Handel's Ice Cream, ranked the #1 ice cream in the world by National Geographic, is expanding its Southern California footprint with a new shop in Carmel Mountain Plaza at 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive. The location will celebrate its Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with giveaways and exclusive spoons for the first 30 guests.
The Carmel Mountain Ranch debut is led by 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 art of delivering the brand's 'made fresh daily' philosophy to communities 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 bring a deep-rooted passion for the brand and a commitment to community-centric entrepreneurship. Having already been active in the area through fundraising and catering events, the team is eager to further those local ties. 'We didn't want just any ice cream shop—we aimed to bring the 'World's Best Ice Cream' to our community,' Kesler said. 'With this being our 12th shop, our mission remains the same: creating lasting memories for San Diego families.'
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.
Handel's Ice Cream has been making and selling ice cream since 1945. Founded in Youngstown, Ohio, the brand has grown to over 175 locations across 20 states. Handel's has earned numerous industry accolades, including being ranked the #1 Sweet Treat and a Top 10 Brand to Buy by Franchise Times. The brand is also featured on the publication's Top 400 list and its Fast & Serious list. 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. The brand is also recognized as a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.
For more information about Handel's Carmel Mountain Ranch, visit www.handelsicecream.com/carmel-mountain-ranch/. To learn more about Handel's franchise opportunities, visit www.handelsicecream.com/franchise.
