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

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

Handel's Ice Cream

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Started franchising
Franchisees

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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Investment

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Revenue (AUV)

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Gross Profit

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EBITDA

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
Handel's Ice Cream
1989
117
+
77%
77%
$50,000
6.00%

$311,000

-

$936,000

n.a.

$959,000

Upgrade

64.4%

n.a.

Upgrade

16.4%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
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No
2018
2
+
0%
0%
$30,000
6.00%

$160,000

-

$274,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2006
5
+
67%
67%
$25,000
5.00%

$234,000

-

$434,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$341,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2012
38
+
27%
27%
$20,000
$500 per month

$173,000

-

$185,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2010
15
+
-21%
-21%
$35,000
6.00%

$217,000

-

$461,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2005
37
+
-12%
-12%
$35,000
6.00%

$110,000

-

$284,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No
2023
4
+
n.a.
n.a.
$60,000
6.00%

$510,000

-

$773,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$655,000

69.1%

n.a.

Upgrade

14.3%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No

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$49 / month
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

?

Franchise Disclosure Documents
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Watchlist

?

Priority support

?

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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.

Number of units

2024
Franchised units

66

87

117

Company-owned units

9

7

7

Total units

75

94

124

Competitors

Sweet Rolled Tacos

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$160,000 - $274,000

Gofer Ice Cream

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$234,000 - $434,000

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Franchisees

?

38
+
27%
27%
Investment

?

$173,000 - $185,000

Popbar

Franchisees

?

15
+
-21%
-21%
Investment

?

$217,000 - $461,000

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Revenue (AUV)

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