A Youngstown staple, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, is taking its franchise to new heights.

The company plans to open 30 new locations by the end of 2023 in areas like Houston, Raleigh-Durham, Atlanta and Chicago to continue sharing its sweet treat with everyone. 

"With over 75 years in the industry, we are in an exceptional growth period and it's an exciting time for our company as new franchisees join a proven brand with a strong legacy," Rich Matherne, Chief Executive Officer of Handel's said.

As a fast growing franchise, Handel’s Board Chairman, Leonard Fisher, said as they expand he’s looking for families to buy into the brand.

“You gotta love the product,” Fisher said. “If you don't love ice cream, we don't sell you a franchise.”

The first Handel's Homemade Ice Cream shop opened on Youngstown's south side in 1945. Founder Alice Handler, crafted all of her personal ice cream recipes by using fresh fruits from her backyard garden. True to her standards, the ice cream is still made fresh daily with Alice’s method and recipes.

”We always use the best ingredients. We never skimp and we love our customers and the most important thing is we love Youngstown,” Fisher said. 

All putting the city on the map for this legendary dessert.

“It's just all about being fun and sharing what we know in Youngstown as the best ice cream in the world,” Fisher said.

By the end of 2023, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream will have 130 locations across 11 states. The franchise is also on track to add another 50 locations to that number by the end of 2024.