Frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles to make California debut — here's where
A New York City-based frozen yogurt chain is headed to the West Coast.
16 Handles has announced its debut expansion into California with eight units planned across some of the state’s most high-demand markets, including the Los Angeles Metro area, the San Fernando Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area and North San Diego.
16 Handles opened its first store in Manhattan’s East Village in 2008, and has since expanded to more than 40 locations through franchising. Its menu includes 16 rotating types of frozen yogurt, ice cream and vegan soft serve, along with a variety of toppings, drinks and other treats and snacks.
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“We’ve always seen California as a natural second home for 16 Handles, but we wanted to enter the market the right way, with strong operators and lots of momentum,” said 16 Handles CEO Neil Hershman. “Our marketing and nationwide growth has created a viral resurgence of frozen yogurt, and we think it’s time for the west coast to try the world's best frozen yogurt and soft serve.”
The frozen yogurt brand has signed the following franchise agreements across California:
- South Orange County – Husband-and-wife duo Fadl Abdel Karim and Jamila Refky have signed an agreement to open two locations in South Orange County.
- San Fernando Valley (Northridge) – Rockwell Allen, a tech/sales professional, along with a longtime friend and business partner, have signed a two-unit deal in the San Fernando Valley, with their first location planned for Northridge.
- North San Diego (Del Mar) – Paul Vignola, a local entrepreneur and Air Force veteran, has signed an agreement to open two units in North San Diego.
- San Francisco Bay Area (Milpitas) – The Karthiks, a Bay Area-based tech couple, have signed a two-unit agreement in the Bay Area, with their first shop planned for Milpita.
“What drew us to 16 Handles was the strength of its self-serve frozen yogurt model, perfect for a market like the Bay Area, where customers value convenience, customization and quality,” said The Karthiks. “Just as important is the brand’s vision to become part of the local community and create a welcoming space where people can connect.”
