New Parlors Bring Iconic Treats to Untapped Markets (Image Credits: Unsplash)
As cherry blossoms signal the arrival of warmer days across the Midwest, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream marked the start of its 81st year by unveiling new parlors in key markets. The Ohio-based chain, renowned for its daily-made ice cream using premium ingredients, opened locations in Vancouver, Washington; Oviedo, Florida; and Thornton, Colorado.[1][2] These openings represented debuts in Washington and Florida, bringing the total to more than 175 stores spanning 20 states. With summer on the horizon, the moves underscored the enduring appeal of handmade scoops amid shifting dessert trends.
New Parlors Bring Iconic Treats to Untapped Markets
Handel’s chose strategic spots for its early 2026 launches, each tailored to local tastes while preserving the brand’s tradition of fresh, dense ice cream. The Vancouver site introduced the Pacific Northwest to flavors like Buckeye ice cream, a nod to the chain’s Ohio roots with peanut butter and chocolate fudge. In Oviedo, near Orlando, families discovered strawberry cheesecake and caramel apple varieties amid Florida’s year-round craving for cool desserts. Thornton added a Rocky Mountain outpost, drawing crowds eager for handmade perfection.
These expansions built directly on 2025’s momentum, when Handel’s celebrated its 80th anniversary with 20 new openings and entries into three additional states. Now operating over 175 locations, the company positioned itself for broader reach, with another 150 parlors in various stages of development.[1] Franchisees benefited from established recipes and community-focused operations, ensuring each new shop felt like a neighborhood staple from day one.
Franchise Agreements Fuel Nationwide Push
Behind the physical growth lay a surge in franchise commitments, with 20 new agreements inked during the quarter. Nine went to first-time operators, including six parlors slated for the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Fort Collins, Colorado – both fresh markets for the brand. The remaining 11 deals involved seasoned franchisees expanding in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
This mix highlighted Handel’s appeal to both newcomers and veterans, with 60 percent of recent growth stemming from existing partners. Such loyalty pointed to robust support systems, from training to marketing, that kept operations smooth and profitable. As Erin Snyder, vice president of franchise development, noted, “This is such an incredible time for the Handel’s brand. We’ve been the best kept secret in the ice cream and dessert categories for a long time, and it feels like right now, the word is finally out.”[2]
Performance Metrics That Speak to Quality
Handel’s drew strength from metrics that set it apart in a competitive field. Franchised locations posted average unit volumes exceeding $1 million in 2024, among the category’s highest, with 40 percent of parlors meeting or surpassing that benchmark.[1] Systemwide same-store sales growth outpaced industry averages, marking more than 15 consecutive years of increases driven by higher transaction counts rather than price hikes.
CEO Jennifer Schuler attributed this to a franchisee-first approach. “Our strong first quarter is the result of our continued focus on franchisee profitability,” she said. “We’ve prioritized increasing the topline of our business, and our systemwide same-store sales are outpacing the rest of the industry by a large margin.”[2] Recent accolades reinforced the trajectory: No. 133 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, No. 19 on Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious list, and top honors in operator profitability surveys. These factors not only attracted investors but also ensured consistent quality for everyday customers seeking that perfect cone.
For stakeholders, the implications extended beyond numbers. Franchise owners gained access to proven models in high-demand areas, while consumers in emerging markets discovered a reliable source for nostalgic, premium ice cream. The emphasis on transaction growth suggested broader accessibility, potentially drawing in families and casual diners alike.
Summer Horizons and Lasting Legacy
Looking forward, Handel’s eyed further penetration in states like Idaho, North Carolina, and Northern California, targeting multi-unit operators for scale. The pipeline of 150 developments promised steady job creation and community engagement, from local hiring to flavor collaborations.
Rooted in 1945 Youngstown traditions, the brand’s evolution blended heritage with ambition. As 2026 unfolded, Handel’s stood poised to scoop more than ice cream – it offered a slice of simple joy in an fast-paced world, one handmade pint at a time.
