Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($50,000)
The Concept
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream was founded in 1945 by Alice Handel in Youngstown, Ohio. The company specializes in ice cream made fresh by hand at each location, using proprietary recipes and ingredients. Its menu includes a wide variety of ice cream flavors and frozen desserts.
Handel’s operates through a franchise model and offers different store formats, including walk-in parlors, walk-up windows, and drive-thru options. Its franchise program targets entrepreneurs interested in operating an established dessert concept with franchisor support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream franchise?
The estimated initial investment is $404,500 to $995,200, according to the official franchise website. The total depends on factors such as the store format, real estate, construction, equipment, and other opening expenses.
Prospective franchisees should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), particularly Item 7, for a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs.
What are the financial requirements to become a Handel’s franchisee?
Handel’s lists a minimum liquid capital requirement of $250,000 and a minimum net worth of $500,000. Liquid capital generally refers to cash and other readily accessible investments, while net worth measures total assets minus liabilities.
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee franchise approval. Applicants should confirm the franchisor’s current qualification criteria and whether additional financial resources are needed for their chosen location.
What franchise fees and ongoing royalties does Handel’s charge?
The initial franchise fee is $50,000. Franchisees also pay a royalty of 6% of gross sales and a brand fund contribution currently listed at 1% of gross sales.
The FDD also specifies a minimum local advertising contribution of 1% of gross sales. Franchisees should account for these recurring payments alongside rent, labor, supplies, insurance, and other operating costs.
How much revenue can a Handel’s ice cream franchise generate?
Handel’s reports average gross revenue of $1,115,650 for 144 franchised parlors that operated throughout 2025. This figure is an average across the reported locations, not a guaranteed result for new franchisees.
Actual revenue depends on factors such as location, customer demand, seasonality, competition, and operating performance. Gross revenue also excludes expenses, so it should not be interpreted as the franchisee’s earnings or profit.
What store formats are available to Handel’s franchisees?
Handel’s offers walk-in parlors, walk-up windows, and drive-thru formats with walk-up service. The franchisor describes a typical end-cap parlor as approximately 1,600–2,200 square feet, with good visibility and access.
The appropriate format depends on the market, property, and site approval. Entrepreneurs should discuss local territory availability and the associated investment range directly with the franchisor before committing to a property.
