Handel's Ice Cream, recognized as the #1 ice cream in the world by National Geographic, is expanding its Southern California presence with a new shop in Carmel Mountain Ranch. The location at 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive will celebrate its Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with giveaways throughout the day and the first 30 guests receiving an exclusive Handel's spoon starting at 11:00 a.m.
The Carmel Mountain Ranch debut is led by a team of partners including Keith and Shirlyn Kesler, Travis and Tarah Campbell, and Tammi Weenig. This group 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. This 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 for efficient service and 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.
Handel's Ice Cream has been making ice cream since 1945, starting in Youngstown, Ohio, with Alice Handel. The brand now has over 175 locations across 20 states and is growing. Handel's 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. The brand was also recognized on Fast Casual's Movers & Shakers 2025 list, and CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among the Top 25 Industry Executives. For more information about the new location, visit handelsicecream.com/carmel-mountain-ranch/ or follow them on Instagram @handelscarmelmountain.
