Handel’s Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Handel’s Ice Cream is a distinguished franchise with a rich legacy dating back to 1945 when it was founded by Alice Handel in Youngstown, Ohio. Originally created to share her homemade ice cream with the local community, the brand quickly gained popularity for its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Today, the franchise is headquartered in Canfield, Ohio, and began expanding through franchising in 1985.
What sets Handel’s apart from its competitors is its unwavering dedication to quality and variety. Every batch of ice cream is made fresh daily in each store, ensuring a consistent and premium product.
With over 100 flavors offered across its more than 100 locations nationwide, Handel’s has become a beloved name in the ice cream industry, known for delivering a superior dessert experience to its customers.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise? It costs on average between $311,000 – $936,000 to start a Handel’s Ice Cream franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount varies based on factors such as the type of ice cream shop, the location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Real Property | $0 to $39,000 |
| 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 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise? A Handel’s Ice Cream franchised restaurant makes on average $959,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $524,000 yearly revenue for similar ice cream franchises. Below are a few Handel’s Ice Cream competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Handel’s Ice Cream Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Handel’s Ice Cream locations are there?
As of the latest data, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream operates 125 locations across 12 states in the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise?
The total investment required to open a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise ranges from $311,000 to $936,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise?
The ongoing fees for a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise include a royalty fee of 6% of gross sales, which is paid to the franchisor for the continued use of the brand and support services. Additionally, franchisees are required to contribute 2% of gross sales to the marketing fund to support national advertising and promotional efforts.
What are the financial requirements to become a Handel’s Ice Cream franchisee?
To become a Handel’s Ice Cream franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and at least $200,000 in liquid capital. These financial qualifications ensure that potential franchisees have the resources needed to cover the initial investment and sustain operations during the early stages of the business.
How much can a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Handel’s Ice Cream franchise are approximately $0.96 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.96 million yearly revenue can result in $144,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Handel’s Ice Cream?
Handel’s Ice Cream franchise is owned by Handel’s Enterprises, LLC. The company oversees the brand’s operations, franchise development, and strategic growth, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations.
Disclaimer
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