The U.S. frozen yogurt and dessert franchise segment is showing renewed momentum. 16 Handles, the upscale self-serve franchise concept that opened its first store in New York City in 2008, signed 25 new franchise agreements across 10 states in the first half of 2026, already surpassing its total for all of 2025, while posting 30% year-over-year same-store sales growth.
16 Handles, the frozen dessert franchise brand, now operates more than 40 locations and has positioned itself in the premium tier of the frozen dessert category, differentiating from earlier self-serve models through modern store formats and a rotating calendar of limited-time flavors. Its midyear results, released via press release on July 29, 2026, build on 20% same-store sales growth recorded in 2025 and represent what the company describes as its strongest development period on record.
25 Agreements in Six Months, Across 10 States
16 Handles signed 25 franchise agreements between January and June 2026, a total that surpasses all agreements executed across 2025 and puts the brand on pace to double last year’s franchise development. The agreements span 10 states and include new market entries in California, North Carolina and Rhode Island, alongside second and third locations from existing franchisees reinvesting in the system. Same-store sales growth of 30% year-over-year at existing locations adds unit-level context to the development figures, as new and legacy franchisees are posting results against the same growth baseline.
A Category Rebounding on Premium and Customization
The self-serve frozen yogurt sector expanded rapidly in the late 2000s before contracting as the format saturated many U.S. markets. 16 Handles has pursued a different positioning since, with store environments designed to stand apart from first-generation chains and a flavor calendar built around social media shareability. Recent limited-edition launches have included French Fry, Salted Butter, Strawberry Kefir and Butter Beer flavors alongside its core lineup. The global frozen yogurt market is projected to grow at a 22.1% compound annual growth rate over the next decade, according to Market Growth Reports, driven by demand for customizable, premium dessert formats.
Year-over-year same-store sales growth reported by 16 Handles for the first half of 2026, building on 20% growth in 2025. (Source: 16 Handles press release, July 29, 2026)
New Operations Leadership Added to Support Expansion
Alongside its development figures, 16 Handles announced two leadership additions in H1 2026. Patti Carr joined as Vice President of Operations and Donna Coupe as Vice President of Training, with both appointments described by the brand as investments in franchisee onboarding and operational systems as the network scales. The brand has additional openings planned through the remainder of 2026 but has not disclosed a specific unit target. Under Federal Trade Commission rules, its Franchise Disclosure Document contains current investment ranges, territory definitions and audited financial performance representations available to prospective franchisees prior to signing.
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