Legacy ice cream brand closed out 2025 with strong development gains, national accolades and clear expansion strategy for the year ahead
Youngstown, OH (Restaurant News Release) Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream closed 2025 on a high note as it celebrated its 80th anniversary with rapid expansion, multiple national accolades and continued same-store sales growth across its franchise system. The brand currently has over 175 parlors open across 20 states.
Building on eight decades of serving its signature ice cream, Handel’s continues to attract loyal fans and new franchisees with a simple and efficient operating model and a menu with classic flavors that keeps demand strong year-round. In 2025, that foundation translated into measurable growth across the system.
Expansion, Innovation and Industry Recognition
Handel’s accelerated its national expansion opening 20 new locations, entered three new states and signed nearly 60 new units as the brand continues to execute on its robust franchise growth strategy. Notably, 60% of deals were signed by existing franchisees, underscoring both strong system confidence and the brand’s commitment to franchisee support. This growth placed Handel’s #1 in Franchise Times “Treats” category as a result of previous year sales growth as published in the 2025 Top 400 Franchise ranking – an achievement that underscores the brand’s accelerating momentum.
“While 2025 marked our 80th anniversary, what truly defined the year was the strength and momentum of our system,” said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. “At a time when much of the QSR industry faced declining same-store sales, Handel’s delivered same store sales growth throughout the year –underpinned by transaction growth. That stability, alongside continued expansion and reinvestment across the system, positions us strongly for continued growth.”
For nearly 40 years, Handel’s has set the standard in franchising – consistently proving itself to be a premier investment opportunity built on powerful unit economics, operational discipline, and sustained performance. Franchised locations achieved average unit volumes exceeding $1 million, fueled by more than a decade of consecutive positive systemwide same-store sales growth and systemwide sales that are approximately double those of key competitors. Handel’s operational simplicity drives strong margins and scalable growth, supported by efficient cost structures and competitive build-out expenses. The result is a compelling, durable, and highly differentiated value proposition – one that continues to attract ambitious franchise partners seeking long-term success.
Company leadership also earned significant national recognition, with honors across some of the industry’s most influential lists, including Schuler being recognized on Nation’s Restaurant News Power List, Fast Casual’s Movers & Shakers and Restaurant Business’s Top 500. Handel’s was also named to the Inc. 5,000, QSR Magazine’s Franchisors to Watch and the Franchise Times Top 400. The brand rounded out the year on a high note with an additional recognition from Franchise Times as a Fast & Serious recipient.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Handel’s will enter three new states – Washington, Florida and Idaho – along with growing its presence in Colorado, Florida, Northern California, North Carolina, and Texas, as the legacy ice cream company continues to grow its national footprint.
The brand’s development mission focuses on expanding its franchise network by partnering with operators that embrace its culture of operational excellence and community engagement. In 2026, Handel’s aims to complement its strong base of existing operators by increasing its franchise footprint in key markets with a focus on attracting multi-unit and multi-brand operators.
“Our primary focus is on identifying and supporting franchisees that put community, quality and hospitality at the center of everything they do,” said Erin Snyder, Vice President of Franchise Development. “With a proven business model and strong unit economics across more than 175 locations in 20 states, we see substantial room for continued expansion, particularly with experienced multi-unit operators seeking growth opportunities. We’re committed to building on the momentum of 2025 as we expand into 2026 and beyond.”
Handel’s continues to appeal to franchisees thanks to a streamlined operating model built for efficiency and quality. Its simple service approach eliminates complicated prep; a stable supply chain minimizes ingredient volatility; and a compact equipment footprint reduces maintenance, space requirements, and operational complexities. Combined with batch-based production that minimizes waste and a flexible format that works across a wide range of real estate types, the Handel’s model reinforces long-term growth potential to both new and existing franchisees.
For more information about Handel’s, visit HandelsIceCream.com.
About Handel’s Ice Cream
Founded in the summer of 1945, Handel’s began when Alice Handel started serving homemade ice cream from her husband’s gas station in Youngstown, Ohio, using fruit from her backyard and her personal recipes. Her handcrafted creations quickly became a neighborhood favorite, laying the foundation for what would become one of America’s most beloved ice cream brands.
Under the stewardship of Lenny Fisher, Handel’s grew from a single stand to a nationally celebrated franchise, earning generations of loyal fans through its steadfast commitment to quality, tradition and community. Now with over 170 locations and 150 flavors that rotate seasonally, the brand still stays true to Alice’s original vision, each batch of ice cream is still made fresh on-site.
Handel’s is consistently ranked in Franchise Times’ Top 400 list, recognizing the largest franchise systems in the United States, moving up from 320 to 272 in 2025. The brand is also often included in the publication’s “Fast & Serious,” a list of the smartest-growing franchises for the year, shifting from number 24 up to 19 in 2025. Handel’s was also ranked on Fast Casual’s Movers & Shakers 2025 list, while CEO Jennifer Schuler was named one of the top 25 industry executives, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership and innovation in foodservice. Handel’s is also regularly recognized as a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.
To learn more about Handel’s franchise opportunities, visit HandelsIceCream.com/handels-franchise/.
Contact:
Courtney Sybesma
Champion
csybesma@championmgt.com