Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a prominent player in the franchise business, has surged ahead by achieving a remarkable milestone—a $1 million average unit volume (AUV). This accomplishment has positioned them as a standout entity within the competitive fast-food landscape, signaling rapid expansion and market prominence. Chris Langley, the Chief Financial Officer, attributes their success to Handel’s compelling value proposition, emphasizing that customers are drawn to the brand’s offering of 48 freshly made flavors available daily, served generously at a reasonable price by an engaging and amiable staff.
“The value proposition that Handel’s provides every day resonates strongly with customers,” Langley stated, highlighting the brand’s commitment to delivering superior homemade ice cream, lauded even by National Geographic. Langley accentuated the significance of achieving a high AUV, stating its critical role in empowering franchisees to scale their businesses effectively. This, in turn, assists in covering fixed costs and ultimately enhancing profitability, thereby reinforcing the brand’s appeal to franchise investors.
The meteoric rise in AUV can be attributed to several factors, according to Langley. Embracing the proliferation of online ordering and delivery platforms has significantly contributed to Handel’s increased sales volume, tapping into new avenues of consumer engagement. Additionally, the brand’s strategy of continually introducing new flavors such as Confetti Brownie Batter and promoting unique existing ones like Horchata through strategic partnerships has bolstered consumer interest and retention.
“Remaining steadfast in our commitment to franchisees and consistently delivering top-tier quality ice cream for the past 78 years has been pivotal,” Langley affirmed. Handel’s unwavering dedication to upholding founder Alice Handel’s original methods and recipes—incorporating fresh fruit from her backyard garden in Youngstown, Ohio, where the first store opened—has been a cornerstone of their success. This rich heritage, combined with deliberate and sustained growth, forms the bedrock of Handel’s accomplishments in the industry.
