Handel's Ice Cream, recognized as the #1 ice cream in the world by National Geographic, is continuing its Southern California expansion with a new location at Carmel Mountain Plaza in San Diego. The shop at 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive will celebrate its grand opening on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with giveaways throughout the day and exclusive spoons for the first 30 guests in line starting at 11:00 a.m.
The Carmel Mountain Ranch debut is led by a team of partners: Keith and Shirlyn Kesler, Travis and Tarah Campbell, and Tammi Weenig. This group of friends and family, who have already opened 11 other Handel's locations, brings a deep-rooted passion for the brand and a commitment to community-centric entrepreneurship. Keith Kesler, who spent 30 years in the corporate world, transitioned into this venture to focus on building a business centered on joy and local connection.
"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 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 for efficient service, even during peak hours. It will offer 48 rotating flavors made fresh daily, along with pickup and delivery options through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, as well as catering services. The shop will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This milestone marks the 12th Handel's location for the partners, who have spent years perfecting the art of delivering the brand's "made fresh daily" philosophy to communities across the region. Their journey was driven by a shared belief in quality and consistency.
Handel's Ice Cream has been making and selling ice cream since 1945, founded in Youngstown, Ohio, by Alice Handel. The brand was later purchased by Lenny Fisher and has grown from a single parlor to a beloved nationwide brand. 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 every day, with more than 140 additional flavors that rotate seasonally.
The brand has earned numerous industry accolades, including being ranked the #1 Sweet Treat and a Top 10 Brand to Buy by Franchise Times. It is also featured on the publication's Top 400 list of the largest franchise systems in the United States and its Fast & Serious list recognizing the smartest-growing franchises of the year. Additionally, Handel's was recognized on Fast Casual's Movers & Shakers 2025 list, while CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among the Top 25 Industry Executives for her leadership and innovation in foodservice. The brand is also recognized as a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Handel's currently has over 175 locations across 20 states and is growing. For more information about the Carmel Mountain Ranch location, visit handelsicecream.com/carmel-mountain-ranch. For franchise opportunities, visit handelsicecream.com/franchise.
The opening of this new location reflects the growing demand for premium, fresh-made ice cream in San Diego and underscores Handel's commitment to community engagement and quality. For business leaders, this expansion highlights the success of a franchise model that prioritizes local ownership and consistent product excellence.
