Handel's Ice Cream, recognized as the #1 ice cream in the world by National Geographic, is furthering its Southern California expansion with a new shop in the Carmel Mountain Plaza at 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive. The location will celebrate its Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. To mark the occasion, the shop will host multiple giveaways throughout the day, with the first 30 guests in line starting at 11:00 a.m. receiving an exclusive Handel's spoon.
The Carmel Mountain Ranch debut is led by a dedicated team of partners: Keith and Shirlyn Kesler, Travis and Tarah Campbell, and Tammi Weenig. This group of friends and family brings a deep-rooted passion for the brand and a commitment to community-centric entrepreneurship. Keith, who spent 30 years in the corporate world, transitioned into this venture to focus on building a business centered on joy and local connection. This milestone marks the 12th Handel's location for the partners, who have spent years perfecting the delivery of the brand's 'made fresh daily' philosophy across the region.
'After three decades in corporate America, I wanted to lead a venture that was purely about happiness,' said Keith Kesler, Co-Owner of Handel's Carmel Mountain Ranch. 'We have truly enjoyed being a part of this community over the years and look forward to seeing all the great families we have come to know. Our amazing, friendly staff is thrilled to introduce our neighbors to ice cream made fresh on-site every single day.' The partners have already been active in the area through fundraising and catering events and are eager to further those local ties.
The new 1,600-square-foot walk-up shop features eight service windows, allowing for efficient service even during the busiest hours. The Carmel Mountain Ranch location will offer 48 rotating flavors made fresh daily, as well as pickup and delivery options through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, along with catering services. The shop will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit Handel's Carmel Mountain Ranch.
Handel's Ice Cream has been making and selling ice cream since 1945, founded in Youngstown, Ohio by Alice Handel. The brand, now owned by Lenny Fisher, has grown into a beloved national brand with over 175 locations across 20 states. Handel's is committed to quality, using abundant ingredients to create ice cream made by hand in small batches at each location. They offer 48 flavors daily, with more than 140 additional flavors that rotate seasonally. The brand has earned numerous accolades, including being ranked the #1 Sweet Treat and a Top 10 Brand to Buy by Franchise Times, and is featured on the publication's Top 400 list and Fast & Serious list. Additionally, Handel's was recognized on Fast Casual's Movers & Shakers 2025 list, and CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among the Top 25 Industry Executives. For franchise opportunities, visit Handel's Franchise.
