complete 2024 fiscal year. 46% of parlors achieved or exceeded these outcomes.

About Handel’s Ice Cream

Established in the summer season of 1945, Handel’s started when Alice Handel began serving homemade ice cream from her hubby’s gasoline station in Youngstown, Ohio, utilizing fruit from her yard and her individual dishes. Her handmade developments rapidly ended up being an area preferred, laying the structure for what would turn into one of America’s the majority of cherished ice cream brand names.

Under the stewardship of Lenny Fisher, Handel’s grew from a single stand to a nationally renowned franchise, making generations of faithful fans through its unfaltering dedication to quality, custom and neighborhood. Now with over 200 areas and 150 tastes that turn seasonally, the brand name still remains real to Alice’s initial vision: Each batch of ice cream is still made fresh on-site.

Handel’s is regularly ranked in Franchise TimesLeading 400 list, acknowledging the biggest franchise systems in the United States, going up from 272 to 265 in 2026. The brand name is likewise frequently consisted of in the publication’s “Fast & & Serious,” a list of the smartest-growing franchises for the year, moving from No. 24 as much as No. 19 in 2025. Handel’s was likewise ranked on Quick Casual‘s Movers & & Shakers 2026 list, while CEO Jennifer Schuler was called among the leading 25 market executives, an honor acknowledging extraordinary management and development in foodservice. Handel’s is likewise routinely acknowledged as a Top 500 Franchise by Business owner Publication.

To get more information about Handel’s franchise chances, check out HandelsIceCream.com/ handels-franchise/

Contact:
Betsy DeMik
Champ
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