16 Handles: A New Era of Frozen Desserts
16 Handles, an upscale frozen yogurt franchise, has witnessed remarkable growth in 2025 due to rising consumer demand and innovative offerings. With an aesthetic appeal and a diverse menu, the brand has successfully cemented its place in the competitive frozen dessert market.
Significant Growth and Expansion
In just one year, 16 Handles has expanded its footprint by opening eight new locations across various states including New York, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. Impressively, new stores are projected to surpass a million dollars in revenue within their first year, a testament to the brand's strong demand and business model. On opening day, several stores shattered sales records, achieving gross sales of up to $13,000. This surge highlights the market's positive reception of the brand and its marketing strategies.
The excitement surrounding 16 Handles is largely tied to its effective unit economics, trendy flavors, and premium branding, as explained by Fred Frey, the Vice President of Franchise Development. With decreasing build-out costs, enhanced operational support, and a well-structured franchise model, franchisees are enjoying exceptional performance early on. It’s impressive to see many new single-unit operators already aiming for a second location shortly after their initial launch.
Robust Development Pipeline
In 2025 alone, 16 Handles inked 25 new franchise agreements, outlining a robust development pipeline with 32 stores currently in progress. This will elevate the total number of operational or in-development locations to 67. The brand's expansion includes several key markets:
- - Arizona: New stores are scheduled to open in the Phoenix metro area starting February 2026.
- - Virginia: Locations in Virginia Beach and Newport News are set to debut in Spring 2026.
- - Illinois: The first 16 Handles in the state is anticipated in Naperville by Summer 2026.
- - Texas: Enhanced presence in cities such as San Antonio and Austin.
- - Tri-State Area: Expanding into areas from Hartford, CT to Princeton, NJ, with new stores in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
This ambitious expansion demonstrates 16 Handles' commitment to delivering a unique frozen dessert experience nationwide.
Innovative Flavor Offerings
The success of 16 Handles also lies in its commitment to innovation within its product offerings. With 16 rotating flavors and a plethora of topping options, the brand continues to redefine the frozen dessert sector. Featured flavors include trendy options such as French Fry, Squid Ink, and Keto Chocolate Brownie while still offering classics like Classic Vanilla and Original Tart. Such bold flavor innovations maintain the enthusiasm among customers and encourage new visits to their local shops.
16 Handles initially opened in Manhattan's East Village in 2008, becoming a pioneer in self-serve frozen yogurt. Since then, it has grown to boast 40 locations, expanding its menu to include ice cream, vegan soft serve, and a variety of delectable toppings. Each store offers an immersive experience alongside digital ordering through the 16 Handles app.
Beyond its delicious desserts, the franchise actively engages with local communities through partnerships and fundraising initiatives, showcasing its commitment to social responsibility.
For those interested in becoming a part of this rapidly growing franchise, detailed information regarding franchise opportunities can be found at
16 Handles Franchise.
In essence, 16 Handles exemplifies what it means to innovate in the world of frozen desserts, combining modern design, diverse flavors, and a solid business model that sets it apart from the competition. The growth trends indicate promising prospects for the brand as it continues to enhance its national presence, leading the charge in the frozen dessert revolution.