![](\"https:\/\/static.foxbusiness.com\/foxbusiness.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/handels-ice-cream-ceo-pints.jpg\")
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Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream CEO Jennifer Schuler breaks down how the legacy brand is scaling while staying true to its roots.<\/p>\n
Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream is entering a new phase of growth under CEO Jennifer Schuler, who says the 80-year-old brand is focused on balancing expansion with long-standing tradition.<\/p>\n
Schuler, who was appointed to take the helm in March 2024, told FOX Business she is intentionally taking a measured approach as the Ohio-founded chain looks to grow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I’ve heard people say, when you’re joining a new brand or business, don’t come in and cannonball in the pool and send splash waves,” Schuler told FOX Business. “Start by putting your toe in the water and getting a feel for it \u2014 and that’s especially true with hospitality brands and brands that are\u202680 years [old].”<\/p>\n
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Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream CEO Jennifer Schuler was appointed to take the helm in March 2024. (Fox News Digital)<\/p>\n
Founded in 1945 by Alice Handel as a single neighborhood shop, the company built its reputation on handcrafted ice cream. Decades later, entrepreneur Lenny Fisher expanded the business through franchising, according to the company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
Now, in what Schuler describes as its “third era,” Handel\u2019s is focused on further scaling nationally while maintaining its core identity.<\/p>\n
“We’re just stewards of it,” Schuler said. “\u2026 My job is to take what was true about it 80 years ago and make sure we’re carrying that forward with time.”<\/p>\n
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An exterior view of a Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream location. (Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream)<\/p>\n
The company has grown to roughly 175 locations, with franchising remaining central to its strategy. Still, Schuler emphasized that Handel’s has a highly selective approach.<\/p>\n
“We have a very high bar for the franchise partners that we bring in and talk a lot about the values of the business and the vision we have for the business,” she said.<\/p>\n
Schuler also noted that there is still significant room for expansion.<\/p>\n
“There are a lot of exciting times ahead for the brand and a lot of potential to grow because there is so much white space,” she said. “Yet, you have this proven history of the brand that just kind of keeps on chugging.”<\/p>\n
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Pints of Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream are shown in a variety of classic flavors. (Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream)<\/p>\n
In a competitive dessert market, Handel\u2019s is prioritizing consistency over trends.<\/p>\n
“You’re not going to see us introduce, like, a fig and olive type of flavor. \u2026 I bet there are some brands out there that do it great \u2014 We’re not going to do that,” Schuler said. “\u2026. We are going to do things that are very classic and deliver on those flavors very, very well.”<\/p>\n
Schuler said her leadership approach was shaped in part by a year-long break after leaving Wetzel\u2019s Pretzels, when she reflected on what she wanted in her next role.<\/p>\n
Assorted flavors of Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream are displayed with toppings and serving utensils. (Handel\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream)<\/p>\n
“I wanted to be part of a brand that I thought could be special in a community \u2014 a gathering place in a world where there’s more disconnection,” she said.<\/p>\n
That vision aligns with Handel\u2019s identity, which Schuler believes sets it apart in the digital world.<\/p>\n
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“Especially in times of uncertainty, when people are feeling uncertain about the stock market or global conflicts, we generally find that’s when the ice cream business is just as steady and strong as ever, because it’s the little pleasures in life that I think people seek out.”<\/p>\n
#Handels #Ice #Cream #CEO #outlines #growth #strategy #preserving #tradition<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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