Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a shop that’s been in business since 1945, is opening a new location on 7225 N. Oracle Rd. As a matter of fact, it’s the very first one to open here in Tucson.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, Handel’s is hosting its Grand Opening celebration with face painting, giveaways, and other goodies.
After that, Handel’s will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The ice cream shop is the latest to move into the building that’s been undergoing renovations in the past couple of years, joining Snooze and Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers near the corner of Oracle Road and Ina Road.
The chain got its start in Youngstown, Ohio, and now has more than 140 locations in 14 states. Over the years, Handel’s has reeled in some awards and nods from publications like National Geographic, which named them the best “Ice Cream on the Planet.” Also, Newsweek included Handel’s in its ‘Best of the Best 2024″ list, naming them one of the best brands in the U.S.
So, the ice cream shop has a history of top-notch desserts.
The opening in Tucson is thanks to local franchisees Michelle and Dave Knittel. They first got a taste of Handel’s nearly 10 years ago while visiting a shop in San Diego, California.
The menu has evolved over the years, bringing in flavors like Banana Cream Pie, Birthday Cake, Black Cherry, and Chocoholic Peanut Butter Ripple, but then there are certain recipes, like Strawberry, that have remained the same since 1945.
There are also sherberts, ices, and vegan sorbets for folks who’d rather not pile dairy into their bellies. Vegan flavors include Chocolate Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Mango Sorbet, and Pomegranate Sorbet, to name a few.
Cones, pints, sundaes, shakes, and Hurricanes — a milkshake with chunks of candy and chocolate (sort of like a Blizzard from Dairy Queen) — are also on the menu.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at 7225 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, visit handelsicecream.com and follow Handel’s Tucson on Instagram.
