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Fastest-growing ice cream franchise marks record-breaking year for franchise development, fueled by strong unit-level economics
Youngstown, OH (RestaurantNews.com) Handel’s Ice Cream, the fastest-growing ice cream franchise in the nation, will celebrate the opening of its 200th location in Camarillo, California, on Nov. 12.
The milestone comes during a record year of expansion for the 81-year-old ice cream brand, which has opened more new parlors in 2026 than in any previous year. Despite persistent inflation and uncertain consumer confidence, Handel’s continues to grow through major multi-unit development agreements and reinvestment from existing franchise owners. The brand attributes that growth in part to its unit-level economics, which rank among the strongest in the sweet treats category.
“We’re thrilled to be opening our 200th location during such an incredible year for Handel’s,” said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel’s Ice Cream. “Against a backdrop of persistent inflation, consumer price sensitivity and economic uncertainty, Handel’s is incredibly resilient and, in fact, even thrives in this type of environment. We keep it simple: ice cream made fresh in every store, served in generous portions at affordable prices. We want to be the kind of place where guests experience the opposite of shrinkflation. It’s a model that works for our guests and our franchise partners, as demonstrated by our 11 years of systemwide same-store sales growth.”
The Camarillo opening marks the third Handel’s location for franchisees Scott and Vanessa Sonnenberg, who also operate parlors in Stevenson Ranch and Sand Canyon. It also expands Handel’s footprint in California, where the brand now has 70 parlors. The Sonnenbergs have another location planned for Simi Valley in 2027.
“We’re incredibly proud to be opening Handel’s 200th location and celebrating this milestone with such a great brand,” said Scott Sonnenberg. “Handel’s has been an important part of our family’s journey, and the strength of the business model has given us the confidence to expand our ownership to multiple locations, with plans for more in the future. We’re excited to become a lasting part of the Camarillo community.”
Strong Unit-Level Economics Fuel Record Franchise Development in 2026
As economic uncertainty and consumer spending pressures continue to challenge businesses across the country, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is proving that growth is possible with the right brand, business model and franchise partners. From January through November 2026, Handel’s has signed agreements for 75 new units, a record for the brand. Handel’s has now signed more commitments for new units in 2026 than the number of units signed during all of 2025.
The majority of the agreements signed have been with multi-unit operators who are bringing Handel’s into new markets, including Chicago, while existing franchise owners continue to reinvest in the brand.
While signings are the strongest in company history, Handel’s continues to set company records for new openings as well. The brand looks to open 35 new parlors by year-end and has broken into new states such as Florida, Idaho and Washington.
The interest from new and existing franchisees comes as Handel’s continues to deliver strong unit-level performance. The brand reported an average unit volume of $1.1 million in 2025* and parlor-level EBITDA of 20.3% in 2024** and is currently in its 11th consecutive year of systemwide same-store sales growth.
“With a 20% EBITDA margin, the unit economics are best in class for restaurant operations and make for an incredibly compelling investment,” said Erin Snyder, vice president of franchise development at Handel’s Ice Cream. “That, combined with a strong history, simple operations and whitespace to grow, makes Handel’s an attractive growth proposition for multi-unit operators. That’s shaping increased demand for the brand among franchise owners, and we’ve exceeded our growth expectations for the year.”
Learn more about Handel’s at HandelsIceCream.com or explore franchise opportunities at HandelsIceCream.com/franchise.
*Average gross revenue of 144 franchised parlors open and operating for the full 2025 calendar year. 41% of parlors attained or surpassed these results. See Item 19 of Handel’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Statement for more information. A new franchisee’s results may differ from the represented performance. 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.
**Average EBITDA of 91 franchised parlors open and operating for the full 2024 calendar year. 46% of parlors attained or surpassed these results.
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 200 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 272 to 265 in 2026. The brand is also often included in the publication’s “Fast & Serious,” a list of the smartest-growing franchises for the year, shifting from No. 24 up to No. 19 in 2025. Handel’s was also ranked on Fast Casual’s Movers & Shakers 2026 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:
Betsy DeMik
Champion
bdemik@championmgt.com