Handel's Ice Cream

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

Handel's Ice Cream is a dessert franchise that offers a wide selection of premium, handcrafted ice cream flavors, providing a delightful and indulgent treat for ice cream enthusiasts.

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
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

Number of units

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

Below are some of

Handel's Ice Cream

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

117

New
+
77%
77%

$50,000

$311,000

$936,000

n.a.

$959,000

$xxx,xxx

64.4%

xx%

n.a.

16.4%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

The Dolly Llama

The Dolly Llama is a dessert franchise offering Belgian waffles, waffle cones, and artisan ice cream, serving families, students, and social media–savvy dessert lovers, and known for over-the-top creations, Instagram-ready presentation, and a fun, modern café environment.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$162,000 - $473,000

I Scream Gelato

I Scream Gelato is a gelato-and-dessert franchise offering artisan gelato, sorbets and Italian-style sweets, serving families and dessert fans, and known for handcrafted product, high-quality ingredients and upscale café ambience.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$224,000 - $452,000

Tipsy Scoop

Tipsy Scoop is a dessert-bar franchise offering alcohol-infused ice creams and boozy creations in a social lounge setting, serving young adults and nightlife patrons, and known for inventive flavors, trendy atmosphere, and strong franchise growth opportunities.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$224,000 - $348,000

Yogurtland

Yogurtland is a self-serve frozen-yogurt franchise offering premium flavors, toppings, customization and café environment, serving dessert lovers and families, and known for global reach, brand strength and franchisee-friendly model.

Franchisees

?

194
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$232,000 - $637,000

MILLIE’S HOMEMADE

MILLIE’S HOMEMADE is a bakery-café franchise offering cookies, brownies, desserts and café beverages, serving family-friendly shoppers and gift buyers, and known for made-from-scratch recipes, warm ambiance and scalable franchise design.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$65,000 - $485,000

Winchell's Donut House

Winchell's Donut House is a bakery-café franchise offering donuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, serving morning commuters and late-night guests, and known for classic selections, fresh bakes, and neighborhood convenience.

Franchisees

?

105
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$3,000 - $72,000