Handel's Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Number of franchisees

?

117
+
77%
77%
Investment required

?

$311,000 - $936,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$959,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$50,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
3.00%
Operating Profit

?

16.4%

Pro
Franchisees

?

117
+
77%
77%
Investment required

?

$311,000 - $936,000
Franchise fee

?

$50,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
3.00%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$959,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

16.4%

Pro

Handel's Ice Cream: Crafting Homemade Happiness Since 1945

Established in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio, Handel's Ice Cream has become a beloved purveyor of homemade ice cream. The company began franchising in 1989 and has since expanded to over 100 locations across the United States.

Handel's offers a diverse menu of freshly made ice cream, sherbet, ices, and yogurt, all crafted daily on-site using high-quality ingredients.

Handel's sets itself apart by adhering to time-honored recipes and small-batch production methods, ensuring exceptional flavor and quality. The franchise provides comprehensive support to its franchisees, including training, marketing, and operational assistance, fostering a cohesive and successful network.

By maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and community engagement, Handel's Ice Cream continues to delight customers nationwide with its handcrafted treats.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $50,000
Real Property $0 to $39,000 (total for 3 months)
Construction Costs $0 to $420,000
Signage and Outdoor Fixtures $24,000 to $55,000
Equipment $190,000 to $235,000
Opening Advertising $1,000 to $5,000
Pre-Opening Salaries and Travel Expenses $2,000 to $10,000
Start-up Supplies $17,500 to $30,000
Insurance $500 to $3,500
Utility Deposits $1,000 to $15,000
Architect Design $3,000 to $18,500
Professional Fees $2,000 to $5,000
Additional Funds $20,000 to $50,000
Total $311,000 to $936,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Training

Handel's Ice Cream provides comprehensive training to franchisees, their operating managers, and designated employees as part of its franchise model. The training includes an initial program lasting approximately 10-14 days, conducted at their headquarters or a designated training location.

This program combines personal instruction and on-the-job training, focusing on operational methods and standards.

Managers are also required to complete additional managerial training to ensure they meet Handel's operational standards. Franchisees must attend periodic ongoing training programs and may be charged fees for additional training courses.

Territory Protection

Handel's Ice Cream does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. While a designated territory is assigned based on market factors, franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or franchisor-controlled channels.

The franchisor retains the right to modify or divide territories, ensuring flexibility for market expansion while franchisees must adhere to compliance requirements to maintain their territory.

Competitors

Franchise
Units
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

124

+
77%
77%
No growth
New

$50,000

$311,000

-

$936,000

n.a.

$959,000

Pro

64.4%

Pro

16.4%

Pro

Food & Beverage

Number of units

2024
Franchised units

66

87

117

Company-owned units

9

7

7

Total units

75

94

124

Competitors

TCBY and Mrs. Fields

Investment required
$134,000
-
$697,000
Number of franchises
168
+
-17%
-17%

Sweetfrog

Investment required
$96,000
-
$633,000
Number of franchises
216
+
-9%
-9%

Marble Slab Creamery

Investment required
$333,000
-
$514,000
Number of franchises
252
+
9%
9%

Kilwins

Investment required
$216,000
-
$828,000
Number of franchises
150
+
9%
9%

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Profit metrics

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Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

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Priority support

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